In a message dated 6/1/2008 2:32:54 PM Pacific Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Both  ATI/AMD and Nvidia offer mutlichip single card solutions now.  These  
give you the benefits of a SLI or a Crossfire configuration on a single  
card.  Since they only use one slot, they will run on any decent  motherboard 
with a 16x PCI-E slot.



Thanks for the info John. I've been reading pretty much the same  elsewhere.
 In regards to the statement above, I recently bought a micro ATX mobo  (ECS 
G31T-M) that ended up costing the price of shipping after rebate! It has  the 
small 16x PCI-E slot beside the regular PCI-E slot but the manual doesn't  
cover how to use it. Have you used this configuration? Does it connect by cable  
to the PCI-E card? if so would said cable come with the video card or do I 
need  to get it separately?
 
Thanks again for the input,
-Phil-
 
 
I am collecting parts for a new build to handle intense gaming and  3D
applications. Though I won't be able to get the best ($600.00+ per card),  I 
hope  to
do well in the $200.00 to 300.00 range. Probably will run  an intel core two
duo initially perhaps upping to a quad at a later date (if  this dosen't 
cause
problems with the OS). Will use XP though haven't  decided on Home, Pro or
Media.

- My questions are what is the  performance difference between Nvidia's  SLI
and Radeon"s Crossfire  set-ups?

- Is there a great difference in the card's having GDDR2 memory  as compared
to DDR2.

- Is the PCIe 2.0 a big leap over PCIe  x16?

This will be a project that will start with one card only, adding  the 
second
as I can afford it. I am researching elseware online but trust  the  opinions
found on this list as well as the "low-tech"  answers.

Thanks,
-Phil-




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