Does My Motherboard Support SLI?
Beware of spending money on a second graphics card before you check if your setup can support it. Most graphics cards require motherboard support for SLI (or CrossFire) to work. You can easily check whether your motherboard supports SLI by looking at its product page online or checking out this extensive list of SLI-ready motherboards on Nvidia’s website.
Table of Contents
Do AMD Motherboards Support SLI?
Despite having its own version called CrossFire, many AMD motherboards have also supported SLI. You’ll notice that I used the past tense there because Nvidia has more or less abandoned the whole SLI concept. Nvidia stopped releasing new SLI driver profiles for graphics cards after January 2021.
That means new AMD graphics cards won’t offer support for SLI either. There is somewhat of a silver lining for multi-GPU enthusiasts though. Instead of relying on motherboard support, some AAA games will implement SLI support natively from now on—the catch being that it’s only a handful of them.
Can Every Motherboard Fit Two or More Graphics Cards?
Most motherboards can support more than one GPU. It mainly depends on how many PCIe x16 slots your motherboard has, as that’s where you’ll plug in your GPUs. Although, keep in mind that some motherboards have more PCIe x16 slots available than the amount of GPUs they can support.
Your best bet is to check out a motherboard’s product page on its manufacturer’s website. It should tell you how many graphics cards it can support.
Considering 3-Way or 4-Way SLI? Here’s Why it Won’t Work
Once upon a time, people were doing all sorts of interesting things with their setups, including using 3-way (tri-SLI) and even 4-way (quad-SLI) configurations. This meant they used a bridge connector to add a third and fourth GPU to their motherboard to create super rigs.
The problem is, while it looks cool and your friends will undoubtedly be envious, this type of setup likely won’t increase performance.
The best benefit you’ll get from this type of setup is less strain on your GPUs as the load will be distributed among them. So it’s pointless to go this route unless you’re running 3 old GPUs that can’t handle your graphics load individually.
The other major snag here is that, while you can still technically get 3-way or 4-way SLI with older hardware, Nvidia has stopped supporting it entirely. So you’ll be working with outdated software as well. That’s not the greatest option all things considered unless you already have old parts lying around and can’t afford a newer GPU card and motherboard.
Now for the final nail in the multi-GPU coffin—it’s extremely complex to set this up. Even if you manage to get everything going, you’ll most likely run into multiple snags once you start up any game. This old comment from Promit, an ex-Nvidia employee, shines a bleak light on just how much multi-GPU setups often broke games during the development process.
SLI Requires Motherboard Support to Work
Before you head off and buy more graphics cards, keep in mind that your motherboard should support SLI.
There are a few GPU cards that don’t require motherboard support, like the dual graphics cards (GeForce GTX 690 and GeForce GTX TITAN Z) from Nvidia. Motherboards consider them a single unit card because they occupy the same PCIe x16 slot.
How To Check if Your Motherboard Supports SLI
If you already have the motherboard, you can just check its box or the motherboard itself. Let’s use this Fatalty Z170 Gaming K6 motherboard as an example.
If you take a look at the list of logos on the front of the box, you’ll see one of them says SLI. The motherboard itself also has a sticker with the SLI logo on it right there next to the PCIe x16 slots. You might have to zoom in a bit to see them.
Have a specific list of motherboards in mind? Then you’re better off just checking their store pages or product pages for SLI support instead. The product page on the manufacturer’s website should list pretty much everything you could want to know about the motherboard, including whether it has SLI support.
What to Do if Your Motherboard Doesn’t Support SLI
If your motherboard doesn’t natively support SLI, then I‘m afraid you’re out of luck. Unless you’re willing to buy one that does. The truth is, these days it’s far more economical to just buy one good graphics card than to struggle with stringing multiple less powerful GPUs together anyway.
There are a few “hacks” going around the web that claim you can trick your motherboard into supporting SLI. I wouldn’t recommend testing them out and messing with your BIOS or Hardware, unless you really know what you’re doing. Unfortunately, inserting two GPUs and simply slapping a bridge connector on the slots isn’t going to work either.
MSI P7N SLI Platinum 750i based motherboard | Introduction and Specification | CPU & Mainboard
Introduction and Specification
Published: 18th February 2008 | Source: MSI | Price: £118 | Author: Matthew Kemp
Introduction
Look around the stores for motherboards and one of those that will be filling up that list in all categories is MSI.
One of the worlds biggest motherboard manufacturers, Micro Star International has been around for a while and established itself as a company who cater for the enthusiast.
Some info from MSI’s website:
Established in August 1986, MSI has always upheld the business philosophy «Award-winning product quality and outstanding customer service.» MSI is a specialist in the design and manufacture of motherboards, add-on cards, servers/workstations, barebones, communication devices and CE Products and Notebooks. Surmounting a challenging industry, we’ve raced to the head of the pack and are now ranked within the world’s top 3 motherboard manufacturers and one of the top 5 server manufacturers. What’s more, MSI graphics card has the most amazing sales performance over the past years, making it to the no. 1 position in the world for four consecutive years. Did you know that one MSI graphics card is sold every 2.8 seconds? So far, there are more than 60 million users worldwide enjoying MSI graphics cards.
Overclock3D is always striving to bring our readers the latest and greatest technology products so naturally, MSI was on our list of «things to do». We’ve been sent MSI’s P7N SLI Platinum to torture on the benching table, so let’s get in to the board and see what we can see.
Specification
CPU
• Supports Socket 775 for Intel® Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, P4, P4EE, Pentium D, Pentium XE processors.
• Supports FSB 1333/1066/800/533MHz.
• Supports EIST technology.
• Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading technology.
Please refer to CPU Support for compatible CPU; the above description is for reference only.
MSI Reminds you…
1. NVIDIA nForce Series boards DO NOT support Windows® 98/ME
2. SLI Technology only supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows XP
3. For the best performance and commitment of convenience, please use memories listed in MSI approved memory module vendor list (Please check memory test report), which provides the easiest, up-to-date memory configurations.
Chipset
• NVIDIA® nForce 750i SLI (C72P) Chipset
• NVIDIA® nForce 430i (MCP51) Chipset
Main Memory
• Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, using four 240-pin/1.8V DDR2 DIMMs.
• Supports a maximum memory size up to 8GB
Slots
• Three PCI Express x16 slots
— the mazarine slot PCI Express x 16 slot (PCI_E1) supports PCIE 2.0 x 16 mode.
— the two light-blue PCI Express x 16 slots (PCI_E2 & PCI_E3) support PCI Express x 8 mode only.
— supports SLI technology.
• Two 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface)
On-Board IDE
• An IDE controller on the NVIDIA® nForce430i chipset provides IDE
HDD/CD-ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA133/100/66 operation modes.
— Can connect up to 4 IDE devices.
On-Board SATA
• nForce 430i supports 4 SATA II ports (SATA 1 to 4).
— Transfer rate is up to 300 MB/s.
— 2 eSATA port by JMicron JMB363 (back panel, optional)
NV RAID
— 4 SATA ports support RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 or JBOD is supported
— 2 eSATA ports (back panel) support RAID 0/1 mode
MSI Reminds You.
..
• The RAID setup floppy disk is optional depending on the districts. You can download the files from the website to make the setup disk.
Audio
• Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC888
— Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
— Compliant with Azalia 1.0 spec.
LAN
— Supports 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek® RTL8211BL
IEEE1394
• VIA® VT 6308P chipset
— Transfer rate is up to 400Mbps
Internal I/O Connectors
— ATX 24-Pin power connector
— 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
— CPU / Systemx3 FAN connectors
— CD-in connector
— Front panel audio connector
— Front panel connector
— 1 x IEEE1394 connector (optional)
— 2 x USB 2.0 connector support additional 4 ports
— 1 x Floppy disk drive connector
— 4 x serial ATA connectors
— 1 x serial port connector (optional)
— SPDIF-out connector
— 1 x TPM module connector (optional)
— 2 x ATA133 connectors
— Chassis intrusion switch connector
— Clear CMOS button
MSI Reminds You.
..
• The floppy disk cable will be optional.
Back Panel I/O Ports
— 1 x Clear CMOS button
— 1 x PS/2 Keyboard
— 1 x PS/2 Mouse
— 2 x eSATA ports
— 1 x Optical SPDIF out
— 1 x 6 in 1 Audio jack
— 1 x IEEE1394 port (optional)
— 4 x USB 2.0 ports
— 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack
BIOS
• The mainboard BIOS provides «Plug & Play» BIOS which detects the peripheral devices and
expansion cards of the board automatically.
• The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface(DMI) function which records your
mainboard specifications.
Dimension
• 30.4cm(L) x 24.5cm(W) ATX Form Factor
Mounting
• 9 mounting holes.
This Platinum model 750i based board has a nice mid-range set of features and includes SLI technology from Nvidia. Let’s take a look at the packaging and package…
1 — Introduction and Specification2 — Packaging and package3 — Board layout and features4 — IO and BIOS5 — Test Setup & Overclocking6 — Synthetic CPU & Memory Results7 — Compression & Encoding Benchmarks8 — Drive I/O Performance9 — 3D/Rendering Results10 — 3D Gaming Results11 — Conclusion«Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next»
Most Recent Comments
18-02-2008, 11:28:41
JN
18-02-2008, 11:40:32
Luigi
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ASUS Prime series motherboards offer a reinforced power system, the ability to organize full-fledged component cooling, and intelligent configuration tools.
Combining support for the latest AMD and Intel processors with original engineering, the Prime series boards are the perfect foundation for building all-in-one computers.
PRIME Z490-A
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ProArt series motherboards are designed in every way to provide maximum creative freedom for media professionals. With these devices it will be even easier to implement the most daring creative ideas.
ProArt Z490-CREATOR 10G
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ASUS Pro Workstation series motherboards are designed for professional applications in areas such as neural network training, animation, and 3D modeling. Flexibility in expanding the configuration of your computer, a complete set of interfaces and impeccable reliability make them an ideal choice for productive creative work.
Pro WS W480-ACE
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Already the first ROG motherboards made extreme overclocking more accessible to a wide range of users, and since then, ROG developers have continued to offer advanced solutions for computer tuning.
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CP top 10 rating
Every movement has a foundation that allows it to function at its best.
This also applies to computer technology. With weak system software, for example, it will not be possible to play at all. Yes, work is not always comfortable. Here are the best motherboards of 2022 that will keep your PCs and laptops running fast and smoothly.
KP Top 10 Ranking
1. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI Motherboard
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI Motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Sturdy motherboard that supports multiple processors. The model has a good build quality. In the kit you will also find two Wi-Fi antennas, which obviously will not be superfluous. On all the main elements — massive radiators. This board has great overclocking potential and all modern features are available. The cooling system also inspires confidence.
Pros and cons
Quality build, lots of ports and expansion slots
Weak audio system
2. ASUS PRIME Z490-A motherboard
ASUS PRIME Z49 motherboard0-A. Photo: market.yandex.ru
This representative of our rating also has many advantages. The number of slots and connectors will definitely please users. There is a switchable backlight. Undoubted advantages from the z490 chipset. The motherboard has an interesting appearance — snow-white decorative elements and aluminum heatsinks on black textolite. The board is based on the Intel LGA 1200 processor socket and supports the 10th generation Comet Lake-S CPU.
Features
Pros and downsides
The number of slots, disconnected backlight
Network module is turned off after reboots
3. Maternal board Gigabyte B550i Aor (Rev. 1.0)
Maternity board GIGABYTE AORUS ). Photo: market.yandex.
ru
This motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, which is extremely important for modern components. It is executed very reliably, it provides a metal frame from the front and back sides. Among the pluses is also a built-in Wi-Fi module that supports the 802.11ax standard. Users note that the board has good performance. It can unleash the potential of top-end processors like AMD Ryzen™ 3rd Gen, and apparently 4th Gen.
Compatible with modern processors, good performance
Extra HDMI outputs
4. ASRock B550M-HDV motherboard
ASRock B550M-HDV motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
A model that will attract buyers with its cost is not the largest on the market. It has good overclocking, though without VRM heatsinks you should not count on it. Among the pluses are the presence of two connectors for 4 usb, as well as sata connectors on the right, and not on top. This is convenient for those who use large graphics cards.
2 connector; there is a connector for connecting an RGB tape; 3 year warranty. Pros and cons
Price, convenient location of connectors
Power
5. Supermicro X9DRi-F motherboard
Supermicro X9DRi-F motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Users admire the power of this motherboard. It is able to provide almost maximum performance. In the favorable direction, the model is distinguished by two processors and available components. There are many memory slots, and its maximum amount is 512 GB. However, there are also repulsive moments: the device is one of the most expensive on the market.
Pros and cons
Two processors, power
6.
Colorful C.A68M-BTC YV14 motherboard
Colorful C.A68M-BTC YV14 motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Affordable motherboard with a set of necessary qualities. With it, you can watch movies in good resolution and play games, though not very demanding. The compact dimensions of the model give you the opportunity to choose any case — a full-fledged computer case or a miniature one designed for a microATX system.
Features
| Socket | FM2+ | ||||||||||||||
| Processors supported | AMD FM2/FM2+ processors |
| Socket | LGA1155 | |||
| Processors Supported | ||||
| Rear connectors | 4 USB, D-Sub, HDMI, Ethernet, PS/2 (keyboard), PS/2 (mouse) | |||
| Main power connector | 24-pin | Processor power connector | 4-pin | |
| Cooling system type | passive | |||
| Additional parameters | form factor — microATX; package contents — 2 SATA cables, cover for the rear ports of the case |
Pros and cons
Price, assembly
Power
8.
Esonic H61FEL-U motherboard
Esonic H61FEL-U motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Many computer owners consider this option as a replacement for a failed motherboard. There is nothing to be surprised at — it is relatively cheap, has a minimum set of necessary characteristics and is compatible with a large number of processors. It works, judging by user reviews, without complaints — this is the most important thing.
Pros and cons
Price, good compatibility
Low memory
9. Advantech AIMB-782QG2-00A1E motherboard
Advantech AIMB-00A1E motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Server motherboard with powerful features. It supports work on processors — Intel 2nd, 3rd Core i7 / i5 / i3. Can work with several at once. The model is distinguished by build quality and reliability of all materials. The package bundle will also pleasantly surprise you, in addition to the board itself, you will find here — 2 SATA cables, 1 SATA power cable and a cover for the rear ports of the case.
9 the package includes 2 SATA cables, 1 SATA power cable, a plug for the rear ports of the case.
Pros and cons
Quality, availability of interfaces
10. Intel DP43BF motherboard
Intel DP43BF motherboard. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Our rating is completed by one of the most discussed motherboards in the network. It is available, there is support for the old socket. In addition, we should not forget about the manufacturer — Intel boards are distinguished by stable operation. Despite the price, there are quality components and great sound. The cable reaches anywhere and at the same time does not interfere with the video card and other details. Also here are all device drivers and any documentation.
Features
Socket programmer Daniil Kosyagin . He draws attention to the following features.
CompatibilityThe motherboard will not work on a computer with which it is not compatible. Therefore, here, first of all, everything depends on the socket — it must be the same as that of the processor in order for the installation to become possible. The socket is frequently updated, so for smooth operation it is better to take devices with the latest. There are two manufacturers of processors for computers — AMD and Intel. So many sockets. The most modern ones for Intel are 1151, 1151-v2, 2066, for AMD — AM4, TR4. But here you can’t keep track of the time, it’s better to check with the sellers — they can suggest newer and more suitable options for you. And don’t forget to check the compatibility with the processor before buying a board, usually such things are indicated. Chipset The chipset is another processor on the motherboard that powers the devices connected to it. Its choice depends on the tasks that the user sets for himself. Chipsets, like sockets, are developed by Intel and AMD. There are modern and very powerful models, for example X399 from AMD and X99 / X299 from Intel, there are also those that are simpler. RAM RAM is one of the most important things in a PC. The motherboard has slots for memory modules. Many compact models have 2 slots. But it is better if there are more than 4 or, for example, 8. However, such boards will be larger in size. Current models support DDR4 memory, standard DIMM form factor, or compact SO-DIMM. Inexpensive options have a maximum memory frequency of 2400-2666 MHz. Form FactorThese are actual motherboard dimensions. The main thing is that it fits in the PC case. There are several options. E-ATX — for board size 305 by 330 mm. Often these are very high-quality models for top platforms — LGA 2011-3 and LGA 2066. True, they will not fit into every case. For professional and regular PCs, a model with an ATX form factor (305 by 244 mm) is suitable. Micro-ATX — 244 by 244 mm — a compact variation, which, however, is no worse than large counterparts. It is sometimes even suitable for playing games on the computer. The Mini-ITX for 170mm by 170mm board is designed to assemble components for a portable desktop PC. Mini-STX (140 by 140 mm) — for embedded systems and compact PCs, it will accommodate memory modules from laptops and external power supplies, but not an external video card. Performance will also be limited here. Motherboard firmware This is a program that controls its functions. Connectors Motherboard connectors are not just for memory modules. So, the boards should have storage for video cards, the more of them, the better the performance in games, for example. Many modern boards support slots for the latest version of cards — PCI Express 3.0 and 4.0, for a good gaming experience, a PCI-E x16 connector is enough. Expansion boards can also be connected to it. Slots for them should also be on the board, along with a classic slot for boards or additional sound cards — PCI-E x1. Of course, do not forget about connecting hard drives. For them, the boards have connectors — SATA 3. They are also designed for SSD drives and optical wires. SATA Express is an option when such connectors are allocated in a separate block. If the motherboard has an M.2 interface, then the SSD drive can be installed on it using special mounts, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the size. 
|
Type, number of interfaces for connecting USB, hard drives — these are the points that chipsets differ in. In cheap boards, as a rule, entry-level chipsets. They are suitable for regular home PCs. The intermediate level is suitable for computer game lovers. A high level is an expensive motherboard with the maximum set of features. Top models also have a processor overclocking feature, which is an important factor for many. 
For those that are of better quality — 3400-3600 MHz. 
Many present BIOS firmware — a text and simple menu. Also, some boards today have UEFI firmware, where the interface is graphical and more convenient.