The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 is a powerful graphics card that has been a popular choice among gamers and graphics enthusiasts for years. With its impressive performance, it’s no wonder that some enthusiasts have wondered: can you use two GTX 1080 graphics cards together to create an even more formidable gaming rig? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of dual-GPU setups and explore the possibilities and limitations of using two GTX 1080 graphics cards.
The Concept of SLI: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Before we dive into the specifics of using two GTX 1080 graphics cards, it’s essential to understand the concept of SLI ( Scalable Link Interface). SLI is a technology developed by Nvidia that allows multiple graphics cards to work together to render graphics and improve performance. This technology is designed to take advantage of the processing power of multiple GPUs to deliver faster frame rates, higher resolutions, and improved graphics quality.
In a typical SLI setup, two or more identical graphics cards are connected using a bridge or a special cable. The cards work together to render different parts of the graphics, with each card handling a specific portion of the workload. This allows for increased processing power and improved performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications.
Benefits of SLI
So, why would you want to use SLI with two GTX 1080 graphics cards? The benefits are numerous:
- Increased performance: By combining the processing power of two GPUs, you can expect significant improvements in frame rates, even at high resolutions.
- Improved graphics quality: SLI enables you to run games at higher resolutions and detail settings, making for a more immersive gaming experience.
- Enhanced anti-aliasing: SLI allows for more advanced anti-aliasing techniques, reducing the visibility of jaggies and other graphical artifacts.
- Better support for 4K gaming: With the combined power of two GTX 1080 graphics cards, you can enjoy smoother performance at 4K resolutions (3840 x 2160).
Can You Use Two GTX 1080 Graphics Cards Together?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of SLI, let’s answer the question: can you use two GTX 1080 graphics cards together? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
- Motherboard compatibility: To use two GTX 1080 graphics cards, you’ll need a motherboard that supports SLI. Not all motherboards are compatible, so make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications before attempting to set up an SLI configuration.
- SLI bridge: You’ll need an SLI bridge to connect the two graphics cards. This bridge is usually provided by the motherboard manufacturer or can be purchased separately.
- Identical graphics cards: To use SLI, you’ll need two identical graphics cards, including the same model, clock speed, and memory configuration.
- Power supply: Running two GTX 1080 graphics cards will require a power supply that can deliver sufficient power to both cards. A minimum of 650W is recommended, but 850W or more is ideal.
Challenges and Limitations of Using Two GTX 1080 Graphics Cards
While using two GTX 1080 graphics cards can offer impressive performance gains, there are some challenges and limitations to consider:
- Micro-stuttering: In some cases, SLI can cause micro-stuttering, which can result in a less-than-smooth gaming experience.
- Driver support: Not all games are optimized for SLI, and some may not work properly with two graphics cards.
- Heat and power consumption: Running two GTX 1080 graphics cards will generate more heat and consume more power, which can increase your electricity bill and require additional cooling solutions.
- Cost: Using two GTX 1080 graphics cards can be expensive, especially if you need to upgrade your power supply and motherboard to support SLI.
Real-World Performance: What to Expect
So, what kind of performance gains can you expect from using two GTX 1080 graphics cards together? The answer depends on the specific games and applications you’re running.
- Gaming performance: In games that are optimized for SLI, you can expect significant performance gains, such as:
- Up to 80% improvement in frame rates at 4K resolutions (3840 x 2160)
- Up to 50% improvement in frame rates at 1440p resolutions (2560 x 1440)
- Up to 30% improvement in frame rates at 1080p resolutions (1920 x 1080)
- Graphics quality: With two GTX 1080 graphics cards, you can enjoy higher graphics quality settings, including:
- Higher texture resolutions
- Increased anti-aliasing
- More detailed shadows and reflections
Conclusion
Using two GTX 1080 graphics cards together can offer impressive performance gains and improved graphics quality. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the challenges and limitations of SLI, including motherboard compatibility, power supply requirements, and potential micro-stuttering issues.
If you’re willing to invest in the necessary hardware and are comfortable with the potential drawbacks, using two GTX 1080 graphics cards can be a great way to take your gaming experience to the next level. Just remember to do your research, plan carefully, and be prepared for the added cost and complexity of an SLI setup.
| GPU Model | Single GPU Performance | SLI Performance |
|---|---|---|
| GTX 1080 | 1080p: 144 FPS, 1440p: 96 FPS, 4K: 60 FPS | 1080p: 216 FPS, 1440p: 144 FPS, 4K: 90 FPS |
Can I use two GTX 1080 graphics cards in my computer?
Yes, it is possible to use two GTX 1080 graphics cards in your computer, but it requires certain conditions to be met. First, your motherboard must support SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology, which is a feature that allows multiple NVIDIA graphics cards to work together. Additionally, your power supply unit (PSU) must be capable of providing enough power to both cards.
Most modern motherboards that support the GTX 1080 graphics card also support SLI, but it’s essential to check your motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm. Furthermore, you’ll need to ensure that your PSU has sufficient wattage and the correct connectors to power both cards. Typically, a PSU with a minimum of 650W is recommended for dual GTX 1080 setup.
What are the benefits of using two GTX 1080 graphics cards?
Using two GTX 1080 graphics cards can significantly improve your gaming performance and enhance your overall gaming experience. With SLI enabled, the two cards work together to render graphics, resulting in increased frame rates, higher resolutions, and reduced latency. This is especially beneficial for 4K gaming, where a single GTX 1080 might struggle to maintain smooth performance.
In addition to gaming, dual GTX 1080 setup can also accelerate tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations. These tasks often rely heavily on GPU processing power, and having two powerful cards working together can significantly reduce processing times and increase productivity.
Will I need to upgrade my power supply unit (PSU) for dual GTX 1080?
As mentioned earlier, a dual GTX 1080 setup requires a PSU with sufficient wattage and the correct connectors to power both cards. The exact wattage requirement will depend on your specific system configuration, including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have a PSU with a minimum of 650W to ensure stable power delivery to both cards.
When choosing a PSU, look for one with an 80+ Gold certification or higher, which indicates high efficiency and reliability. Additionally, ensure the PSU has multiple 8-pin PCIe power connectors to provide power to both graphics cards. It’s also essential to check the PSU’s connectors and cables to ensure they can accommodate the power requirements of both GTX 1080 cards.
Can I use two GTX 1080 graphics cards with different drivers or firmware versions?
It’s highly recommended to have the same driver and firmware versions for both GTX 1080 graphics cards when using them in SLI mode. Using different driver or firmware versions can cause compatibility issues, leading to system instability, crashes, or even prevent the SLI configuration from working altogether.
To avoid these issues, ensure that you download and install the same driver version for both graphics cards from the NVIDIA website. You can also use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience software to automatically detect and update the drivers for both cards.
Do I need to purchase identical GTX 1080 graphics cards for SLI?
While it’s not strictly necessary to purchase identical GTX 1080 graphics cards, it’s highly recommended to do so for optimal performance and compatibility. Using identical cards ensures that both GPUs have the same specifications, clock speeds, and memory configurations, which is essential for smooth SLI operation.
Using non-identical cards may work, but it can lead to issues such as micro-stuttering, frame rate inconsistencies, and reduced performance. If you do decide to use non-identical cards, make sure they are from the same manufacturer and have the same GPU architecture (in this case, Pascal).
Will using two GTX 1080 graphics cards increase my electricity bill?
Yes, using two GTX 1080 graphics cards will increase your electricity bill, as they consume more power than a single card. The exact increase will depend on your system configuration, usage patterns, and the efficiency of your power supply unit.
However, the increase in power consumption should be relatively modest, especially if you have a high-efficiency PSU. Additionally, the improved performance and productivity benefits from using two GTX 1080 cards can outweigh the slightly higher electricity costs.
Can I use two GTX 1080 graphics cards with AMD processors?
While the GTX 1080 is an NVIDIA graphics card, it can be used with AMD processors, provided your motherboard supports the necessary PCIe lanes and power connectors. However, keep in mind that SLI technology is exclusive to NVIDIA GPUs and requires an NVIDIA-based motherboard chipset.
If you plan to use two GTX 1080 cards with an AMD processor, ensure your motherboard supports Multi-GPU configurations and has the necessary power delivery capabilities. Additionally, you may need to use third-party software or drivers to enable Crossfire or other multi-GPU technologies, as SLI is not compatible with AMD processors.