SLI Dual Video Card Question

[Rickster71]

Hello all,
I have a question concerning adding a second graphics card in SLI.

My original card is:
EVGA GeForce GTX 670 Video Card - 2GB


The second card I'd like to buy:
EVGA GeForce GTX 670 Video Card - 4GB

With the only differences being the memory, (in red) will that cause any problems/incompatibility?

I'm having trouble with what specifications have to be exact matches and what ones don't.
I can't seem to find another 2GB card under $400.

Thanks for any help!

 

[lsiberian]

I've never done SLI, but I'm betting you'd be fine. That said why do you need the upgrade?

 

[Rickster71]

That said why do you need the upgrade?

I've heard that all the cool kids have two graphic cards.
But seriously though; I'm up for anyone talking me out of spending money.

I play a video game every winter, and have a monitor that I can adjust the refresh rate up to 144Hz. Planning to go to 2 monitors for work also.
Hoped to get the smooth graphics like they show on the game commercials, to help me fit in with the cool kids on the block.

 

[Adam]

What resolution do you run?

For work applications, unless you do really graphically-intensive work, your current 670 will be more than plenty to run two monitors. For gaming - make sure to check that your game(s) will let you use multiple monitors before ponying up the cash for another card. For example, StarCraft II will blank out the second monitor (unless you get third-party software, which I haven't).

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You could mix 2 and 4gb card, but the baseline usage of video ram will be based on 2gb card - aka extra 2gb on 4gb will be wasted
Considering SLI - Nvidia - Graphics & Displays

On the other hand what games you play and what is your screen resolution?
Do you even need sli - keep in mind NOT all titles will gain from it and b) don't expect linear performance increase
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 SLI Review | techPowerUp

 

[Adam]

Thank you, Rick! You gave me my 10,000th thanks.

 

[Rickster71]

What resolution do you run?

For work applications, unless you do really graphically-intensive work, your current 670 will be more than plenty to run two monitors. For gaming - make sure to check that your game(s) will let you use multiple monitors before ponying up the cash for another card. For example, StarCraft II will blank out the second monitor (unless you get third-party software, which I haven't).

Resolution = 1920 x 1080.
I notice when I turn up the refresh rate to 144Hz the screen gets a little smaller, not 100% full screen. So I reset it back a notch 120Hz.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

which games? And don't worry jacking up the refresh rate. 60 fps should more than sufficient for even twitch shooters
For example a solo GTX 670 gets 66 fps avg on 1920x1080 with 4xAA enabled on BF3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 SLI Review | techPowerUp

 

[Rickster71]

You could mix 2 and 4gb card, but the baseline usage of video ram will be based on 2gb card - aka extra 2gb on 4gb will be wasted
Considering SLI - Nvidia - Graphics & Displays

On the other hand what games you play and what is your screen resolution?
Do you even need sli - keep in mind NOT all titles will gain from it and b) don't expect linear performance increase
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 SLI Review | techPowerUp

Resolution = 1920 x 1080.
The games vary, since I refuse to pay full price, I'm a little behind the curve.
In the past it was Mass Effect 3, now Fallout 3. Maybe Metro next, or Bio-Shock Infinite.

I have it in my head I'd get the resolution I see in the gaming commercials.

 

[Adam]

I think that Bored and I deserve a commission for talking you out of buying that second card.

Well, or you could just buy that Oppo 83SE for Alex.

 

[Adam]

I have it in my head I'd get the resolution I see in the gaming commercials.

What resolutions are they running? Perhaps something beyond what your monitor can do?

1920 x 1080 isn't super high resolution, depending on the screen size. For example, the Apple 27" monitor is 2560 x 1440.

 

[Adam]

Ewww, ahhhh. Newegg has a couple of 3840 x 2160 monitors. You should get one of those.

There goes my commission...

 

[Rickster71]

What resolutions are they running? Perhaps something beyond what your monitor can do?

I'll have to pause the TV next time I see a game commercial, maybe it's in the fine print/disclaimer.

1920 x 1080 isn't super high resolution, depending on the screen size. For example, the Apple 27" monitor is 2560 x 1440.

My screen is 24"
I've never really seen anyone's monitor to know that they're getting better graphics than I am.
I just assumed it was supposed to be as I saw in the commercials.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Resolution = 1920 x 1080.
The games vary, since I refuse to pay full price, I'm a little behind the curve.
In the past it was Mass Effect 3, now Fallout 3. Maybe Metro next, or Bio-Shock Infinite.

I have it in my head I'd get the resolution I see in the gaming commercials.

Well on this list only Metro strikes me as power hungry beast. On sole GTX670 For smooth full hd fps you'd need to lower quality a bit (or get a 2nd one haha )

Get Skyrim !

btw: did you played Witcher 1 and 2 - you should be find both on sale

 

[Rickster71]

Any game recommendations? I tend to like shooters.
What's Skyrim like?

 

[Rickster71]

I have to run.
I'll be back a little later.
Thanks!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Skyrim is First person RPG - it has great graphics, huge world and very, very deep story line.
Witcher is quite similar

They both somewhat similar to Fallout (and a bit less to Mass Effect which does have light RPG elements)

 

[lsiberian]

I'll have to pause the TV next time I see a game commercial, maybe it's in the fine print/disclaimer.



My screen is 24"
I've never really seen anyone's monitor to know that they're getting better graphics than I am.
I just assumed it was supposed to be as I saw in the commercials.

I can't imagine gaming on a small screen anymore. I'm so spoiled. Why not get a 40" tv and use that for a monitor?

 

[j_garcia]

I run CAD streamed via a client that is probably as active as a shooter or worse, and we don't use dual cards Oh and I work a block from Nvidia

 

[panteragstk]

I've got a 760 gtx that works very well for my 1920x1080 resolution. As far as shooters go, I like the Metro series. I used to love Medal of Honor, but I think they are done making those. Steam is a great (and terrible) place to find all sorts of cheap games. They steal a lot of my money.