Can You SLI Different GPUs? | Facts You Need to Know Before Buying GPU

When you are building a customized rig for your gaming, you will obviously go for the best rig. You have chosen NVIDIA GPUs for your PC and for this you will need the SLI technology

Now you may wonder if can you use two or more GPUs in SLI or Scalable Link Interface. The answer depends on the GPUs you are willing to use. The first criterion of SLI is, both GPUs need to be identical. Otherwise, the SLI won’t allow you to use multiple GPUs.

To find out whether SLI allows you to use different GPUs or not, go through the entire article.

Is It Possible to SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Different GPUs?

When it comes to using different GPUs, it can mean either you are willing to use GPUs from a different brand with the same chipset or you are willing to use GPUs with different chipsets. Whatever the scenario is, if you are willing to use SLI technology then make sure that both of the GPUs must have same chipset.

The SLI technology of NVIDIA doesn’t allow to use of GPUs that are not identical. For example, you can mix NVIDIA GTX 1070 with another NVIDIA GTX 1070. Also, you can mix GPUs from two different brands with the same chipset, EVGA GTX 1660 with ASUS GTX 1660. Now you may ask, can you SLI Ti and Non-Ti GPUs, the answer is no. The chipsets are different from each other.

So, to SLI, the GPU chipsets need to be identical, otherwise, it won’t allow you to use them.

Another thing you will need to keep in your mind is that, when you are buying GPUs with the same chipset, the VRAM capacity also needs to be the same. Because if your GPUs have different VRAM sizes, they will process with the capacity of the lower one and as a result, the performance will be reduced.

Bonus Tip

We assume that you have bought different GPUs and when you find out that you won’t be able to SLI due to a different chipset. Now, what should you do? You can use the other card as a PhysX card. For instance, if you are playing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag which is a PhysX-supported game, it will provide you with the best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use SLI with AMD GPUs?

No, you can’t. The SLI is not compatible with AMD GPUs. You will need to use Crossfire for AMD GPUs.

Is Crossfire better than SLI?

When it comes to using GPUs with a different chipset, crossfire is better than SLI. Crossfire allows you to use different GPUs together.

Can I dual GPU with different GPUs?

Yes, you can. For NVIDIA you will need SLI and for AMD, you will need Crossfire.

How many GPUs Can I SLI?

You can SLI up to four GPUs with the same chipset easily. Also, the number of GPUs will depend on the availability of the PCIe slot on your motherboard.

Can I SLI 3070 and 3080?

No, you can’t SLI 3070 and 3080. Because the chipsets are different. Another reason is, NVIDIA has stopped the SLI support with the RTX 3000 series GPUs.

Conclusion

To sum up, to do SLI, the GPUs need to be identical. If you are planning to build a rig, then it is suggested to go for AMD if you are willing to use different GPUs together. And also, keep the VRAM specification in your mind.