Graphics card help

M

misterwise

Member
I am looking for some guidance on fitting two graphics cards to my PC.

My motherboard is an ASUS P6X58D PREMIUM DDR3, USB 3.0 & SATA 6.0GB/s, 3-way SLI

I already have an ATI 5970 fitted and would like to add a second. my questions are:

1: Can I fit a second ATI5970 to an SLI board? I have been told that only one ATI graphics adapter can be installed on an SLI board.

2: If it is possible How do I fit the second card? (never having done anything like this before). Can anyone give me step by step instructions?

very grateful for any assist
 
Gorman

Gorman

Author Level
Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way SLI™ Technology*
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Click to expand...

Although i would be interested to know what PSU you are using before i recommend dropping another 5970 into it.
 
Gorman

Gorman

Author Level
right i see, considering the 5970 can draw around 300w it doesnt leave much room depending on what the rest of the system looks like. Its pushing the limits of the PSU if both cards are under load.

To install one.

  • Power off the machine
  • Open the side panel
  • Remove the back blanking plates where its going to go
  • Fit into the spare PCI-e slot leaving as wide a gap as possible between the two if you have a choice of PCI-e ports.
  • Hook the 4/8 pin power to the card
  • Attach the Crossfire bridge
  • Secure the card with screws
  • Put the side panel back on
  • Power up
  • Enter CCC and you will be prompted to enable crossfire if the drivers are installed ok
 
Gorman

Gorman

Author Level
Its probably best to upgrade the PSU, but why not simply wait for the next gen of GPU's and upgrade to a single card?

Surely theres not a lot stumping a 5970 at the moment.

When i say not a lot i mean anything.
 
M

misterwise

Member
Prob is i already have the second card and have had it for the last 3 months. Only now getting round to fitting it. But if its too much hassle (new PSU) it may be i sell the second card and as you say wait for the new units to hit the market and stick to a single unit.

very grateful for your help :)
 
Gorman

Gorman

Author Level
Ahhh i see.

Slap it in and see how it runs, if you get a load of crashes then your PSU isnt upto the job (we are talking about 4 GPU's).

I presume you have a crossfire bridge, if so theres no reason not to give it a try.
 
M

misterwise

Member
Hi
no i dont have a crossfire bridge and oops! both cards are 5870 not 5970 as i said. but i will get a bridge and try it.

thnx again :)
 
M

misterwise

Member
Hi,

just to let you know I have fitted my two graphics cards with crossfire enabled and they are working perfectly :))

Many thanks again for your help.
 
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