Is there such thing as Tri-SLI?

Question

I've Heard of Quad-SLI systems, but I havent heard of there being able to be a Tri-SLI... Yah see... Im building a computer for someone who is working with AutoCAD, and I dont want to dissapoint, and his system will allow 3 Nvidia 8800 Ultra's (I.e enough PCI-Ex16 ports) just wondering if it was possible! (Btw... I would like some sort of proof... sorta dont want do buy him it without it working or not)

Answer 1

No, not currently. Running SLI is not as simple as just slapping two cards in there, you have to have drivers and connections for it. While the drivers and connections exist for two cards, they do not for three. Quad SLI is achieved by using two dual-GPU cards, such as the 7950 GX2s, thus giving a total of 4 GPUs, but still using only 2 slots. So in summary, Tri-SLI not possible.

Now, to the heart of the issue, why in the hell would he want three 8800Ultra's (if that was even possible) for doing AutoCAD? That would cost about $2500, to get an ultimate amazing gaming system, when he is not a gamer. You need to be looking at the nVidia Quadro's, those are workstation cards designed specifically for the purpose of doing AutoCad and other professional tasks. Also make sure to get a quad core CPU, he will thank you for it later.

Answer 2

I've never even heard of a Quad SLI system. Having said that, you may be thinking of two graphics cards running SLI with each graphics card having two GPU's. That would be very possible. Having said that, I've never tried ... but it might be possible to SLI a dual GPU card with a single GPU card somewhat giving you the effect of Tri-SLI. But I would strongly recommend staying with same GPU's. But you could SLI on the two PCI-Ex 16 slots and then add a third card in the other slot. Then use the SLI config for the heavy duty graphics of AutoCad and the non-SLI card for the non-graphics windows. Hope this helps a little! Another good place to check on things like this is www.tomshardware.com.

Answer 3

if you found a suitable motherboard, there is no reason for it not to work. assuming you have a powerful enough power supply. i have seen a FEW (VERY FEW) of these around. basically, someone wanted to add an additional video output to their system. you will get the standard performance from the two cards in SLI, and the third will operate as a single card. the biggest issue is finding a MB the will allow you to do this.