How to Set Up Two Graphics Cards Without SLI? | Ways to Get Your GPU Duo
If you are looking to boost the performance of your gaming or workstation PC, one of the solutions is to install multiple graphics cards. You may not want to use NVIDIA’s Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology because either you have cards from different manufacturers or you want a distinct configuration. In such a scenario, you can still arrange two graphics cards on your computer without the use of SLI.
Step for Setting Up Two Graphics Cards Without SLI
To set up two graphic cards without SLI, follow the steps below. You have to go through all the steps accordingly to set up the graphics cards properly.
Step 1: Check your Motherboard and Power Supply
Before you begin the installation of the cards, make sure the motherboard and power supply are compatible with the setup. You will require a motherboard with a minimum of two PCI Express x16 slots and a power supply with enough wattage and 6-pin or 8-pin connectors to support both graphics cards.
Step 2: Install the Graphics Cards
Once you have checked the motherboard and power supply, you can start the installation. To begin, turn off the PC and disconnect it from the wall. Then, take off the side panel of the case and locate the PCI Express x16 slots. If you have a full-tower case, you may have more than two PCI Express x16 slots; in this case, pick the ones closest to the power supply.
To install the graphics cards, these steps should be followed:
- Begin by unscrewing the screws at the back of the case in order to take out the bracket from the PCI Express x16 slot.
- Then, hold the graphics card by its edges and steer clear of touching any components on the PCB.
- Subsequently, make sure the card is lining up with the PCI Express x16 slot and softly insert it until it is completely seated.
- Secure the graphics card to the case with the screws which were removed earlier.
- Once that is done, repeat the same process for the second graphics card.
- Finally, attach the power supply cables.
Once the graphics cards are installed, they need to be connected to the power supply. Depending on the model and the power supply, each graphics card requires either one or two 6-pin or 8-pin connectors. These connectors are generally labeled PCI-E or PEG (PCI Express Graphics).
Step 3: Connect the Power Supply Cables
- Here on the GPU, you should look for a connector with either 6 or 8 pins. They are frequently seen in close proximity to the PCI Express x16 port.
- Find the connectors that correspond with each port on the power system. They are frequently found in close proximity to the back panel and depending on the packaging, they may be grouped together or kept separate.
- Make sure that the power cables are connected to the GPU by using adapters. Check that the connectors are firmly inserted and locked in their positions.
- Proceed with installing the next graphics card in the same manner.
Step 4: Configure the Graphics Settings in Windows
It is necessary to set up the graphics configuration in Windows just after graphics cards have been installed and connected to the computer. In order to complete this, please follow the given steps:
- To enter the Project screen, press the Windows key + the letter P at the same time.
- Using the graphics cards for individual displays, select the “Extend” option from the menu.
- To access the Power User menu, press the Windows key + the letter X altogether.
- Choose “Control Panel” followed by “Appearance and Personalization” from the menu.
- Click “Display” and thereafter “Change display settings” to adjust the display settings.
- To view the total number of displays, you must first select the “Identify” option.
- You will need to drag the monitors to their appropriate locations in order to accommodate the specifics of the hardware design of your configuration.
- To keep the changes, you’ll need to hit the “Apply” option.
Step 5: Install the Graphics Drivers
After you have finished adjusting the graphics configurations on Windows, you will have to install the GPU drivers that correspond to each specific graphics card. In order to perform this, please follow these simple steps:
- You can get the most recent drivers for your graphics card from the company’s website. Make sure that you choose the appropriate model, as well as the os.
- You should store the drivers in a folder on your personal computer.
- To begin the process of installing the driver, right-click here on the file that contains the driver, and pick the option to “Run as administrator.”
- To install these drivers, just follow the on-screen prompts.
- Proceed with installing the next graphics card in the same manner.
Step 6: Test your Setup
You can check your configuration to ensure that it is functioning properly when you have finished installing the necessary graphics drivers. In order to finish this, please follow these steps:
- To access the Power User menu, use the Windows key + the letter X altogether.
- Choose “Control Panel” followed by “Appearance and Personalization” from the menu.
- Click “Display” and afterward “Change display settings” to adjust the display configurations.
- Simply select “Advanced options” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the “Monitor” option, and then confirm that the refresh rate is adjusted to the highest possible setting that your monitors can handle.
- Choose the “Adapter” tab, then check that the GPU is recognized properly and that the driver edition is accurate.
- Proceed with installing the second GPU in the same manner.
- Verify the performance of your installation by launching a game or a scoring program and observing the results.
Step 7: Overclock or Underclock the Graphics Cards
You could even overclock or underclock the GPUs to increase the overall performance of your configuration. Overclocking is the process of boosting the frame rate of graphics cards in order to achieve faster performance at the expense of higher heat and a limited lifespan. Underclocking includes lowering the frame rate of graphics cards in order to achieve lower heat and longer life at the expense of lower performance.
You must use a third-party software application, such as MSI Afterburner as well as EVGA Precision, to overclock and even underclock the GPUs. You may use these tools to change the refresh rate, voltage, as well as speed of the fan of your graphics cards. Therefore, when utilizing these tools, you must exercise caution because improper settings might create stability problems or even potential harm to the graphics.
Can we use Two Graphics Cards at Once?
Using two GPUs simultaneously, also known as SLI (Scalable Link Interface) or Crossfire (AMD’s equivalent technology), could potentially give enhanced performance in particular cases. Nevertheless, it’s significant to bear in mind that not all systems and graphics cards are compatible with this setup. To use two graphics cards at the same time, you will require a motherboard that supports SLI or Crossfire, and two graphics cards that are compatible with each other and the motherboard.
It is important that the graphics cards are of the same brand and type, as well as having the same amount of RAM. To properly install two such cards, they must be fitted into the computer and connected to the mainboard with the right cables. After they are put in place, the necessary drivers must be installed and the appropriate settings adjusted in the graphics card software. This involves activating SLI or Crossfire in the software, as well as making other changes to optimize performance.
Conclusion
It’s easy to set up two graphics cards without using SLI, and it can significantly boost your Computers performance. You may install the graphics driver, set up the graphics cards within your system and control system, and test your system by following the instructions in this guide. To further enhance performance, you can indeed overclock as well as underclock the GPUs. Just ensure to verify that your hardware is compatible and use caution when modifying the graphics card presets.
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