T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
Tony. . .
combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
Tony. . .
T
Theo
Guest
Re: OT. . .
I don't know, but everything I have read on it leads me to
believe it is primarily the hardware and the video driver.
With 2 video cards one handles the upper part of the screen
and the other handles the lower part so the display is
essentially twice as fast. I get the impression the
applications essentially just see the video processing as it
always has; not doing anything special.
Tony Sperling wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
I don't know, but everything I have read on it leads me to
believe it is primarily the hardware and the video driver.
With 2 video cards one handles the upper part of the screen
and the other handles the lower part so the display is
essentially twice as fast. I get the impression the
applications essentially just see the video processing as it
always has; not doing anything special.
Tony Sperling wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
C
Carlos
Guest
RE: OT. . .
Tony,
My best guess is that apps don't need to be SLI aware.
They will just work, no matter how many video cards are in SLI.
I think that the video card driver handles everything.
FWIW.
I bought one XFX8800GT Alpha Dog Edition video card.
This is a factory super-overclocked card with the newest NVidia G92 chip.
(8800GTX uses an older, super-power consumption chip).
Even with that there is no way to run FSX with all the gizmos enabled.
If you intend to run FSX at full speed, check before what SLI combo will do
it.
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
>
Tony,
My best guess is that apps don't need to be SLI aware.
They will just work, no matter how many video cards are in SLI.
I think that the video card driver handles everything.
FWIW.
I bought one XFX8800GT Alpha Dog Edition video card.
This is a factory super-overclocked card with the newest NVidia G92 chip.
(8800GTX uses an older, super-power consumption chip).
Even with that there is no way to run FSX with all the gizmos enabled.
If you intend to run FSX at full speed, check before what SLI combo will do
it.
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
>
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Yes, I think you are right. The app will be talking to the driver and the
driver is seeing one device?
But I also do believe that an application can be written to set up it's own
SLI behavior and, thus, override the driver.
Thanks, Theo!
Tony. . .
"Theo" <theo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:O3yIfY9fIHA.5624@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I don't know, but everything I have read on it leads me to
> believe it is primarily the hardware and the video driver.
> With 2 video cards one handles the upper part of the screen
> and the other handles the lower part so the display is
> essentially twice as fast. I get the impression the
> applications essentially just see the video processing as it
> always has; not doing anything special.
>
>
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
> > Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
Yes, I think you are right. The app will be talking to the driver and the
driver is seeing one device?
But I also do believe that an application can be written to set up it's own
SLI behavior and, thus, override the driver.
Thanks, Theo!
Tony. . .
"Theo" <theo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:O3yIfY9fIHA.5624@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I don't know, but everything I have read on it leads me to
> believe it is primarily the hardware and the video driver.
> With 2 video cards one handles the upper part of the screen
> and the other handles the lower part so the display is
> essentially twice as fast. I get the impression the
> applications essentially just see the video processing as it
> always has; not doing anything special.
>
>
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
> > Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Alpha Dog - indeed! :0)
I've never heard of that one.
No wonder your temp's were rising, with such power! Actually, I've skipped
investing in FSX - the Demo ran very well here - but I decided it was FS2000
all over - too much new technology in one go. The next version WILL be first
class! (Just like FS 2002). They are already working on it!
Tony. . .
"Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2DFB1D9E-639F-4E9A-8ED9-FBFAB20FE321@microsoft.com...
> Tony,
> My best guess is that apps don't need to be SLI aware.
> They will just work, no matter how many video cards are in SLI.
> I think that the video card driver handles everything.
> FWIW.
> I bought one XFX8800GT Alpha Dog Edition video card.
> This is a factory super-overclocked card with the newest NVidia G92 chip.
> (8800GTX uses an older, super-power consumption chip).
> Even with that there is no way to run FSX with all the gizmos enabled.
> If you intend to run FSX at full speed, check before what SLI combo will
do
> it.
>
> Carlos
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
> > Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> >
Alpha Dog - indeed! :0)
I've never heard of that one.
No wonder your temp's were rising, with such power! Actually, I've skipped
investing in FSX - the Demo ran very well here - but I decided it was FS2000
all over - too much new technology in one go. The next version WILL be first
class! (Just like FS 2002). They are already working on it!
Tony. . .
"Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2DFB1D9E-639F-4E9A-8ED9-FBFAB20FE321@microsoft.com...
> Tony,
> My best guess is that apps don't need to be SLI aware.
> They will just work, no matter how many video cards are in SLI.
> I think that the video card driver handles everything.
> FWIW.
> I bought one XFX8800GT Alpha Dog Edition video card.
> This is a factory super-overclocked card with the newest NVidia G92 chip.
> (8800GTX uses an older, super-power consumption chip).
> Even with that there is no way to run FSX with all the gizmos enabled.
> If you intend to run FSX at full speed, check before what SLI combo will
do
> it.
>
> Carlos
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
> > Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> >
J
jabloomf1230
Guest
Re: OT. . .
No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
Jay
Tony Sperling wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
Jay
Tony Sperling wrote:
> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
J
John Barnes
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift
to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might
be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
adjustments to compensate.'
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>
> Jay
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>
>>
>> Tony. . .
>>
>>
Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift
to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might
be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
adjustments to compensate.'
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>
> Jay
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>
>>
>> Tony. . .
>>
>>
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
multi-core GPU's?
Tony. . .
"John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>
> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
> scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
> rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
> overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
> halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
shift
> to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
might
> be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> adjustments to compensate.'
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >
> > Jay
> >
> > Tony Sperling wrote:
> >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>
> >>
> >> Tony. . .
> >>
> >>
Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
multi-core GPU's?
Tony. . .
"John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>
> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
> scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
> rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
> overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
> halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
shift
> to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
might
> be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> adjustments to compensate.'
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >
> > Jay
> >
> > Tony Sperling wrote:
> >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>
> >>
> >> Tony. . .
> >>
> >>
C
Carlos
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Tony,
The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some" cash,
though!
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
>
> I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> multi-core GPU's?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >
> > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
> > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
> > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
> > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
> > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> shift
> > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> might
> > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > adjustments to compensate.'
> >
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > >
> > > Jay
> > >
> > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Tony. . .
> > >>
> > >>
>
>
>
Tony,
The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some" cash,
though!
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
>
> I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> multi-core GPU's?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >
> > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze 3D
> > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the fill
> > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host processor
> > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally into
> > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> shift
> > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> might
> > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > adjustments to compensate.'
> >
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
> > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > >
> > > Jay
> > >
> > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
> > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Tony. . .
> > >>
> > >>
>
>
>
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Ha!
No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
comes with it as well?
It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
you a bit of money?
Tony. . .
"Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> Tony,
> The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
cash,
> though!
>
> Carlos
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
> > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> >
> > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > multi-core GPU's?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
completely
> > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
technology
> > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > >
> > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
analyze 3D
> > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
fill
> > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
processor
> > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
into
> > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > shift
> > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > might
> > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > >
> > >
> > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
will
> > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > >
> > > > Jay
> > > >
> > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
the
> > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Tony. . .
> > > >>
> > > >>
> >
> >
> >
Ha!
No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
comes with it as well?
It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
you a bit of money?
Tony. . .
"Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> Tony,
> The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
cash,
> though!
>
> Carlos
>
> "Tony Sperling" wrote:
>
> > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> >
> > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > multi-core GPU's?
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
completely
> > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
technology
> > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > >
> > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
analyze 3D
> > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
fill
> > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
processor
> > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
into
> > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > shift
> > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > might
> > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > >
> > >
> > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
will
> > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > >
> > > > Jay
> > > >
> > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
the
> > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Tony. . .
> > > >>
> > > >>
> >
> >
> >
C
Carlos
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Tony,
The '9er' is a confusing mixed bag of products.
9600GT, with the G94 chip, is a crippled version of the G92 chip (the one
that powers my XFX8800GT).
Expect -15% of performance.
9500GT, with the G96 chip, is a super crippled version of the G92 chip. You
don't want this card.
9800Gx2, with two G92 chips, the dual-core GPU one. You surely want this one.
9800GTX, with the newer G100 chip, the only one that supports DirectX10.1.
Its Fill Rate is 99840 MTexels/s, memory bus width is 512bit and memory
bandwith is 128 GB/s.
Compare this to my 8800GT with 33600 MTexels/s, 256bit and 57.60GB/sec and
you will notice that maybe, and I mean maybe, that is the card for FSX!!!
All the others cards support only DirectX10, without the ".1" at the end.
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Ha!
>
> No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
> mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
> looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
> idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
> SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
> waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
> while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
> an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
> comes with it as well?
>
> It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
> want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
> I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
> allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
> knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
> you a bit of money?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> > Tony,
> > The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> > You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
> cash,
> > though!
> >
> > Carlos
> >
> > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> > >
> > > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > > multi-core GPU's?
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> completely
> > > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
> technology
> > > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > > >
> > > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> analyze 3D
> > > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill
> > > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor
> > > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
> into
> > > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > > shift
> > > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > > might
> > > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> will
> > > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jay
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
> > > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Tony. . .
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>
Tony,
The '9er' is a confusing mixed bag of products.
9600GT, with the G94 chip, is a crippled version of the G92 chip (the one
that powers my XFX8800GT).
Expect -15% of performance.
9500GT, with the G96 chip, is a super crippled version of the G92 chip. You
don't want this card.
9800Gx2, with two G92 chips, the dual-core GPU one. You surely want this one.
9800GTX, with the newer G100 chip, the only one that supports DirectX10.1.
Its Fill Rate is 99840 MTexels/s, memory bus width is 512bit and memory
bandwith is 128 GB/s.
Compare this to my 8800GT with 33600 MTexels/s, 256bit and 57.60GB/sec and
you will notice that maybe, and I mean maybe, that is the card for FSX!!!
All the others cards support only DirectX10, without the ".1" at the end.
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Ha!
>
> No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
> mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
> looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
> idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
> SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
> waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
> while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
> an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
> comes with it as well?
>
> It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
> want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
> I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
> allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
> knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
> you a bit of money?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> > Tony,
> > The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> > You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
> cash,
> > though!
> >
> > Carlos
> >
> > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> > >
> > > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > > multi-core GPU's?
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> completely
> > > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
> technology
> > > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > > >
> > > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> analyze 3D
> > > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill
> > > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor
> > > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
> into
> > > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > > shift
> > > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > > might
> > > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> will
> > > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jay
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
> > > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Tony. . .
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>
C
Carlos
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Tony,
You can find useful comparison charts here:
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=88&pgno=0
covering all the graphic cards (past, present, and future)
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Ha!
>
> No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
> mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
> looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
> idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
> SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
> waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
> while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
> an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
> comes with it as well?
>
> It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
> want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
> I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
> allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
> knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
> you a bit of money?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> > Tony,
> > The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> > You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
> cash,
> > though!
> >
> > Carlos
> >
> > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> > >
> > > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > > multi-core GPU's?
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> completely
> > > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
> technology
> > > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > > >
> > > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> analyze 3D
> > > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill
> > > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor
> > > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
> into
> > > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > > shift
> > > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > > might
> > > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> will
> > > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jay
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
> > > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Tony. . .
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>
Tony,
You can find useful comparison charts here:
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=88&pgno=0
covering all the graphic cards (past, present, and future)
Carlos
"Tony Sperling" wrote:
> Ha!
>
> No doubt. That IS the eternal direction 'evolution' has staked out for us,
> mere mortals. Honestly, though, I don't know exactly what it is that I am
> looking for, I was thinking, in this day-and-age, that perhaps Charlie's
> idea of having an extra of almost everything would warrant an
> SLI/CrossFire?) solution. Specially since a cheapo extra would be a total
> waste until you actually needed it. An SLI will be earning it's investment
> while in use, AND having the beneficial ability of a dismantelment factor in
> an emergency, to somewhat gloss over the smart-ass factor that inevatibly
> comes with it as well?
>
> It's an interesting idea, though. The '9er' series should have the power we
> want and a more finely tuned BIOS to fit the newly emerging technologies.
> I'll go and see what Tom has to say about it (THG!). If they haven't spoken
> allready, then the word must be practically on the threshold by now. Who
> knows - in the final end collecting this kind of info could actually save
> you a bit of money?
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
> "Carlos" <Carlos@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:159B5222-5C84-4861-8813-785F6C065B13@microsoft.com...
> > Tony,
> > The upcoming NVidia 9800 GX2 (dual-core GPU) might just be what you need.
> > You will certainly need to shell out a lotta cash as opposed to "some"
> cash,
> > though!
> >
> > Carlos
> >
> > "Tony Sperling" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks, John! Much as I thought.
> > >
> > > I could be wasting 'some' cash now, but there is also going to be 'some'
> > > instant reward. Let's see, then, if the future brings more SLI or more
> > > multi-core GPU's?
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "John Barnes" <jbarnes@email.net> wrote in message
> > > news:OBfdPi$fIHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > > > Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> completely
> > > > implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the
> technology
> > > > transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> > > >
> > > > Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> analyze 3D
> > > > scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill
> > > > rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor
> > > > overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided horizontally
> into
> > > > halves, but because the whole process is dynamic, workloads constantly
> > > shift
> > > > to reflect varying loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame
> > > might
> > > > be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> > > > adjustments to compensate.'
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > > > > No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> will
> > > > > just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jay
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony Sperling wrote:
> > > > >> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
> > > > >> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Tony. . .
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>
J
jabloomf1230
Guest
Re: OT. . .
And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
John Barnes wrote:
> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>
> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze
> 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided
> horizontally into halves, but because the whole process is dynamic,
> workloads constantly shift to reflect varying loads placed on each card.
> Thus, although one frame might be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced,
> NVIDIA's driver will make adjustments to compensate.'
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>
>>>
>>> Tony. . .
>>>
>>>
And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
John Barnes wrote:
> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>
> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze
> 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
> fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
> processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided
> horizontally into halves, but because the whole process is dynamic,
> workloads constantly shift to reflect varying loads placed on each card.
> Thus, although one frame might be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced,
> NVIDIA's driver will make adjustments to compensate.'
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>
>>>
>>> Tony. . .
>>>
>>>
J
John Barnes
Guest
Re: OT. . .
May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced posts
is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video cards,
drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All that
> says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program doesn't
> run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>
> John Barnes wrote:
>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
>> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
>> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>
>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze
>> 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
>> fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
>> processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided
>> horizontally into halves, but because the whole process is dynamic,
>> workloads constantly shift to reflect varying loads placed on each card.
>> Thus, although one frame might be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced,
>> NVIDIA's driver will make adjustments to compensate.'
>>
>>
>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
>>> just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>
>>>>
May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced posts
is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video cards,
drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All that
> says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program doesn't
> run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>
> John Barnes wrote:
>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is completely
>> implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering the technology
>> transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>
>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to analyze
>> 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card according to the
>> fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with relatively little host
>> processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see the screen divided
>> horizontally into halves, but because the whole process is dynamic,
>> workloads constantly shift to reflect varying loads placed on each card.
>> Thus, although one frame might be cut 50/50, if the next is imbalanced,
>> NVIDIA's driver will make adjustments to compensate.'
>>
>>
>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware will
>>> just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>
>>>>
J
jabloomf1230
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
of RAM.
All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
John Barnes wrote:
> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>>
>> John Barnes wrote:
>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>>
>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
>>> adjustments to compensate.'
>>>
>>>
>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>>
>>>> Jay
>>>>
>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>>
>>>>>
>
Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
of RAM.
All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
John Barnes wrote:
> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>>
>> John Barnes wrote:
>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>>
>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
>>> adjustments to compensate.'
>>>
>>>
>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>>
>>>> Jay
>>>>
>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise the
>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>>
>>>>>
>
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation of
what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the driver
will be allowing this.
The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products as
yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is one
thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively buttoned
up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory resources
that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was written
in some specific way.
'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as the
driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor of
the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard the
question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!) If
more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
probably not a bad idea anyway?
Jay:
With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for the
same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off? On my
'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not misstaken?
Thanks!
Tony. . .
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> of RAM.
>
> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>
> John Barnes wrote:
> > May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> > technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> > posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
> > cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
> >> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
> >> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
> >>
> >> John Barnes wrote:
> >>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> >>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
> >>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >>>
> >>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> >>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
> >>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
> >>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
> >>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
> >>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
> >>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
> >>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> >>> adjustments to compensate.'
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> >>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >>>>
> >>>> Jay
> >>>>
> >>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
> >>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
the
> >>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Tony. . .
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >
If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation of
what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the driver
will be allowing this.
The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products as
yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is one
thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively buttoned
up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory resources
that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was written
in some specific way.
'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as the
driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor of
the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard the
question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!) If
more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
probably not a bad idea anyway?
Jay:
With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for the
same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off? On my
'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not misstaken?
Thanks!
Tony. . .
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> of RAM.
>
> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>
> John Barnes wrote:
> > May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> > technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> > posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
> > cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
> >> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
> >> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
> >>
> >> John Barnes wrote:
> >>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> >>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
> >>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >>>
> >>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> >>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
> >>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
> >>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
> >>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
> >>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
> >>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
> >>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> >>> adjustments to compensate.'
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> >>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >>>>
> >>>> Jay
> >>>>
> >>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
> >>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
the
> >>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Tony. . .
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >
T
Theo
Guest
Re: OT. . .
I think you need to research SLI a bit more. Just an extract:
Both cards are given the same part of the 3D scene to
render, but effectively half of the work load is sent to the
slave card through a connector called the SLI Bridge. As an
example, the master card works on the top half of the scene
while the slave card works on the bottom half. When the
slave card is done, it sends its output to the master card,
which combines the two images to form one and then outputs
the final render to the monitor.
This does not agree with your hypothesis at all.
jabloomf1230 wrote:
> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> of RAM.
>
> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>
I think you need to research SLI a bit more. Just an extract:
Both cards are given the same part of the 3D scene to
render, but effectively half of the work load is sent to the
slave card through a connector called the SLI Bridge. As an
example, the master card works on the top half of the scene
while the slave card works on the bottom half. When the
slave card is done, it sends its output to the master card,
which combines the two images to form one and then outputs
the final render to the monitor.
This does not agree with your hypothesis at all.
jabloomf1230 wrote:
> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> of RAM.
>
> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>
J
jabloomf1230
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Tony,
CPUs are the beast of the OS and usage of RAM is up to Windows. Under
SLI, the GPUs access to the video RAM is solely dependent on the video
driver and from all public indications, the nVidia drivers don't allow
the GPUs to use memory from another card under SLI. This may become more
evident when the the 9800GX2 is released by nVidia in another week or
so. This is another attempt by nVidia to sell a dual GPU card. The new
video driver may allow such memory sharing for the 9800GX2, but we won't
know for sure until the card and the new drivers that accompany the card
are released.
Jay
Tony Sperling wrote:
> If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
> assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
>
> If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation of
> what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
> definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the driver
> will be allowing this.
>
> The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products as
> yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is one
> thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
>
> So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
> believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively buttoned
> up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory resources
> that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was written
> in some specific way.
>
> 'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as the
> driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor of
> the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard the
> question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!) If
> more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
> probably not a bad idea anyway?
>
> Jay:
>
> With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for the
> same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off? On my
> 'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not misstaken?
>
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
>> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
>> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
>> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
>> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
>> of RAM.
>>
>> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
>> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
>> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
>> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
>> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
>> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>>
>> John Barnes wrote:
>>> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
>>> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
>>> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
>>> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
>>>
>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
>>>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
>>>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>>>>
>>>> John Barnes wrote:
>>>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
>>>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
>>>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>>>>
>>>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
>>>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
>>>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
>>>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
>>>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
>>>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
>>>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
>>>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
>>>>> adjustments to compensate.'
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>>>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
>>>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>
>
Tony,
CPUs are the beast of the OS and usage of RAM is up to Windows. Under
SLI, the GPUs access to the video RAM is solely dependent on the video
driver and from all public indications, the nVidia drivers don't allow
the GPUs to use memory from another card under SLI. This may become more
evident when the the 9800GX2 is released by nVidia in another week or
so. This is another attempt by nVidia to sell a dual GPU card. The new
video driver may allow such memory sharing for the 9800GX2, but we won't
know for sure until the card and the new drivers that accompany the card
are released.
Jay
Tony Sperling wrote:
> If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
> assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
>
> If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation of
> what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
> definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the driver
> will be allowing this.
>
> The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products as
> yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is one
> thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
>
> So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
> believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively buttoned
> up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory resources
> that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was written
> in some specific way.
>
> 'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as the
> driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor of
> the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard the
> question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!) If
> more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
> probably not a bad idea anyway?
>
> Jay:
>
> With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for the
> same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off? On my
> 'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not misstaken?
>
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Tony. . .
>
>
>
>
> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
>> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
>> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
>> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all the
>> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
>> of RAM.
>>
>> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each frame
>> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
>> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
>> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
>> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
>> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>>
>> John Barnes wrote:
>>> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
>>> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
>>> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how video
>>> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
>>>
>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
>>>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a program
>>>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that card.
>>>>
>>>> John Barnes wrote:
>>>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
>>>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
>>>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
>>>>>
>>>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
>>>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
>>>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
>>>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
>>>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
>>>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
>>>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
>>>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
>>>>> adjustments to compensate.'
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
>>>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
>>>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> the
>>>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Tony. . .
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>
>
J
jabloomf1230
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Theo,
I'm not sure what your point is? The original question was what happens
when an SLI-enabled system encounters a program that is not SLI aware.
Are you saying that in that circumstance, both GPUs are still used by
the software to render graphics? Or that if only one GPU is use, it can
use the RAM on the second card for loading textures, etc.?
Jay
Theo wrote:
> I think you need to research SLI a bit more. Just an extract:
>
> Both cards are given the same part of the 3D scene to render, but
> effectively half of the work load is sent to the slave card through a
> connector called the SLI Bridge. As an example, the master card works on
> the top half of the scene while the slave card works on the bottom half.
> When the slave card is done, it sends its output to the master card,
> which combines the two images to form one and then outputs the final
> render to the monitor.
>
> This does not agree with your hypothesis at all.
>
>
> jabloomf1230 wrote:
>> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
>> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
>> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
>> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all
>> the posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own
>> 512 MB of RAM.
>>
>> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each
>> frame or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri-
>> and Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no
>> magic to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only
>> the primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to
>> drive a second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>>
Theo,
I'm not sure what your point is? The original question was what happens
when an SLI-enabled system encounters a program that is not SLI aware.
Are you saying that in that circumstance, both GPUs are still used by
the software to render graphics? Or that if only one GPU is use, it can
use the RAM on the second card for loading textures, etc.?
Jay
Theo wrote:
> I think you need to research SLI a bit more. Just an extract:
>
> Both cards are given the same part of the 3D scene to render, but
> effectively half of the work load is sent to the slave card through a
> connector called the SLI Bridge. As an example, the master card works on
> the top half of the scene while the slave card works on the bottom half.
> When the slave card is done, it sends its output to the master card,
> which combines the two images to form one and then outputs the final
> render to the monitor.
>
> This does not agree with your hypothesis at all.
>
>
> jabloomf1230 wrote:
>> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
>> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
>> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
>> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all
>> the posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own
>> 512 MB of RAM.
>>
>> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each
>> frame or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri-
>> and Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no
>> magic to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only
>> the primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to
>> drive a second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
>>
T
Tony Sperling
Guest
Re: OT. . .
Thanks, I'll try and read up on the subject - it is 'clear' that things are
getting 'foggy', but it's interesting all-the-same.
Tony. . .
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:uPMZLzvgIHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Tony,
>
> CPUs are the beast of the OS and usage of RAM is up to Windows. Under
> SLI, the GPUs access to the video RAM is solely dependent on the video
> driver and from all public indications, the nVidia drivers don't allow
> the GPUs to use memory from another card under SLI. This may become more
> evident when the the 9800GX2 is released by nVidia in another week or
> so. This is another attempt by nVidia to sell a dual GPU card. The new
> video driver may allow such memory sharing for the 9800GX2, but we won't
> know for sure until the card and the new drivers that accompany the card
> are released.
>
> Jay
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
> > If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
> > assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
> >
> > If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation
of
> > what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
> > definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the
driver
> > will be allowing this.
> >
> > The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products
as
> > yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is
one
> > thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
> >
> > So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
> > believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively
buttoned
> > up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory
resources
> > that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was
written
> > in some specific way.
> >
> > 'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as
the
> > driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor
of
> > the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard
the
> > question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!)
If
> > more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
> > probably not a bad idea anyway?
> >
> > Jay:
> >
> > With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for
the
> > same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off?
On my
> > 'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not
misstaken?
> >
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> >> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> >> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> >> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all
the
> >> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> >> of RAM.
> >>
> >> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each
frame
> >> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> >> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> >> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> >> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> >> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
> >>
> >> John Barnes wrote:
> >>> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> >>> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> >>> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how
video
> >>> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
> >>>
> >>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >>>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
> >>>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a
program
> >>>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that
card.
> >>>>
> >>>> John Barnes wrote:
> >>>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> >>>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
> >>>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> >>>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
> >>>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
> >>>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
> >>>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
> >>>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
> >>>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
> >>>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> >>>>> adjustments to compensate.'
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >>>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> >>>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Jay
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
> >>>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> > the
> >>>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Tony. . .
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >
> >
Thanks, I'll try and read up on the subject - it is 'clear' that things are
getting 'foggy', but it's interesting all-the-same.
Tony. . .
"jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
news:uPMZLzvgIHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Tony,
>
> CPUs are the beast of the OS and usage of RAM is up to Windows. Under
> SLI, the GPUs access to the video RAM is solely dependent on the video
> driver and from all public indications, the nVidia drivers don't allow
> the GPUs to use memory from another card under SLI. This may become more
> evident when the the 9800GX2 is released by nVidia in another week or
> so. This is another attempt by nVidia to sell a dual GPU card. The new
> video driver may allow such memory sharing for the 9800GX2, but we won't
> know for sure until the card and the new drivers that accompany the card
> are released.
>
> Jay
>
> Tony Sperling wrote:
> > If what the nVidia paper is saying, is correct (as I think we may well
> > assume) does that not indicate that the video driver is in command?
> >
> > If, however, code has been written to implement it's own interpretation
of
> > what the SLI configuration should be doing, and since 'SLI awareness'
> > definitely seems to be a factor (at least among gamers) - I think the
driver
> > will be allowing this.
> >
> > The Flightsim Developers have openly admited that none of their products
as
> > yet, are SLI aware. Nor are they coded to use multiple CPU's, which is
one
> > thing they are investigating the possibility of doing in the future!
> >
> > So, yes everybody seems to be more or less correct. As for the memory, I
> > believe it would be strange if multiple cards, that are effectively
buttoned
> > up together, would be presenting the system with separate memory
resources
> > that would only be visible as a combined resource for code that was
written
> > in some specific way.
> >
> > 'Ignorant' and 'aware' code would logically be handled the same way as
the
> > driver's job is to do the graphics - not interpret the awareness factor
of
> > the code that wants to use it's resources? I thank everyone! I regard
the
> > question answered, and intend to read that paper closely (thanks, John!)
If
> > more questions arise, I may go and investigate on the nVidia forum -
> > probably not a bad idea anyway?
> >
> > Jay:
> >
> > With two CPU's it would have to do that, they couldn't be competing for
the
> > same memory, could they? At least not if SLI mode can be switched off?
On my
> > 'Dual-Core' RAM too is devided among the two cores. . .if I'm not
misstaken?
> >
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> > Tony. . .
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:%23l4ZpvjgIHA.2004@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> Why don't you post your thoughts on a video card website and see what
> >> kind of response that you get? SLI does not allow crossover use of RAM
> >> from one card to the other. For example, I have a PC with a 7950 GX2,
> >> which has two GPUs running in SLI. The card has 1 GB of RAM, but all
the
> >> posted specs indicate clearly that each GPU has access to it own 512 MB
> >> of RAM.
> >>
> >> All SLI does is to either a) have the two GPUs render half of each
frame
> >> or b) have the two GPUs render alternate frames. Scaling up tri- and
> >> Quad-SLI just splits things up in thirds or quarters. There is no magic
> >> to any of this and if a program is not SLI capable, it uses only the
> >> primary GPU. The other GPU does nothing unless you want it to drive a
> >> second monitor in multi-monitor mode.
> >>
> >> John Barnes wrote:
> >>> May I suggest you look up the definition of 'transparent' as used in
> >>> technology. Since the OP are technically savvy responding to unsourced
> >>> posts is a waste of effort. You might consider studying up on how
video
> >>> cards, drivers and DirectX 10 interact.
> >>>
> >>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:usbuDPYgIHA.944@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >>>> And where does it say anything about the RAM on each video card? All
> >>>> that says is that SLI balances the load between the GPUs. If a
program
> >>>> doesn't run in SLI mode, it only uses one GPU and the RAM on that
card.
> >>>>
> >>>> John Barnes wrote:
> >>>>> Not correct. nVidia whitepaper specifically states 'SLI is
> >>>>> completely implemented in NVIDIA's hardware and software, rendering
> >>>>> the technology transparent to affected applications, such as games.'
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Additionally states 'The graphics driver is effectively able to
> >>>>> analyze 3D scenes and divide the load sent to each video card
> >>>>> according to the fill rate, geometry, and shading demands with
> >>>>> relatively little host processor overhead. In some cases, you'll see
> >>>>> the screen divided horizontally into halves, but because the whole
> >>>>> process is dynamic, workloads constantly shift to reflect varying
> >>>>> loads placed on each card. Thus, although one frame might be cut
> >>>>> 50/50, if the next is imbalanced, NVIDIA's driver will make
> >>>>> adjustments to compensate.'
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> "jabloomf1230" <jabloomf@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>>>> news:eumhQT$fIHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >>>>>> No. Each card uses its own memory. A program that is not SLI aware
> >>>>>> will just ignore the 2nd card altogether.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Jay
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Tony Sperling wrote:
> >>>>>>> Anybody know - does an application that is not SLI aware recognise
> > the
> >>>>>>> combined Video Memory installed on the two cards?
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Tony. . .
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >
> >