The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 is a powerhouse of a graphics card, offering unparalleled performance and features for gamers and content creators alike. One of the most exciting aspects of high-end graphics cards is the potential for multi-GPU configurations, which can significantly boost performance in supported applications. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) and explore whether the RTX 3090 supports this technology.
What Is SLI?
SLI is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics cards to work together in tandem, increasing performance and reducing rendering times. By splitting the workload between two or more GPUs, SLI can provide significant performance gains in applications that support it. SLI is particularly useful for gamers who want to play at high resolutions (such as 4K) or with detailed graphics settings.
How Does SLI Work?
SLI works by dividing the workload between multiple GPUs, using a combination of techniques such as:
- Alternate Frame Rendering (AFR): Each GPU renders a separate frame, alternating between the two.
- Split Frame Rendering (SFR): Each GPU renders a portion of the frame, which are then combined to form the final image.
- SLI Antialiasing (SLIAA): Each GPU renders a separate antialiased image, which are then combined to form the final image.
Does The RTX 3090 Support SLI?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” While the RTX 3090 does support SLI, there are some caveats to consider.
- SLI Support is Limited: NVIDIA has announced that SLI support will be limited to only a few applications, including:
- DX12 games: Only a handful of DX12 games support SLI, and even then, it’s not always enabled by default.
- Professional applications: Certain professional applications, such as video editing and 3D modeling software, may support SLI.
- No SLI Support for DX11 Games: Unfortunately, SLI support has been dropped for DX11 games, which means that many popular titles will not be able to take advantage of multi-GPU configurations.
- SLI Bridge Required: To enable SLI on the RTX 3090, you’ll need to use an SLI bridge, which connects the two GPUs together. This can add an extra layer of complexity to your system.
Why Is SLI Support Limited?
There are a few reasons why SLI support is limited on the RTX 3090:
- DX12 and Vulkan: The move to DX12 and Vulkan has changed the way games interact with multiple GPUs. While these APIs offer improved performance and efficiency, they also require more complex implementations, which can make SLI support more challenging.
- NVIDIA’s Focus on Other Technologies: NVIDIA has been focusing on other technologies, such as ray tracing and artificial intelligence, which may have taken priority over SLI development.
Alternatives To SLI
If you’re looking for ways to boost performance on your RTX 3090, there are a few alternatives to SLI:
- NVIDIA NVLink: NVLink is a high-speed interconnect that allows multiple GPUs to communicate with each other. While it’s not the same as SLI, it can still provide significant performance gains in certain applications.
- Multi-GPU Rendering: Some applications, such as video editing software, can take advantage of multiple GPUs without requiring SLI. This can provide significant performance gains, especially in tasks that are heavily GPU-bound.
Conclusion
While the RTX 3090 does support SLI, the limitations and caveats may make it less appealing to some users. However, for those who need the extra performance and are willing to work within the limitations, SLI can still provide significant benefits. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see more widespread adoption of SLI and other multi-GPU technologies.
What Is SLI And How Does It Work?
SLI, or Scalable Link Interface, is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) to work together to improve performance in graphics-intensive applications. When multiple GPUs are connected using SLI, they can share the workload and provide faster rendering times, higher frame rates, and improved overall performance.
In an SLI setup, one GPU is designated as the primary GPU, and the other GPUs are secondary. The primary GPU handles the majority of the workload, while the secondary GPUs assist with tasks such as rendering and physics simulations. The GPUs communicate with each other through a high-speed interface, allowing them to share data and coordinate their efforts.
Does The RTX 3090 Support SLI?
The RTX 3090 does support SLI, but with some limitations. NVIDIA has announced that the RTX 3090 will only support SLI in a limited capacity, with support for up to two GPUs in an SLI configuration. This is a departure from previous high-end NVIDIA GPUs, which often supported up to four GPUs in an SLI configuration.
Despite the limitations, the RTX 3090’s SLI support can still provide significant performance improvements in certain applications. However, it’s worth noting that SLI support is not as widespread as it once was, and many modern games and applications do not take full advantage of multi-GPU configurations.
What Are The Benefits Of Using SLI With The RTX 3090?
Using SLI with the RTX 3090 can provide several benefits, including improved performance in graphics-intensive applications, faster rendering times, and higher frame rates. SLI can also provide improved performance in applications that support multi-GPU configurations, such as video editing and 3D modeling software.
In addition to improved performance, SLI can also provide a more immersive gaming experience, with faster frame rates and reduced lag. However, it’s worth noting that SLI support is not as widespread as it once was, and many modern games and applications do not take full advantage of multi-GPU configurations.
What Are The Requirements For Using SLI With The RTX 3090?
To use SLI with the RTX 3090, you’ll need a few specific components, including two RTX 3090 GPUs, a motherboard that supports SLI, and a power supply that can handle the increased power requirements of multiple GPUs. You’ll also need to ensure that your system’s BIOS is updated to support SLI.
In addition to the hardware requirements, you’ll also need to ensure that your operating system and drivers are up to date. NVIDIA provides SLI drivers that must be installed in order to enable SLI support. You’ll also need to configure your SLI setup using NVIDIA’s control panel software.
How Do I Set Up SLI With The RTX 3090?
Setting up SLI with the RTX 3090 is a relatively straightforward process. First, ensure that your system meets the requirements for SLI, including a compatible motherboard and power supply. Next, install the two RTX 3090 GPUs into your system and connect them using an SLI bridge.
Once the hardware is installed, you’ll need to install the SLI drivers and configure your SLI setup using NVIDIA’s control panel software. This will involve selecting the SLI mode and configuring the settings for your specific application or game. You may also need to update your system’s BIOS to support SLI.
Is SLI Worth It For The RTX 3090?
Whether or not SLI is worth it for the RTX 3090 depends on your specific needs and use case. If you’re a gamer or content creator who requires the absolute highest level of performance, SLI may be a good option. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the absolute highest level of performance, a single RTX 3090 GPU may be sufficient.
It’s also worth noting that SLI support is not as widespread as it once was, and many modern games and applications do not take full advantage of multi-GPU configurations. In these cases, the benefits of SLI may be limited, and a single GPU may be a better option.
What Are The Alternatives To SLI For The RTX 3090?
If you’re not interested in using SLI with the RTX 3090, there are several alternatives available. One option is to use a single RTX 3090 GPU, which can still provide excellent performance in most applications. Another option is to use NVIDIA’s NVLink technology, which allows multiple GPUs to be connected together using a high-speed interface.
NVLink can provide similar benefits to SLI, including improved performance and faster rendering times. However, it’s worth noting that NVLink is a more expensive option than SLI, and requires specific hardware and software support.