The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging every year. One such technology that has been around for a while is Scalable Link Interface (SLI), which allows multiple NVIDIA graphics cards to work together to improve gaming performance. However, not all games support SLI, and this can be frustrating for gamers who have invested in multiple graphics cards. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when a game doesn’t support SLI and what alternatives are available.
What is SLI and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into what happens when a game doesn’t support SLI, let’s take a brief look at what SLI is and how it works. SLI is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics cards to work together to improve gaming performance. When two or more graphics cards are connected using SLI, they can share the workload of rendering graphics, resulting in improved frame rates and reduced lag.
SLI works by dividing the workload between the graphics cards. Each card renders a portion of the graphics, and the results are then combined to create the final image. This process is called ” Alternate Frame Rendering” (AFR), where each card renders a separate frame, and the frames are then displayed alternately. This results in improved performance and reduced lag, making for a smoother gaming experience.
Types of SLI
There are several types of SLI, including:
- AFR (Alternate Frame Rendering): This is the most common type of SLI, where each card renders a separate frame, and the frames are then displayed alternately.
- SFR (Split Frame Rendering): In this type of SLI, each card renders a portion of the frame, and the results are then combined to create the final image.
- SLI AA (SLI Anti-Aliasing): This type of SLI is used to improve anti-aliasing performance, where each card renders a separate image, and the results are then combined to create the final image.
What Happens When a Game Doesn’t Support SLI?
When a game doesn’t support SLI, it means that the game is not designed to take advantage of multiple graphics cards working together. In this case, the game will only use one graphics card, and the other card(s) will be idle. This can be frustrating for gamers who have invested in multiple graphics cards, as they will not be able to take full advantage of their hardware.
There are several reasons why a game may not support SLI, including:
- Lack of Optimization: Some games may not be optimized to take advantage of SLI, which means that the game may not be able to use multiple graphics cards effectively.
- Engine Limitations: Some game engines may not support SLI, which means that games built on those engines will not be able to take advantage of multiple graphics cards.
- Driver Issues: In some cases, driver issues may prevent SLI from working properly, even if the game supports it.
Alternatives to SLI
If a game doesn’t support SLI, there are several alternatives that gamers can use to improve performance. Some of these alternatives include:
- NVIDIA Surround: This technology allows gamers to use multiple monitors with a single graphics card, providing a wider field of view and improved immersion.
- NVIDIA PhysX: This technology allows gamers to use a separate graphics card to handle physics calculations, freeing up the main graphics card to handle graphics rendering.
- DX12 Multi-GPU: This technology allows gamers to use multiple graphics cards with DirectX 12 games, even if the game doesn’t support SLI.
Workarounds for Games that Don’t Support SLI
While there are no guaranteed workarounds for games that don’t support SLI, there are a few things that gamers can try to improve performance. Some of these workarounds include:
- Forcing SLI: Some gamers have reported success in forcing SLI to work with games that don’t support it. This can be done by using the NVIDIA Control Panel to force SLI mode.
- Using a Third-Party Tool: There are several third-party tools available that can help to improve performance in games that don’t support SLI. These tools can help to optimize the game for multiple graphics cards and improve performance.
- Updating Drivers: Keeping drivers up to date can help to improve performance in games that don’t support SLI. NVIDIA regularly releases new drivers that can help to improve performance and fix issues.
Games that Don’t Support SLI
There are several games that don’t support SLI, including:
- Fortnite: This popular battle royale game does not support SLI, which means that gamers with multiple graphics cards will not be able to take full advantage of their hardware.
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds: This game does not support SLI, which means that gamers with multiple graphics cards will not be able to improve performance.
- Overwatch: This popular team-based shooter does not support SLI, which means that gamers with multiple graphics cards will not be able to take full advantage of their hardware.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while SLI can be a powerful technology for improving gaming performance, not all games support it. When a game doesn’t support SLI, it can be frustrating for gamers who have invested in multiple graphics cards. However, there are several alternatives and workarounds available that can help to improve performance. By understanding what SLI is and how it works, gamers can make informed decisions about their hardware and take full advantage of their graphics cards.
| Game | SLI Support |
|---|---|
| Fortnite | No |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | No |
| Overwatch | No |
Note: The table above is not an exhaustive list of games that don’t support SLI, but rather a few examples of popular games that don’t support the technology.
What is SLI Support and How Does it Work?
SLI Support, or Scalable Link Interface, is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics cards to work together in a single system to improve performance. This is achieved by splitting the workload between the graphics cards, allowing for faster rendering of graphics and improved overall performance.
In a system with SLI Support, the graphics cards are connected using a special bridge, and the workload is split between them using a variety of methods, including Alternate Frame Rendering (AFR) and Split Frame Rendering (SFR). This allows the system to take full advantage of the processing power of multiple graphics cards, resulting in improved performance and faster rendering of graphics.
What Happens When a Game Doesn’t Support SLI?
When a game doesn’t support SLI, it means that the game is not optimized to take advantage of the multiple graphics cards in the system. In this case, the game will only use one of the graphics cards, and the other cards will be idle. This can result in reduced performance, as the system is not able to take full advantage of the processing power of all the graphics cards.
In some cases, a game may not support SLI at all, or it may only support it in certain modes or configurations. In these cases, the user may need to disable SLI or use a different graphics card configuration in order to play the game. However, some games may still be able to take advantage of multiple graphics cards using other technologies, such as NVIDIA’s Surround technology.
How Can I Check if a Game Supports SLI?
To check if a game supports SLI, you can check the game’s documentation or website for information on SLI support. You can also check the NVIDIA website for a list of games that are known to support SLI. Additionally, you can use tools such as the NVIDIA Control Panel to check if SLI is enabled and working properly.
If you’re still unsure whether a game supports SLI, you can try enabling SLI and seeing if it makes a difference in the game’s performance. Keep in mind that some games may not support SLI, or may only support it in certain modes or configurations. In these cases, you may need to disable SLI or use a different graphics card configuration in order to play the game.
Can I Still Play Games Without SLI Support?
Yes, you can still play games without SLI support. While SLI can provide improved performance, it’s not necessary for playing games. Many games are optimized to run well on a single graphics card, and you can still enjoy good performance without SLI.
However, if you have a system with multiple graphics cards and you’re playing a game that doesn’t support SLI, you may not be getting the best possible performance. In these cases, you may want to consider disabling SLI or using a different graphics card configuration to see if it improves performance.
How Can I Enable or Disable SLI?
To enable or disable SLI, you can use the NVIDIA Control Panel. This is a software tool that allows you to configure and manage your NVIDIA graphics cards. To enable SLI, simply open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to the “3D Settings” section, and select the “Configure SLI, Surround, and PhysX” option.
From there, you can select the SLI mode you want to use, such as AFR or SFR. You can also disable SLI by selecting the “Disable SLI” option. Keep in mind that you’ll need to restart your system for the changes to take effect.
What Are the Benefits of SLI Support?
The main benefit of SLI support is improved performance. By splitting the workload between multiple graphics cards, SLI can provide faster rendering of graphics and improved overall performance. This can be especially beneficial for games that are heavily graphics-intensive, such as first-person shooters or racing games.
Another benefit of SLI support is the ability to play games at higher resolutions or with more detailed graphics settings. With SLI, you can take advantage of the processing power of multiple graphics cards to render more complex graphics, resulting in a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using SLI?
One of the main drawbacks to using SLI is the increased power consumption. Because SLI requires multiple graphics cards, it can increase the power consumption of your system, which can lead to higher electricity bills and increased heat generation.
Another drawback to using SLI is the increased cost. Because SLI requires multiple graphics cards, it can be more expensive than using a single graphics card. Additionally, not all games support SLI, so you may not be able to take full advantage of the technology.