Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Installing a dual graphics card is pretty straightforward. It depends a little on which system you use to set up the two video cards, be it from Nvidia's "SLI" or ATI's "Crossfire". The instructions below are based on Nvidia's SLI technology.

Steps

1. 1 Make sure your motherboard is compatible with two video cards. Either consult your motherboard's manual, or (if you don't have one) find out which model it is and check on the manufacturer's website.
2. 2 Disconnect your computer.
3. 3 Remove the side of the computer case or the entire cover, depending on which system unit you have.
4. 4 Locate the two PCI Express slots where you will insert your graphics cards.
5. 5 Depending on the new motherboard you have, you may have to flip the "Single / SLI Video Card" switch to the "Dual card" position. This switch is located between the PCI Express slots of the two video cards. On some newer motherboards, this is not necessary.
6. 6 Insert the video cards one at a time, and press them firmly into their position.
7. 7 Connect the "bridge" that comes with your motherboard. The "bridge" connects to the top of each video card. Bridges come in more than one size; if included with your motherboard, this is the correct size for bonding between cards.
8. 8 Depending on your motherboard, you may need to plug in an additional 4-pin Molex power supply connector known as the "Easy Plug Molex". This will allow additional power to run the graphics cards. Also, depending on your graphics cards, you may need to connect each card to a power source.
9. 9 After the physical installation is complete, install the device drivers and reboot the system.
10. 10 You should see a message from the Nvidia Control Panel (unless you need to navigate to Control Panel) telling you that your system is configured to use multiple GPUs. Click to enable.
11. 11 You must enable "SLI Mode" or "Crossfire mode" to use two video cards. Once this is done, you may need to restart your computer again. You must be configured to proceed.

Tips

• If you are going to use more than one monitor with your graphics cards, be aware that only one monitor is supported while SLI is enabled. To work around this, you will need to install additional hardware.
• With SLI from Nvidia, at least for the time being, you need to connect two video cards with a chipset. For example, 1 BFG 7600 GT and 1 EVGA 7600 GT can be connected.

Warnings

• Be sure to dispose of equipment like ESD (ESD - Electrostatic Discharge) that can heat up your components before operating. Static electricity remains a threat to all computer components. It is recommended that you wear non-static clothing, that you keep in constant contact with the computer case, and that you do not touch the metal tracks on circuit boards or outside the computer.
• Always shut down the system before installing any equipment.