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Confusion reigns over NVIDIA SLI connections |
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Written by Mavke
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Monday, 01 November 2004 |
Cable confusion is dogging the introduction of NVIDIA SLI technology. Our story had NVIDIA starting with PCB SLI connectors and then moving to flexible cables. NVIDIA even told us it was this way, so we went with it. Then my personal inbox was flooded with letters from people telling me I was full of something less savoury and far more smelly than patchouli. NVIDIA doesn't make SLI connectors of course, the mobo makers do, or cause them to be made, and it is going to be PCBs either way.
 Confusion reigns over NVIDIA SLI connections
The snottograms were followed up with a letter from someone I know and trust saying it was flexible cables only, and ASUS has a really nice looking one, clear plastic modern artsy stuff. If you all haven't noticed, I am confused enough already and snottograms just complicate the picture. While nearly in a foetal position, NVIDIA called again, and this time my head ended up hurting much less than it did before. Thank you Mr Nameless PR Person, you are better than aspirin although better for the head than the heart.
He of the changing hair colour told me that the SLI connector is indeed going to be made by the mobo makers to fit the motherboard in question. It should be bundled with all SLI capable motherboards, and is a requirement for SLI certification. That neatly solves the placement and differing width question. If it is designed for a motherboard, it will probably fit that mobo.
The part about PCBs vs flexible cables is a little trickier. The short answer is both will be available. The decision to make PCBs or cables is up to the individual motherboard maker. It sounds like NVIDIA is pushing for the PCB solution over the cable though, but in the end, it is more of an engineering problem.
Part of the decision may be because the cables have less bandwidth than the PCB, so under some circumstances, it may limit performance. I would expect the mobo makers to make the correct decision for their mobo, picking the solution that is correct for the market segment the board is aimed at.
So, when you get a board, you may get either the PCB or the cable, is it based on the board bought, not the manufacturer. If the board supports the resolutions and cards that you need, go by that. Clear as can be, and my head hurts less now.
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