I think you mean SLI connector. Even without an SLI connector, it is still possible to SLI two cards. It just uses PCI Express for data transfers.
Ya, heard of that, it was possible in the newer forcewares, but IINM, the SLI bridge do help somehow right? If it were to go through the PCIe, would it utilize FSB?
Well, other than a marketing tool, it allows the cards to communicate with each other without using PCI Express bandwidth.
But initially, the cards needed the SLI connector to SLI and it's only much later that they are able to bypass the card with newer forcewares
Well, I don't think you actually "need" the connector, but I guess it was easier to do it that way. Also, there is some performance issues by using the PCI Express bus.
i only bought mine because its the cheapest RAM available. haha. i was looking at SLI memory, it just EPP by Nvidia & Corsair. the only difference is more aggressive timing with higher voltage. jedec #3, 5-5-5-18 @ 1.8V EPP #1 4-4-4-15 @ 2.2V
Smart!!! Memory have become more of a commodity, with little to differentiate different brands and models.
SLIing 2x 9600GT is much cooler than a single GTX295. the GTX295 is a damn hot GC, one that I can't remove with my bare hands after use. It's either I wait till it cools (obviously) or grab a cloth and protect my fingers.
now i have SLI -certifies PSU too .. SLI motherboard, SLI graphic card, SLI memory, SLI PSU .. what a coincidence.. luckily there is no such thing as a SLI-certified CPU .. or Hard Disk.. or Optical Drive.. or cable..
i know but it's damn hot. we're talking about 13k PPD with 300w power consumption, going at around 90c - 100c even on air-conditioned and well ventilated casing. that vs 6k PPD with 100w power consumption, going at less than 60c on each card. imagine the air con also have to work harder to keep the room at cooling state. and the noise! arrgghh, the GTX295 is now migrated to rig #3. downstairs, cooling place with lots more room than where I'm based in. i am most likely to move the GTX295 to main rig once I get Wolfenstein.