How to Install Dual Video Cards

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Ensure that your motherboard is compatible with dual video cards.

   Either check your motherboard's manual, or, if you don't have that, find out what model it is and check the manufacturer's web site.
2. 2

   Step 2: Unplug your computer system.

   ,,, This switch is located between the two video cards' PCI Express slots.
   
   On some newer motherboards this is not necessary. ,, The "bridge" connects to the top of each video card.
   
   Bridges come in more than one size; if one was included with your motherboard it is the right size to span between the cards. , This will enable additional power to run your video cards.
   
   Also, depending on your video cards you may need to connect each card to the power supply. ,, Click to enable. , Once this is done you might be required to reboot your system again.
   
   You should be set to go.
3. 3

   Step 3: Remove the side of your computer case or the whole cover

4. 4

   Step 4: depending on how your case is configured.

5. 5

   Step 5: Locate the two PCI Express slots where you will be inserting your video cards.

6. 6

   Step 6: Depending on how new your motherboard is

7. 7

   Step 7: you may have to flip the "Single/SLI Video Card" switch into the dual card position.

8. 8

   Step 8: Insert the video cards one at a time and press them firmly into position.

9. 9

   Step 9: Connect the "bridge" that is supplied with your motherboard.

10. 10

    Step 10: Depending on your motherboard

11. 11

    Step 11: you may need to connect an additional 4 pin molex PSU connector

12. 12

    Step 12: referred to as the "Easy Plug Molex".

13. 13

    Step 13: Once the physical installation is finished

14. 14

    Step 14: install your device drivers and reboot your system.

15. 15

    Step 15: You should see a message from your Nvidia control panel (if not you need to navigate to the control panel)

16. 16

    Step 16: stating that your system is configured to take advantage of multiple GPU's.

17. 17

    Step 17: You must enable "SLI Mode" or "Crossfire mode" to take advantage of the dual video cards.

Detailed Guide

About the Author