[Spandy87]

So my reference GTX 580 crapped the bed and died today, and I need to replace it. I want to get the MSI GTX 580 Lightning but I don't know if I can SLI that with the DCUII.

Is it possible to SLI non reference cards together from different brands? I thought it was but I'm not sure.

 

[Pedros]

I wasn't able to sli it Spandy ... It worked on a bench with a R3E ... but i had no space to install it with my ud7

R3E:

Ud7:

I think you should go with the lightning

Just in case that your slot spacing sucks like mine ... then hading a second 580 is a pain since the second x16 slot is under the cooler

 

[MoBeeJ]

Yes u can sli ANY gtx580 with ANY gtx580 no matter how wierd/non-reference they are. Put the higher clocked card in the primary slot, so they both run at 850mhz. Now if ur DCII cant run 850 on stock volts, just up the volts. Also If u get the card will u plz do an oc session? kinda a battle between ocs of ur DCII and lightning. thx

 

[Spandy87]

Will do. Is the lightning cooler triple slot?

 

[-Apocalypse-]

I don't believe the Lightning is triple slot.

However, why do you feel the need to replace the reference card? 580s haven't been out for 3 years, so any Asus 580 is still under warranty. They should replace the card no questions asked.

 

[Spandy87]

Oh, the reference card is actually discontinued, and I have Memory Express' replacement plan on the card. So I get a new one not a refurb. And since that card is disco'd I basically get the current version. Problem is that I need dual slot and DCUII is triple. So I gotta go with a different brand.

 

[Pedros]

Spandy ... no, the Lightning is a dual SLOT ... but be aware ... Lightnings and all other 580s with custom designed coolers, need some space between them ( 1 slot at least ) ir order for the cooler to work efficiently ... if not the card on the top is going to get really hot since the intake fans are removing air form the back of the first card ...

 

[TickleMeElmo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedros;12976199
Spandy ... no, the Lightning is a dual SLOT ... but be aware ... Lightnings and all other 580s with custom designed coolers, need some space between them ( 1 slot at least ) ir order for the cooler to work efficiently ... if not the card on the top is going to get really hot since the intake fans are removing air form the back of the first card ...

This. I don't think that nonreference cards are really designed for SLI applications at least not SLI where there is no space between them. They tend to exhaust most, if not all, of their air into the case and unless you have pretty good case air flow they will intake the same air that they exhaust creating a troublesome hot air pocket around your cards.

 

[MMJA]

Also note that since the PCB of the MSI 580 lightning is taller than the standard PCB it actually rises above the SLI fingers. So your SLI bridge will have to be longer again to go over this, make sure you've got enough clearance from any side panel fans.