Sound effects

[manjoe]

I know what you mean. I was thinking of upgrading my two graphics cards but it will cost over $1000 for two new graphics cards. So I will have to save my pennies for a few years!

Check out the prices for soundcards at:

www.pricewatch.com

The prices are the lowest on the net.

Thanks Leader2302. I think I will order one today. I quote you because I wanted to ask about the 2 graphics cards. I dont know how to put the quote into another thread. So I take this opportunity to apologize to any and all who read this. This is slightly off-topic in that it asks about the use of 2 graphics card, and not the sound issues being discussed. If they are for one computer, what mechanisms are used to utilize both if that indeed is what you are doing? I guess what I am asking is "If you have two 512MB graphics cards, do you have the use of 1024MB of RAM?" I am thinking that the monitor hooks up to only one card (but I have heard of DUAL-MONITORS, and have no idea of what they are talking about), or am I completely ignorant about all these fancy hook-ups? Sorry, I dont understand computers too well.

 

[leader2302]

The two cards run together in SLI mode. The two graphics cards go into the two pci graphics slots on a SLI capable motherboard. They are connected to each other with a small "bridge chip". To the back of one card is connected your monitor cable.

Yes, when you run in SLI mode you get the benefit of using all the ram on both cards. I have two 256mb cards so I get the full 512mb of video ram available for my games. You also get quite a boost in frame rates in games, often double the normal rate. Trs2004 uses all the video ram and I saw a major frame rate jump with the two cards. On detailed routes I rarely go below 60 fps. In low detail areas I can hit 80-90 fps.

My cards are now 3 years old and are much slower than the new stuff. I think you can get graphics cards with 756mb of ram each. You can even build a system with four (!) of these cards called quad SLI. I'm waiting for the 1gb cards to come out then I am building the ultimate-a quad SLI system with four 1gb cards. (Moo-ha-ha)

The downside is you have to have a big power supply for your PC when running two graphics cards. I had to buy a 1 kilowatt power supply that cost almost $500 to meet the power needs of my system. (Prices may be a lot lower now that it is two years latter).

Dual monitors are simply having two monitors connected to your computer at once. All new video cards support this. The image from your video card(s) is split between the two monitors. For example, if you are using a flight simulator, you can have the cockpit view on one monitor and the outside view of your aircraft on the other monitor. If you are playing a shooter game you can have the third person view on one monitor and the first person view on the other monitor. For applications, you can have Word open on one monitor and the Internet open on the other monitor.

Hope this helps!

 

[manjoe]

That sounds absolutely awesome!! How in the heck does one determine if the power supply is adequate? I have a Dell410 XPS, and this is old stuff. Am I to assume that by "power supply", we are talking another pocketful of cash? I cannot imagine a base computer like mine that would come with an upgraded power supply. What numbers should I look for? Obviously I have to check what specs are on it, and then combine two different numbers from the two graphics cards. Geez, I get a great inexpensive Trainz game, and all of a sudden I have to mortgage the house to run it to its' full potential !!!!!:'( :'(

One more question. How does one tell if they have an SLI capable motherboard? All I know is I have some slots for other boards, but I dont know what kind. And theis BRIDGE CHIP. Do I buy that or does one of the graphics card include it? Sorry for so many questions, but you have the answers !!!!!!!

The Dell manual says DC power supply wattage 375W. Sounds like I rip her out, huh?

 

[leader2302]

That sounds absolutely awesome!! How in the heck does one determine if the power supply is adequate? I have a Dell410 XPS, and this is old stuff. Am I to assume that by "power supply", we are talking another pocketful of cash? I cannot imagine a base computer like mine that would come with an upgraded power supply. What numbers should I look for? Obviously I have to check what specs are on it, and then combine two different numbers from the two graphics cards. Geez, I get a great inexpensive Trainz game, and all of a sudden I have to mortgage the house to run it to its' full potential !!!!!:'( :'(

One more question. How does one tell if they have an SLI capable motherboard? All I know is I have some slots for other boards, but I dont know what kind. And theis BRIDGE CHIP. Do I buy that or does one of the graphics card include it? Sorry for so many questions, but you have the answers !!!!!!!

The Dell manual says DC power supply wattage 375W. Sounds like I rip her out, huh?

First you need to find out if your motherboard is SLI capable. Do this by reading the manual that came with your PC, or check the Dell website for the specs on your PC. If it does not say SLI in the specs you will have to upgrade your motherboard to a "SLI PCI express" motherboard (Asus sells the best). If your motherboard is SLI you will see two extra short slots near the cpu socket that are not in line with the regular PCI add in card sockets. By the size of your power supply your motherboard is probably not SLI capable. (375 watts is very small these days-I run a 1kilowatt power supply)

The "Bridge chip" is included with the SLI graphics cards in the box.


Go to the Nvidea website and all your SLI questions will be answered with some nice video tutorials:

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_diy_videoguide01.html

There should be a list at the above site that tells you what kind of power supply and other components you will need.

Understand we are talking a bucket load of cash to build an SLI machine. A cheaper way to go is just buy one of the Nvidea 8800 756mb graphics cards if you have a PCI graphics card slot on your motherboard. It won't as good as SLI but will give you a massive amount of graphics power for Trainz. Plus you may not to upgrade your motherboard if you have the correct graphics slot.

Hope this helps!

 

[manjoe]

Thanks Leader2302..Those websites are a blessing in disquise. I would never have found them. Now I have to figure out how much more money to spend !!!:wave: