First time doing SLI, some questions

[Musabi]

So I will be doing SLI with GTX480s (dont worry, theyll be watercooled =] ) I am just wondering about the actual connections with the sli bridge.

Here is a pic of the PCI-E setup:

I really would like to use my PCI slot for an old audigy 2 since I have speakers, a tv and a headset hooked up to this computer (hence the need for 2 sound cards).
My questions are:
1) Can I put a GTX480 in the bottom slot and the 2nd slot and still run them at 16x/16x? Does it matter what slot they are in?
2)Can I use the triple sli bridge to connect these two cards in sli?

If not, I guess its time for a cheapy PCI-E audio card!

[SugarJ]

Your slots should be labeled PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2. They are the top and 3rd long PCI-E connectors. (See page 7 in your manual). Those are the slots to put your cards in for x16 operation. If your cards are watercooled, you may still be physically able to slide your PCI sound card in if you take the double PCI slot cover off your lower card.

[belgolas]

Ya I would do as SugarJ says. The bottom slot will not be full 16 lanes.

Don't know if you can use the triple SLI bridge but it wouldn't hurt to try.

[rjbarker]

You can use your Triple SLI Bridge on 2x SLI arrangement no problem at all...

[_dangtx_]

nice setup, dont forget the workog section with pics and all

while at it, if you have time, see what numbers you get from 16x to 8x in actual games. on tpu there was an article about it, with differences up to 8 percent if memory serves right.

[Musabi]

Thanks for all the info guys! You're right SugarJ, I looked more indepth into the manual and see the two 16x slots now. I will be watercooling eventually (two weeks) so I'll try sliding it in like your said, if not I'll grab a PCI-E 1x sound card.

Originally Posted by _dangtx_

nice setup, dont forget the workog section with pics and all

it's in the worklog section under triple threat =)