The world of computer hardware and technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements emerging every year. One such technology that has undergone significant changes over the years is Scalable Link Interface (SLI). In this article, we will delve into the history of SLI, its evolution, and what it is called now.
A Brief History of SLI
SLI technology was first introduced by NVIDIA in 2004, with the aim of improving the performance of graphics cards in computers. The technology allowed two or more graphics cards to be connected together, increasing the processing power and enabling smoother gameplay and faster rendering of graphics. SLI was initially met with enthusiasm by gamers and graphics professionals, who saw the potential for improved performance and increased productivity.
How SLI Works
SLI technology works by dividing the workload between two or more graphics cards, allowing them to process different parts of an image simultaneously. This leads to a significant increase in processing power, resulting in faster rendering of graphics and improved overall performance. SLI also allows for the use of multiple monitors, enabling users to expand their desktop and increase productivity.
Types of SLI
Over the years, NVIDIA has introduced several types of SLI, including:
- SLI (Scalable Link Interface): The original SLI technology, which allowed two graphics cards to be connected together.
- SLI HB (High-Bandwidth): An updated version of SLI, which increased the bandwidth between the graphics cards, allowing for faster data transfer and improved performance.
- SLI Mosaic: A technology that allows multiple graphics cards to be connected together, enabling the use of multiple monitors and increased productivity.
The Evolution of SLI
As technology has advanced, SLI has undergone significant changes. In 2016, NVIDIA announced that it would be discontinuing support for SLI in its newer graphics cards, citing the increased complexity and cost of implementing the technology. However, this did not mean the end of SLI. Instead, NVIDIA introduced a new technology called NVIDIA NVLink, which offers improved performance and increased bandwidth.
NVIDIA NVLink
NVLink is a high-speed interconnect technology that allows multiple graphics cards to be connected together, enabling faster data transfer and improved performance. NVLink offers several advantages over traditional SLI, including:
- Higher bandwidth: NVLink offers higher bandwidth than traditional SLI, allowing for faster data transfer and improved performance.
- Lower latency: NVLink reduces latency, allowing for faster rendering of graphics and improved overall performance.
- Increased scalability: NVLink allows for the connection of multiple graphics cards, enabling increased scalability and improved performance.
Comparison of SLI and NVLink
| Feature | SLI | NVLink |
| — | — | — |
| Bandwidth | Up to 1 GB/s | Up to 100 GB/s |
| Latency | Higher | Lower |
| Scalability | Limited to 2-4 GPUs | Supports up to 8 GPUs |
What is SLI Called Now?
So, what is SLI called now? While NVIDIA has discontinued support for traditional SLI, the technology has evolved into new forms. NVLink is the latest iteration of SLI, offering improved performance and increased bandwidth. However, NVLink is not a direct replacement for SLI, and it requires specific hardware and software support.
Alternatives to SLI
For those who are looking for alternatives to SLI, there are several options available:
- AMD Crossfire: A technology developed by AMD, which allows multiple graphics cards to be connected together, enabling improved performance and increased productivity.
- Intel Multi-GPU: A technology developed by Intel, which allows multiple graphics cards to be connected together, enabling improved performance and increased productivity.
Comparison of SLI Alternatives
| Feature | AMD Crossfire | Intel Multi-GPU |
| — | — | — |
| Compatibility | Limited to AMD graphics cards | Limited to Intel graphics cards |
| Performance | Improved performance | Improved performance |
| Scalability | Limited to 2-4 GPUs | Limited to 2-4 GPUs |
Conclusion
In conclusion, SLI has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving into new forms and technologies. While NVIDIA has discontinued support for traditional SLI, NVLink offers improved performance and increased bandwidth. For those who are looking for alternatives to SLI, AMD Crossfire and Intel Multi-GPU are viable options. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in the field of graphics processing and multi-GPU technology.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of SLI is a testament to the rapid pace of innovation in the field of computer hardware and technology. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how NVLink and other technologies continue to shape the landscape of graphics processing and multi-GPU technology. Whether you are a gamer, graphics professional, or simply a tech enthusiast, understanding the evolution of SLI and its current state is essential for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
What is SLI and how does it work?
SLI, or Scalable Link Interface, is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) to work together in a single system, increasing overall graphics performance. This is achieved by splitting the workload between the GPUs, allowing for faster rendering of graphics and improved performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications.
In a typical SLI setup, two or more identical NVIDIA GPUs are connected using a special bridge or connector, which allows them to communicate with each other and share the workload. The GPUs work together to render graphics, with each GPU handling a portion of the workload, resulting in improved performance and faster frame rates.
What is the difference between SLI and NVLink?
NVLink is a newer technology developed by NVIDIA that replaces SLI in many modern systems. While SLI uses a traditional PCIe interface to connect multiple GPUs, NVLink uses a high-speed interconnect that provides much faster bandwidth and lower latency. This allows for even faster communication between GPUs and improved performance in applications that rely on multi-GPU configurations.
NVLink is designed to provide a more scalable and flexible solution for multi-GPU systems, allowing for more GPUs to be connected together and providing improved performance in a wider range of applications. NVLink is also more power-efficient than SLI, which can help reduce power consumption and heat generation in systems that use multiple GPUs.
Is SLI still supported by NVIDIA?
While NVIDIA still supports SLI in some form, the company has largely shifted its focus to NVLink and other newer technologies. SLI is still supported in some older systems and applications, but it is no longer the preferred solution for multi-GPU configurations.
In fact, NVIDIA has announced that it will be phasing out SLI support in future driver releases, which means that users who rely on SLI may need to upgrade to newer hardware or switch to a different technology in order to continue using multi-GPU configurations. However, NVIDIA will continue to support SLI in some form for the foreseeable future.
What are the benefits of using SLI or NVLink?
The main benefit of using SLI or NVLink is improved graphics performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications. By allowing multiple GPUs to work together, these technologies can provide faster frame rates, improved texture rendering, and enhanced overall graphics quality.
In addition to improved graphics performance, SLI and NVLink can also provide benefits in other areas, such as scientific simulations, data analytics, and professional video editing. These technologies can help accelerate compute-intensive workloads, reducing processing times and improving overall system productivity.
Can I use SLI or NVLink with any GPU?
No, SLI and NVLink are only compatible with certain NVIDIA GPUs. In order to use SLI, you need to have two or more identical NVIDIA GPUs that support SLI, such as the GeForce GTX 1070 or Quadro P5000.
For NVLink, you need to have a compatible NVIDIA GPU, such as the Tesla V100 or Quadro RTX 8000, as well as a motherboard that supports NVLink. Not all NVIDIA GPUs support NVLink, so it’s essential to check compatibility before purchasing hardware.
How do I set up SLI or NVLink?
Setting up SLI or NVLink requires a few specific steps. First, you need to ensure that your system meets the necessary hardware requirements, including a compatible motherboard and two or more identical NVIDIA GPUs.
Once you have the necessary hardware, you can set up SLI or NVLink using the NVIDIA Control Panel software. This software allows you to configure the SLI or NVLink settings, including the number of GPUs to use and the rendering mode. You may also need to update your drivers and configure your system settings to optimize performance.
What is the future of SLI and NVLink?
The future of SLI is uncertain, as NVIDIA has announced that it will be phasing out SLI support in future driver releases. However, NVLink is likely to continue as a key technology for multi-GPU configurations, particularly in the datacenter and professional markets.
In the future, we can expect to see even faster and more scalable interconnects, such as NVIDIA’s upcoming NVLink 2 technology. This technology promises to provide even faster bandwidth and lower latency, enabling new use cases and applications that rely on multi-GPU configurations.