Can you use Two different Graphics Cards at once

One of my viewers has asked me whether it is possible to install 2 graphics cards on the same motherboard.

The short answer is yes, it is possible to run 2 graphics cards in tandem. But, it is a bit more complicated than just adding another RAM. Adding another graphics card for NVIDIA is called SLI and for AMD it's called Crossfire. Having 2 cheap graphics cards rather than just 1 expensive one could give you a better performance for less cost.

But, how can we make sure 2 graphics cards would work together?
Things to check are: 1) whether motherboard supports 2 graphics cards 2) whether the graphics cards support SLI or Crossfire. 3) whether the two graphics cards are compatible with each other 4) Whether the existing Power Supply Unit could supply the extra power requirement.

For NVIDIA, the two graphics should be identical. For example, if you got GTX 1080 Ti, you should buy another GTX 1080 Ti in order to make it work together! However, you can't buy a GTX 1080 without the Ti and combine it with GTX 1080 Ti. But they can be from different manufacturers. By the way, one of the most popular graphics card which is GTX 1060 doesn't support SLI! So, it's very important to check whether your graphics card does support SLI or Crossfire.

On the other hand, AMD provides more choices of compatible graphics card. Nevertheless, the AMD graphics cards have to be from the same series. For example, if you got a HD 6970, you could buy HD 6950 as both are from the same series.

If you want to learn more about the specific graphics cards that support SLI or Crossfire, please let me know in the comments below.

After successfully installing both the cards, you'd still need to go to your graphics card software and enable SLI or Crossfire.

After managing to pass through the above hurdles, the other things to consider before buying 2 graphics card are:
1) Having 2 graphics cards would obviously consume more power, which in turn would produce more heat and noise!
2) Unfortunately not all Games support SLI or Crossfire. This is because NVIDIA and AMD have to update their video card drivers to support new games.
3) There is a risk of micro stuttering. Meaning, the video could look a bit more choppy.

All in all, you'll have to do some tweaking on your side, to make sure the 2 graphics cards could run smoothly.

In my opinion. If you're building a new PC, then having one graphics card is a better choice. However, if you already got a comparatively good graphics card that support SLI or Crossfire, then adding the same graphics card might not be a bad option!

So, let me know in the comments below whether you think it is worth to have 2 graphics cards and why?

Update - Microsoft has developed something called "explicit multi-adaptor" that allows the use of AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards together since the development of DirectX 12. However, not all games developed to support DirectX 12. I suggest you to first check the games you want to play whether they support DirectX 12. Also, make sure you got a powerful enough CPU, PSU! It's still gonna be tricky though

If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below 😊

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[bhupindertube]

*Update - Microsoft has developed something called "explicit multi-adaptor" that allows the use of AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards together since the development of DirectX 12. However, not all games developed to support DirectX 12. I suggest you to first check the games you want to play whether they support DirectX 12. Also, make sure you got a powerful enough CPU, PSU! It's still gonna be tricky though*

[jacquespedersen]

Straight forward, cuts to the chase and informative. Well done!

[dukeshaver]

That was a really good video and I loved how you clearly and concisely laid out the pros and cons. Keep up the great work brother.

[dango]

Best video I have ever watched on YouTube. Just straight forward, explain really good as well. I been researching about hardware and I have learned nothing from popular channel. This guy deserve more sub.

[bhupindertube]

Good news - Microsoft has developed something called "explicit multi-adaptor" that allows the use of AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards together since the development of DirectX 12. However, not all games developed to support DirectX 12. I suggest you to first check the games you want to play whether they support DirectX 12. Also, make sure you got a powerful enough CPU, PSU! It's still gonna be tricky though.

That means you might be able get them work together for Windows 10 and some of the games that support directX12 (the way forward). Important thing is to check whether your graphics cards support DirectX 12! All the best!

[jadetea]

Thanks for answering all my questions in this video! I am in the process of updating my build and have older AMD 7950. I'd like a newer card to run newer games and was seriously thinking of just popping in the newer NVIDIA without extra thought LOL!

[frankmaceri]

Dude thank you for your input, it seams like 1 card is the way to go, thank you for your time and honest opinion.

[victorroldan]

question what power supply voltage goes well with 2 radeon 6000 seres? I'm using 6700 and a 6600 with a 850w 80 plus gold is this good enough?

[arpitrajpoot]

Salute the man didn't ask for a sub and like ❤️ I subscribed instantly 👍

[FrancisJMotionDesigner]

im trying to install a seccond gpu which is a 3070 on my PC. i already have on 3080ti installed. I have enough power but after installation, there is a lag when I move my mouse and frequent crashes. I tried removing all drivers and doing a fresh install with DDU. my motherboard is asus rog strix x570 E.... Please let me know what I'm doing wrong. could it be something with pcie lane support?

[ElishaBittock]

This is a great video, great explanation, to the point. This question has been in my mind all day. Thanks.

[efizism]

Very useful explanation! Straight to the point! Thanks!

[Sir_Eye_Dough]

I’m at a loss for words. Came here thinking I was going to start a journey of videos and websites looking for answers. Nope. All of it here. In one video. Straight to the point. Got me.

[ever]

damn I was hoping this would be longer I enjoyed the video and I just picked up the x570 ROG crosshair VIII DARK HERO and wouldn't mind in the future adding 2 gpus but I need to find a good case preferably mid tower but most likely will need a full tower.

[tylerramelfanger]

Damn, man actually answered all my questions in a video, i feel like thats never been done, thank you

[TheBaldGuyy]

my question is does it increase the vram
lets say i have 710 geforce ddr5 with 2gb ram and 710 geforce ddr3 with 1gb
will it give me 3gb ram?

[soul_won]

Absolutely amazing video, I had a general question on whether its better to run 2 graphics cards and instead of having to watch a 30 min video ur 4 min video explained it really well and answered my question. Thank you :))

[SnowyBlizzard]

If I’ve got a 2060 ti and buy a 3080 ti they wouldn’t be compatible? I’m just looking to upgrade my pc for smoother editing and I didn’t wanna entirely waste a 2060 if I could avoid it

[TheGrimsComingu]

Thanks for letting me know I wanted to buy another zotac geforce trx 2060 but its probably better if I just stick with the one I have already or i might just get zotac geforce rtx 3060 ti also if I can have your opinion on this please let me know if I should buy the 3060 and switch out my 2060

[caspase]

I have a 1080Ti and would like to add additional one. Does the 2nd GPU need to be the exact 1080Ti make as the one I already have, or can it be from different manufacturers/make? I will really appreciate your help on this. Thx