So my GIGABYTE GA-MA790X doesn't do nVidia SLI?

I got the motherboard along with two Geforce 8800s and became uncertain when there was no SLI bridge connector with the mobo. Now I've been searching for information about my configuration and I can't find anything anywhere! I had assumed that any mobo with two PCI express slots could pull off an SLI setup. I know the 790X can SLI, but it's crossfire SLI. Then again, there was still no bridge connector for that either.

Gigabyte Tech support is closed for the rest of tonight. Please help! I'm very confused.

Through some more research, I'm coming to the conclusion that I won't be able to SLI the 8800s on the Gigabyte board. Apparently for nVidia's SLI configuration the bridge connector will come with the board if it is supported by it, and ATI bridge connectors come with the cards. So I'm on the wrong end of a double-edged sword.

Now my problem is choice, so I ask you: What would you do? I'm going to have to return something, and/or order something no matter what I decide to do.

I've got the GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P, and I love this board, mostly for the 2oz of copper in the PCB. MMMmmm Beefy!! But it also goes well with the AMD Phenom II x 4 that I just ordered. I almost feel like I can't let this mobo go.

BUT, the two 8800GTSs are wicked fast and I was looking forward to seeing them working together. They were cheap already, and I haven't even gotten the rebate yet(which may be a good thing, as they would then become non-returnable).

My alternative would probably be the more expensive Radeon HD 4850. I've never ran an ATI card before, nor have ever had a dual-card setup. So this card would put me out of my comfort zone, and it always has seemed to me that ATI cards run into more compatibility issures than nVs. However, I'm glad to hear that this car runs cool and quiet under 60% load.


Also, NO I can't afford an i7. I thought I should mention that since that's the hot item on the market and everyone is recommending it. I'm not an experienced overclocker anyways. Also Also, what is Newegg's return policy on open-box items? I immediately opened everything like it was Super Christmas when I got it...

Thanks for taking the time to read all this! OTS is the best.

Your options seem to be limited for AMD boards supporting that processor which also support SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...srchInDesc=SLI

Personally i would return the board, as it's only one product to return. Any other choice you'd have to return the two cards for two ATI, or return the processor and board and go Intel board and SLI. Since you don't want to go intel, and ATI is out of your comfort zone. Returning just the motherboard is the best option.

As far as newegg returns go. I've never had to return anything to them so i am unsure their policy on it. I am sure though if you call and explain it, they should allow you a return aslong as it's been less then 30 days.

Thanks Demonbob, you are right as far as cost goes. To return the two 8800s it's $30, and to return the mobo would only be $15... but I just can't do things the cheap way and decided to give ATI a try. The radeon 4850 is a 1 gig card so I figure one would be just as good as two SLI'ed 8800s, and I got two anyways.

I just wish I would have ran my build by you guys before I ever hit the purchase button. I would have saved at least $30! And it was such a dumb mistake on my part. Live and learn I guess.

Dont get the 1 gig HD 4850! It's 256 megabit memory bus. So, that makes the extra 512mb more or less worthless in resoloutions over 1400 x 900 or 1280 x 1024.

Also, don't buy any HD 4850 with the ATI reference cooler. Both ATI and the NV reference cooler are mediocre.


Here are a good HD 4850 for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102833

The new Sapphire "Vapor X " Cooler is a great thing! Silent and cools very well.

But with that card you suggest there is also 512MB that I wouldn't have... Are you sure the extra memory isn't used in another way besides resolution? I actually have some zalman coolers for the cards also.

not that I don't trust you Goranpaa, but I just got the cards and now you've got me scared to open the boxes. Will there be absolutely no gain with these cards over the Sapphire 4850s?

However the Sapphires have HDMI built in, a decent cooler, and they come with the bridge connector while the XFXs do not. I'd have to register my XFX cards and have to have them mail me a connector, which may take just as much time as ordering the Sapphires instead, from Newegg... AND, with the Sapphires I could use the stock cooler and RMA the Zalmans for another $100 back.

So I would just like a clear explanation for some peace of mind: Is the 1 gig of memory on the XFXs a total marketing gimmick?