Sli [graphic cards]

I have a new computer with two 6800 SLI cards and the FX55 processor. This is probably a dumb question, but how can I tell for sure both of the cards are actually contributing to my performance? I mean, the monitor is only plugged into the one card.
Again, maybe I'm missing something, but is there a way to CONFIRM both cards are working?

 

JRG,
Here's a good article you may want to look at.
http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20040628/

HTH

 

Some good reading

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


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


I would think your Nvidia control panel should show you that it is enabled as should a system information tool like everest
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/everest.html

 

OK, this is what Everest says:

Chipset
]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ North Bridge: nVIDIA nForce4 SLI (CK8-04) ]

North Bridge Properties:
North Bridge nVIDIA nForce4 SLI
(CK8-04)
Revision A3
Process Technology 0.13 um

PCI Express Controller:
PCI-E x8 port #0 In Use @ x8 (nVIDIA
GeForce 6800 PCI-E Series Video Adapter)
PCI-E x8 port #1 In Use @ x8 (nVIDIA
GeForce 6800 PCI-E Series Video Adapter)
PCI-E x2 port #2 Empty
PCI-E x2 port #3 Empty

Chipset Manufacturer:
Company Name NVIDIA Corporation
Product Information
http://www.nvidia.com/page/mobo.html
Driver Download
http://www.nvidia.com/drivers

[ North Bridge: AMD Hammer IMC ]

North Bridge Properties:
North Bridge AMD Hammer IMC
Revision 00
In-Order Queue Depth 8

Memory Controller:
Type Dual Channel
(128-bit)
Active Mode Dual Channel
(128-bit)

Memory Timings:
CAS Latency (CL) 3T
RAS To CAS Delay (tRCD) 3T
RAS Precharge (tRP) 3T
RAS Active Time (tRAS) 8T
Row Cycle Time (tRC) 11T
Row Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC) 14T
Command Rate (CR) 2T
RAS To RAS Delay (tRRD) 2T
Write Recovery Time (tWR) 3T

And the Nvidia console shows the temperature of each, so I guess I can rest assured both cards are working... thanks for the advice

 

JRG, Right On!!

Yes, Everest says they're doing what they're are supposed to do.

 

Hi JRG,
Sounds like a NICE system (you should put the specs in your signature). With high performance hardware like that I would want to know that it is functioning well.
Try running 3D Mark 03.
http://www.futuremark.com/download/
With the trial version you won't be able to compare the results online. Try comparing them to the ones in the signature of the user Dazz here:
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=17466
You can also see some of his settings. He may be overclocking so don't get disappointed if you can't beat his results. Check things like the driver version and DirectX version.
You may get some comparisons here:
http://www.tweaknews.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5100&start=0&sid=f3b0a4e1c63bbd5e2b4c029d94fc05aa

Look through the motherboard manual for graphics settings. Some may be defaulted to standard. Check them here:
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=1
I am not sure about SLI, but the main ones that can make a difference on a standard system are AGP Aperture Size and AGP Fast Writes (if the graphics card/s support it).

It should be a great system.

Matt