The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti has been a popular choice among gamers and graphics enthusiasts since its release in 2019. With its impressive performance, power efficiency, and affordable price point, it’s no wonder why many have opted for this mid-range graphics card. However, one question remains on the minds of many enthusiasts: Does the GTX 1660 Ti support SLI (Scalable Link Interface)? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of SLI, explore its benefits, and ultimately answer the question that has been bothering many GTX 1660 Ti owners.
Understanding SLI: What It Is and How It Works
Before we dive into the specifics of the GTX 1660 Ti, let’s first understand what SLI is and how it works. SLI is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows users to connect multiple graphics cards together to improve overall graphics performance. By linking two or more identical graphics cards, users can experience increased frame rates, better graphics quality, and reduced latency in games and applications that support SLI.
The concept of SLI is rooted in the idea that multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) can work together to process graphics data more efficiently. By dividing the workload between multiple GPUs, SLI enables faster rendering of complex graphics, reduced frame times, and improved overall performance.
The Benefits of SLI
So, why would anyone want to use SLI? Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Performance: SLI can significantly boost graphics performance, making it ideal for 4K gaming, high-refresh-rate displays, and graphics-intensive applications.
- Enhanced Graphics Quality: With multiple GPUs working together, SLI enables higher graphics settings, reduced anti-aliasing, and improved detail textures.
- Reduced Latency: SLI can reduce latency and input lag, providing a more responsive gaming experience.
- Increased Multi-Tasking: With multiple GPUs, SLI allows for seamless multi-tasking, making it perfect for users who need to run multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.
GTX 1660 Ti: A Mid-Range Powerhouse
Now that we’ve covered the basics of SLI, let’s focus on the GTX 1660 Ti. This mid-range graphics card is based on the TU116 architecture and features 24 streaming multiprocessors, 144 CUDA cores, and 6 GB of GDDR6 memory. With a base clock speed of 1500 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1770 MHz, the GTX 1660 Ti is more than capable of handling modern games at high settings.
The GTX 1660 Ti is also an impressive performer when it comes to power efficiency, with a TDP (thermal design power) of just 120W. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a powerful graphics card without the need for a high-wattage power supply.
GTX 1660 Ti: SLI Support or Not?
So, does the GTX 1660 Ti support SLI? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, the GTX 1660 Ti is not SLI-capable, which means users cannot connect multiple GTX 1660 Ti cards together to improve performance.
The reason for this is due to NVIDIA’s decision to limit SLI support to higher-end graphics cards, such as the GeForce RTX 20 series and beyond. This move was likely made to encourage users to upgrade to more premium graphics cards, which offer a range of features beyond just SLI support.
Why No SLI Support for GTX 1660 Ti?
There are several reasons why NVIDIA might have chosen not to include SLI support for the GTX 1660 Ti:
- Cost and Power Constraints: The GTX 1660 Ti is a mid-range graphics card, and including SLI support would have increased the cost and power requirements of the card.
- Focusing on Higher-End Cards: By limiting SLI support to higher-end cards, NVIDIA can focus on delivering a more premium experience to users who are willing to invest in top-tier hardware.
- Emphasis on Ray Tracing and AI: NVIDIA has been pushing the boundaries of ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics with its RTX series. By not including SLI support on the GTX 1660 Ti, NVIDIA may be encouraging users to adopt these new technologies.
Workarounds and Alternatives
While the GTX 1660 Ti may not support SLI, there are still ways to improve performance and utilize multiple graphics cards. Here are a few workarounds and alternatives:
NVIDIA GeForce Link
GeForce Link is a feature that allows users to connect multiple NVIDIA graphics cards together, but it’s not the same as traditional SLI. GeForce Link is designed for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations, where the processing power of multiple GPUs can be utilized.
AMD Crossfire
If you’re looking for a multi-GPU solution, AMD’s Crossfire technology might be worth considering. Crossfire allows users to connect multiple AMD graphics cards together, similar to NVIDIA’s SLI. However, it’s essential to note that Crossfire is only compatible with AMD graphics cards and is not supported by NVIDIA.
Micro-Stuttering and framerate issues
One of the primary concerns with SLI is micro-stuttering, which occurs when the two GPUs are not perfectly synchronized, causing uneven framerate performance. Framerate issues can also arise when the game or application doesn’t properly utilize SLI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GTX 1660 Ti does not support SLI, which may be a disappointment for some users. However, this mid-range graphics card still offers impressive performance, power efficiency, and value for its price. While SLI support might not be an option, there are other ways to improve performance, such as overclocking, tweaking settings, and exploring alternative technologies like NVIDIA GeForce Link.
If you’re looking for a more premium graphics card with SLI support, consider upgrading to a higher-end NVIDIA graphics card, such as the GeForce RTX 20 series or beyond. Remember, the world of graphics technology is constantly evolving, and new innovations are just around the corner. Stay tuned for the latest developments and breakthroughs in the world of graphics cards and SLI technology!
What is SLI and how does it work?
SLI, or Scalable Link Interface, is a technology developed by NVIDIA that allows multiple graphics cards to work together to improve the performance of a computer system. It enables the graphics processing units (GPUs) of multiple cards to split the workload of rendering graphics, resulting in increased frame rates, improved visuals, and enhanced overall gaming experience.
In an SLI setup, the GPUs communicate with each other through a bridge, which is a physical connector that links the cards together. The cards work together to render different parts of the image, with one card handling the top half and the other handling the bottom half, for example. This allows the system to take advantage of the combined processing power of both cards, resulting in improved performance and faster frame rates.
Does the GTX 1660 Ti support SLI?
The GTX 1660 Ti is a popular mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA, but unfortunately, it does not support SLI. This is because the GTX 1660 Ti is based on the TU116 GPU, which does not have the necessary hardware to support SLI. NVIDIA has reserved SLI support for its higher-end graphics cards, such as the RTX series and the GTX 1070 and above.
This means that if you have a GTX 1660 Ti, you will not be able to take advantage of SLI technology, even if you have multiple cards. If you’re looking to upgrade your system with multiple graphics cards, you’ll need to consider a different option that supports SLI, such as the RTX 3070 or higher.
What are the benefits of SLI?
SLI offers several benefits to gamers and enthusiasts who want to maximize their graphics performance. One of the main advantages is increased frame rates, which can result in smoother gameplay and a more immersive experience. SLI can also improve graphics quality, allowing for higher resolutions, more detailed textures, and advanced graphics features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence.
In addition to improved graphics performance, SLI can also provide better performance in other GPU-accelerated tasks, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations. With SLI, you can take advantage of the combined processing power of multiple GPUs to accelerate these tasks, resulting in faster completion times and improved overall productivity.
What are the system requirements for SLI?
To run SLI, you’ll need a system that meets certain requirements. First, you’ll need a motherboard that supports SLI, which typically means a high-end motherboard with an NVIDIA chipset. You’ll also need multiple graphics cards that support SLI, which are typically high-end cards from NVIDIA’s RTX or GTX series.
In addition to the hardware requirements, you’ll also need a powerful power supply unit (PSU) that can handle the increased power draw of multiple graphics cards. You’ll also need a case that has enough room to accommodate the multiple cards, as well as good airflow to keep the system cool. Finally, you’ll need a compatible operating system and drivers that support SLI.
Can I use SLI with other NVIDIA graphics cards?
Yes, SLI is supported on a range of NVIDIA graphics cards, including the RTX series and the GTX 1070 and above. However, not all NVIDIA graphics cards support SLI, and the technology is typically reserved for high-end cards. If you’re looking to use SLI, you’ll need to make sure that your graphics cards are compatible with the technology.
It’s also important to note that SLI is not supported on AMD graphics cards, as it is a proprietary technology developed by NVIDIA. If you’re using an AMD graphics card, you’ll need to look for alternative multi-GPU technologies, such as Crossfire.
Is SLI worth the investment?
Whether or not SLI is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re a serious gamer or enthusiast who wants the best possible graphics performance, SLI may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a limited budget or don’t need the absolute best performance, you may be able to get by with a single high-end graphics card.
It’s also important to consider the cost of SLI-compatible hardware, including the motherboard, power supply, and graphics cards. SLI can be an expensive technology, and you’ll need to weigh the benefits against the cost.
Are there any alternatives to SLI?
Yes, there are several alternatives to SLI that offer similar multi-GPU technology. One popular option is Crossfire, which is developed by AMD and supports multiple AMD graphics cards. Another option is DirectX 12’s Multi-Adapter technology, which allows multiple graphics cards from different manufacturers to work together.
In addition to these multi-GPU technologies, there are also other options for improving graphics performance, such as cloud gaming services or external graphics processing units (eGPUs). These options may not offer the same level of performance as SLI, but they can provide a more affordable and convenient way to improve your graphics performance.