This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:15:03
The video primarily explores the decline and challenges of using NVIDIA's SLI technology for multi-GPU setups, particularly focusing on the RTX 3090 graphics cards. Despite NVIDIA's announcement to cease developing SLI profiles for new and existing cards post-January 2021, the RTX 3090 still features NVLink for limited SLI usage. The presenter tests the ASUS ROG Strix gaming RTX 3090 and discusses setup configurations using the MSI Z490 GODLIKE motherboard, emphasizing the need for sufficient power and cooling solutions. Benchmarks and gameplay tests for games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided highlight the benefits and issues of SLI, such as increased power draw, the need for substantial power supply overhead, occasional performance stutters, and technical difficulties running specific games. Despite SLI’s capability to boost performance, its limited utility and heat generation are notable concerns. The video also includes mentions of Ridge Wallet and Micro Center as sponsors.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the decline of NVIDIA’s SLI technology, which allows the use of multiple graphics cards to increase FPS in games. On September 17th, 2020, NVIDIA announced that they would no longer develop SLI profiles for future or past cards after January 2021. However, the RTX 3090 card still includes an NVLink connector, suggesting possible SLI use in limited games that support it. The presenter tests an ASUS ROG Strix gaming RTX 3090 due to the unavailability of another NVIDIA Founder’s Edition card, noting its robust build and cooling design. Additionally, there is a brief mention of Ridge Wallet as a sponsor.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around a product shortage, and the specific configurations needed to handle a powerful setup featuring two RTX 3090 graphics cards. The contributors highlight that the MSI Z490 GODLIKE motherboard is the only suitable option in their studio for this configuration due to its Intel base and appropriate slot spacing. A challenge they face is ensuring sufficient airflow and power supply, as they need more eight-pin PCI express connectors than their 1000-watt Seasonic power supply can comfortably support. They also explain the NVLink bridge and its advancements over SLI, noting its development for AI and data centers but its utility in gaming cards for improved memory pooling.
00:06:00
In this segment, the video discusses the presence and capabilities of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology, listing several games that support it, including titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Civilization VI, and Red Dead Redemption 2. The presenter highlights the installation of nearly every SLI-capable game on their system. They decide to test Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 4k resolution with maximum settings, except for disabling motion blur. They discuss the high GPU usage and encounter a power supply issue due to the RTX 30 series’ sudden current spikes, advising a 20% power supply overhead to avoid such problems. The gameplay, despite encountering flicker, looks visually impressive and uses the GPUs efficiently.
00:09:00
In this segment, the presenter discusses the performance of a high-end gaming setup running an SLI configuration with multiple GPUs. They note the fluidity of gameplay at 50-55 FPS on a G-sync monitor, despite SLI’s declining popularity. The benchmarks for “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” are tested using FrameView for 180 seconds to measure power draw and performance, revealing power consumption ranging from 85-100%. The presenter highlights the system’s need for a thousand-watt power supply due to inefficiencies. They observe that while SLI offers a significant performance boost 90% of the time, it falters in the 99th percentile, causing noticeable stutters during gameplay. They also compare frame rate discrepancies between in-game benchmarks and NVIDIA’s FrameView tool, with “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided” showing favorable results for SLI RTX 3090. Lastly, they prepare to test “Red Dead Redemption” and remark on the significant heat output from the machine.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses encountering technical issues while running benchmarks on various games. Specifically, Red Dead Redemption 2 fails to load, and there are difficulties seeing GPU usage during a short benchmark. SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is tested but proves ineffective, even worsening performance. The speaker then plays Quake 2 RTX for fun, noting high GPU usage and significant heat generation. They also measure power consumption, noting it’s lower than a different game but still substantial at 908 Watts. The segment ends with a plug for Micro Center as a supplier of tech needs for work or learning from home.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker mentions that they haven’t discussed 16K gaming in a while.