SLI Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy an SLI-based system from Alienware?
ALX systems with SLI technology are fully equipped to maximize SLI performance with features like Alienware’s exclusive X2 motherboard and an SLI-ready power supply. ALX systems deliver additional breakthrough innovations such as performance-enhanced hardware and Liquid Cooling technology, as well as all of the other exclusive benefits provided with each Alienware system. These features include exceptional build quality, a rigorous validation process, one-of-a-kind style, and award-winning customer support.
Can I mix and match?
No. NVIDIA doesn’t support SLI on two different models or from different vendors. SLI supports configurations with the same model (i.e. 6800 Ultra) from the same vendor (Vendor XYZ).
What is ALX?
ALX is a sub-brand of Alienware high-performance systems. ALX systems offer an even more highly customized and personalized experience than customers have come to expect from Alienware systems. Alienware ALX systems feature the latest innovations in performance and service from Alienware. Offerings include; factory over-clocking, water-cooling, custom case accents, dedicated sales and support, factory-installed games and software, 24-hour PC game tips and codes, and much more.
Click here to configure an ALX system
Doesn't the PCI-Express standard allow anyone to use dual graphics cards?
PCI-Express will not allow this “out of the box.” Area-51 ALX systems with SLI technology feature Alienware’s exclusive X2 motherboard that enables the use of dual PCI Express x16 graphics cards by providing multiple PCI Express graphics ports.
What is Alienware’s X2 motherboard?
This dual PCI-Express capable motherboard is exclusive to Alienware and is also patent pending. The X2 utilizes all available PCI-Express lanes provided by the Intel® 7525 (Tumwater) chipset, supports DDR2-400 memory and includes 6 ports for high-performance SATA RAID 0, 1, and 0+1 configurations. The X2 includes SATA on a 66MHz PCI-x bus, Gigabit Ethernet, and 5.1 Dolby Digital audio. It is also dual processor capable.
Will I be able to use an ATI card in an SLI-powered system?
No. SLI technology requires two SLI-ready, NVIDIA-based PCI Express graphics cards.
What type of performance can I expect from SLI?
Alienware systems with SLI technology can increase graphics performance by up to 100%.
Isn’t it true that most games now are CPU limited, thus making SLI not worthwhile?
Older games tend to be CPU limited because they were designed with older GPUs. The latest game titles like DOOM 3 and Half-Life 2 will press even today’s best GPUs. Alienware systems with SLI technology will enable gamers to play these games at the highest resolutions with uncompromising quality and performance.
Will SLI Technology be available on workstations?
SLI technology is currently available only in ALX and Aurora systems. However, Alienware plans to implement SLI technology into Alienware workstations featuring the X2 motherboard in the near future.