Considerations for multi 780 setup..sli?

[Elprezzy]

Hi,
I have a gtx 470 and have been messing about with octane and c4d...amazing, I want more.
I have money for 2 x gtx780 cards and a complete new pc just for my 3d work and after effects.
I went into my local pc shop today to buy parts and the guy asked me about sli and crossfire...hmmm
I know the best option is a motherboard with internal graphics card and use gpus just for octane but do they need installing in sli etc?
Sorry for my ignorance.

Ps any actual motherboard recommendations would be appreciated. (Anyone know of mobo CPU bundles available in uk)

Thanks

Craig

[rappet]

You don't need SLI formOctane render, but you migth want/need it for other purpose (i.e. for games) and run OR with SLI disabled or not.
When I run OR with sli enabled it does not make a diference in performance.
Greetz,

[Elprezzy]

Thanks Rappet,
From what you say I imagine I need to ask the guy to build it with sli cables then.
As I said I am completely ignorant when it comes to building a pc. Lol
Would be nice if this forum had a construction section for building machines.

[smicha]

Yes, rappet is right - disable sli for octane.

If I can recommend something - I would consider buying titan instead of 2x780 (6gb vs 3gb of vram). As for a motherboard - invest your money in quad pci slot motherboard (like asus ws series: z87 ws, p8z77 ws). When the prices of titans go down you can add 3 more without a need of buying a new motherboard.

[Elprezzy]

Thanks Smicha,
Food for thought...
Was going to go with a single Titan but I also use AE and for some reason a titan won't work for ray tracing but the 780 will....odd I know....go ask Adobe.
I haven't made a scene anywhere near 1gb yet let alone 3 or 6....yes I'm a real noob to this but I also like being careful with my hard earned cash so thanks....back to research.

Craig.

[smicha]

It'a a pitty with Adobe http://forums.adobe.com/message/5375132

780 is an excellent choice then.

PS. Get yourself high quality PSU. If you want any details let me know.

[Elprezzy]

I am going to take your advice on motherboards Smicha, so thanks.

[BorisGoreta]

If you run your cards in SLI you will have less GPU memory available for rendering in Octane but SLI can be easily switched on or off in nvidia control panel.

[Elprezzy]

Thanks BorisG,
That sounds easy

I paid my money on the build today.
2x gtx780
Asus p8z77 ws
I7 3770 3.4
Silver stone 1500w psu
32gb 1600 ram
240gb ssd for boot
Will report back, thanks all.

[smicha]

Congrats.
Great PSU - for 4xgtx...