Dual graphics card setups can boost performance in video-intensive applications, but cards must have the same GPU chipset and be compatible. Each GPU manufacturer has their own dual graphics system. Two GPUs can fit on one card or be connected by a wire for improved graphics and frame rates.
A dual graphics card setup can be useful for boosting performance in games or other video intensive applications. Typically these are two boards with similar chipsets that are interconnected and able to work together. Each chip manufacturer has their own standard for this setup, so there’s typically a limitation on which cards can be used in dual setups. Cards typically must use graphics processing unit (GPU) chipsets from the same manufacturer and be listed as compatible. Some games and other applications don’t work well using a dual graphics system, so you may only need to enable one card at a time.
Computer graphics cards can handle a variety of video-related instructions and calculations so that the central processing unit (CPU) doesn’t have to. Many motherboards come with an integrated graphics chip, although these integrated units typically don’t perform as well as discrete video graphics cards. Numerous other factors can affect the performance of a graphics card, including processor clock speed as well as memory size and bandwidth.
There are only a handful of GPU manufacturers, each of which have their own proprietary chipsets. Each GPU manufacturer also has their own dual graphics system to go with these unique GPU chipsets. GPU manufacturers can either sell the cards directly to consumers or only offer their processors to third parties. Third-party companies can then create more or less GPU-swapable graphics cards, including the ability to use the same drivers. Two graphics cards can have different brands and still use the same GPU and dual graphics card technology.
Dual graphics systems can take advantage of parallel processing to create a single video output with two GPUs. The increased processing power afforded by this can result in better quality graphics and higher frame rates. Visually appealing, smoother frame rate graphics are often desirable in games and similar applications. There are often competitive advantages in gaming that can be associated with smoother and higher resolutions.
In some cases, two GPUs can fit on a single card, creating a dual graphics card that only takes up one expansion slot. A more common configuration may involve two discrete boards connected by a wire. Other less common configurations may involve three or four graphics cards connected, although these configurations typically only offer improved graphics and frame rates at substantially high video resolutions.
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