Scan-Line Interleave
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1994 |
| Fate | Acquired by NVIDIA (2000) |
| Products | Graphics cards, including Voodoo Graphics, Voodoo2, VSA-100 |
| Website | web |
Scan-Line Interleave (SLI) refers to a multi-GPU approach originally created by 3DFX that connects two or more video cards or GPU units to produce a single output, thereby boosting graphics performance through parallel processing.
The SLI technology was launched by 3DFX in 1998 alongside the Voodoo2 graphics accelerators. Both the initial Voodoo Graphics card and the VSA-100 also supported SLI configurations. The first Voodoo Graphics SLI implementation was mainly utilized in arcade and professional environments through Primary Image's Piranha card, focusing on simulation graphics and compatibility with APIs such as OpenGL, Glide, and Primary Image's Tempest. Importantly, support for the MultiGen OpenFlight Format was a key feature aimed at professional users.
In 2004, NVIDIA reintroduced the SLI brand as Scalable Link Interface, modernizing the system to link GPUs via the PCI Express interface for contemporary computing platforms.
Function
3DFX was the first to develop an SLI system for consumer PCs, connecting two graphics cards with a short ribbon cable inside the computer. This link facilitated the exchange of graphics data and synchronization signals, allowing each GPU to process alternating horizontal pixel lines within a frame, effectively doubling rendering capabilities.
See also
- Scalable Link Interface - Nvidia
- AMD CrossFireX - AMD