I have an MSI gaming 7 Z97A, the SLI config via manual apparently is 1-2 gpu slots. Should i grab a 2 slot SLI bridge ? Also I will have 2 EVGA 1080 SC ACX 3.0 installed in the hybrid coolers.



Here's the link the second photo shows the best frontal view.

Edit - I can't post the link apparently

Slot Spacing is the same on all Motherboards as a standard for Computer Cases. 20mm Between Each Slot
Your MB Supports 1 X16 and 1 X8 for SLI *Gen3 (16,0,0), (8,8,0), (8,4,4)
 http://www.evga.com/articles/01020/evga-pro-sli-bridge-hb/
 

P/N: 100-2W-0026-LR EVGA PRO SLI BRIDGE HB (1 Slot Spacing) 2nd from the Left is what you need 60mm
 
 
 MSI's Manuals really Suck.
http://www.evga.com/products/pdf/EVGA_SLI_Bridge_HB.pdf

 
 

I will say this Image from NVIDIA's Store is No Help
 

A slot space is counted every 20mm whether there's actually a slot there or not..That's industry standard..So yes, you need a 60mm SLI Bridge between PCIe x16 slots 1 and 2 on your MSI Gaming 7 Z97A..That would be a 1 Slot Spacing/2-Way Long Bridge.

You also may note, that your motherboard does not support SLI at all with the card in the last slot.  The last slot on your motherboard appears to be 4x, not the required 16x or 8x.  Regardless of the SLI bridge, SLI would not work in the last slot.

As others said, I had exactly the same problem on my ASUS Z97-DELUXE. To be sure I measured the distance between the PCB of the cards, and it was 60mm.
This means 1 slot spacing. This one is the one you need.