Performance in RPG

Fallout 3

Advanced multi-GPU solutions are so redundant for Fallout 3 and its add-ons that we cannot see a clear winner even at 2560x1600. All of them deliver the same performance. The GeForce GTX 285 SLI offers the best bottom speed but the Radeon HD 4890 CrossFireX outperforms it in terms of average frame rate. As you can see, there is almost no effect from adding a third or fourth GPU into the graphics subsystem: when switching from two to three GPUs the performance growth is a mere 2% for the Radeon HD 4890 3-way CrossFireX whereas the GeForce GTX 285 3-way SLI is even 3% slower than its 2-way counterpart.

Mass Effect

Mass Effect becomes a highly demanding application if you force 4x FSAA on. It is only with three or more GPUs that you can get a playable frame rate at 2560x1600. The GeForce GTX 285 3-way SLI is in the lead, being 17% ahead of the Radeon HD 4890 3-way CrossFireX. ATI’s solution is quieter and more economical, though.