Why do Guru3D & Tech Report Crossfire results differ?

Hello Peeps,

I'm trying to decide between 2 x 4850 or one 4870. I tend to sell my graphics card every 6-12 months and for that reason feel that the 4870x2 will not be a good buy for me, due to the cost which will be close to £300.

Looking at all the benchies, the 3870x2 is beaten in most games by the single 4870, while costing considerably less. In the UK, 3870x2 is about £230 while the 4870 is £180..... I suppose next year a single mid card ATI may beat the 4870x2 while costing less, and if so, I will be buying that next year...sorry, had to explain my feelings before people say wait for the 4870x2 LOL!

So, back to the question 2 x 4850 or one 4870? I was set on the 2 x 4850 looking at The Tech Report review which shows it beating the 280GTX, and everything else, in almost everything:

http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/14990/11

BUT, the GURU3D says otherwise:

http://www.guru3d.com/article/amd- [...] ercolor/19

And now I am confused........

Ta.

different test systems give different results

that is a game that befits from ati as crysis benfits from nvidia

Also, in some cases different reviews will use different testing methods and some may run into driver problems while others may not. There are alot of different factors to consider when looking at different reviews.

Best,

3Ball

read more review from different website to get a general/overall performance of the hardware thats being tested.

Thanks all for the quick response. I just found it baffling that the very same game "Quake Wars" differs so much in both reviews.

I generally do read all reviews but I have to admit, I am a little biased towards Guru3D when it comes to Graphics reviews. Their write-ups are generally ace.