SLI-performance issues at first boot of game

Here's the deal, i have 2x8800gt in SLI. when i go in game max settings 4xAA in Company of heroes at first start up i get choppy slow game play, as soon as i set the settings lower reload game play, exit game play, set settings to max renter game play it runs smooth as silk...

I was wondering if perhaps the game was not using both cards until i loaded the game once? because as soon as i set them to max the second time it runs realy smooth, and i know that the settings change took place because there is a noticeable change in quality of picture.

Thanks if theirs anything i left out let me know.