We installed a fresh copy of MS Vista Ultimate to ensure the system is as it is. We did encounter some issues running the QX9770 (probably the cooling isn't that good). So, we ended up using the 333MHz FSB E6550 processor 2.33GHz.

The BIOS used is L1.02 which is the newest version we got hold of. Next, we installed the two graphics cards and get it powered up. With the CDROM provided, we installed the NVIDIA system drivers as it is excluding the mediashield which we don't need it at all.

Next, we downloaded the Catalyst 9.2 from AMD website. Installed it and rebooted the system.

After rebooting the system, we an clearly see the device manager showing 2 ATi Radeon HD 4800 Series. The CPU-Z we ran shows the mainboard info and the BIOS version. The Catalyst control Center is invoked using right mouse click and we see the option CrossFireX. So far so good. We clicked the check box "Enabled CrossFireX".

After rebooting the system, we run 3Dmark06. Initially there were some flickering. So, we aborted the test and ensure the crosslink bridges are connected properly. We restarted the system, check if CrossFire is enabled and do another test. This time round, no more flickering and we completed the 3Dmark06 test with a score of 11205 marks.

Futuremark 3Dmark06

Futuremark 3DMark Vantage

3DMark Vantage is tested too and it scored P7404.

So, we have come to the conclusion that ASRock has made it possible, running the ASRock N7AD-SLI, a board based on NF 740i SLI chipset in CrossFire mode. It would definitely be very interesting if ASRock can do miracles that let it's AMD chipset mainboards runs SLI and CrossFire on both Intel and AMD platforms. Will that be possible? Discuss