I managed this on a single GTX 295: (eVGA GTX 295@ 666/1404/2430 - Core 2 E8500 @ 4403mhz (8.5x518)) http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dmv=783014 with i7 I'd expect you to pull better numbers, maybe Vantage doesn't like Quad SLI?
I would say Vantage is ok with Quad Sli. Indicajones dual 295 gpu score was 31641 and Ledhead's score of 20718 on a single 295. Thats a dual 295 gain of 10923 over single 295. What killed Indicajones was his cpu score.
I can't see any need for SLI 295's at all, not unless you are on a 30" 2560x1600 and you play the latest and greatest. For me a single GTX 295 is almost mind blowing when you think about the amount of power available. Also you have to realize the GTX 295 cost less than 8800 GTX when they first came out and much lower than the $800+ 8800 Ultra. NVIDIA has really opened up it's high end market to the masses. If you can afford a $500 video card it should last you at the very least 3 years, most could easily go 5-6.
Also, in regards to Indicajones and Ledheads Vantage comparison, Ledhead needs to run on 181.20 drivers and disable PPU for his bench results to be valid for comparison. With PPU disabled it knocks down final score quite allot. http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmarkvantage/approveddrivers/ My system test below PPU ON PPU OFF
Single GTX 295 182.05 drivers PhysX disabled. @ stock 3DMark Score P16087 3DMarks CPU Score 12805 Graphics Score 17590 @ 650/1401/1100 3DMark Score P17257 3DMarks CPU Score 13018 Graphics Score 19359 Seems the PCI-E 1 isn't hurting things too much :banana:
now i7 920@3.6ghz bfg gtx 295 sli (stock speeds) first run is with everything maxed in game. 16xAA, 16xaf, supersampling. enhanced through nvidia control panel also 2nd run is - in game settings maxed. nvida control panel 3d settings at factory preset