14 DAY TRIAL // When Intel first released its new X58 consumer desktop platform, it didn't only provide support for its next-generation Core i7 processors, but also unveiled a new significant feature. The Nehalem-supporting X58 “Smackover” board has been designed to allow system builders and computer enthusiasts to take advantage of both an NVIDIA SLI and an ATI CrossFireX multi-GPU graphics solution. However, according to some recent details in the industry, the next “Smackover” motherboard, released by Intel, is going to take this multi-GPU feature to the next level, as the company plans to provide support for a “mix and match” GPU setup.
Earlier this year, reports of a new technology developed by Lucid, indicated that PC users could soon get the opportunity to upgrade the graphics performance of their systems by simply combining non-similar graphics cards.
To put it simpler, a user would be given the possibility to use an old GeForce 8800GT graphics card and add it to a system that is already powered by a more recent GTX 280 one. The same can be done for graphics cards that are developed by AMD's subsidiary, ATI. Moreover, the technology is said to be working seamlessly, enabling a GeForce graphics card to be connected to a system that is already equipped with a Radeon card.
According to a recent news article on The Inquirer, Intel's next Smackover motherboard could potentially adopt said technology, thus providing users with a real choice for graphics upgrade. The Lucid Hydra chip would be integrated on the upcoming platform, which would result in the support for mixed multi-GPU graphics setup.
It is yet unclear if the Smackover II and the Lucid chip are currently 100% working, but the fact that Intel is rumored to be working on such a product is rather explainable, given the chip maker's intentions in the graphics market. Also, you should take into account that Intel has been investing in Lucid Technologies, so a collaboration between the two isn't very farfetched.