Without a doubt, NVIDIA's Optimus technology has really managed to change the game as far as mobile computing systems' graphics are concerned, but now, it seems that it might actually have a rival, developed by none other than LucidLogix, and called Virtu.
Virtu is described as a GPU virtualization software designed for Intel Sandy Bridge platforms that will dynamically balance the advanced power-efficient, built-in media features of Sandy Bridge processor graphics with the high-end, DirectX 11 3D performance features of discrete GPUs, while significantly reducing the power drain of traditional entertainment desktops.
In fact, what's very interesting to mention here right from the start is the fact that, while Optimus targets solely mobile computing systems, the solution from
LucidLogix will actually work quite well for desktops as well.
The Lucid GPU virtualization software is able to assign tasks in real time to the best available graphics resource based on power, performance and features considerations, with no need for additional hardware.
If high end graphics power is needed for applications like DirectX 11, high-resolution 3D gaming, the system will assign the job to the discrete GPU and, if not, the discrete GPU automatically goes into idle mode, while heat drops, fan speed slows down and GPU utilization goes down to zero, resulting in a green, power-efficient, long-lasting system.
Designed for entry-level through mainstream PCs equipped with second generation Intel’s Core i3/i5/i7 and NVIDIA or AMD 3D GPUs, Virtu software automatically adjusts the performance, thermal and feature allocation based on the requirements of individual applications.
The only system requirement is to always connect the display screen directly to the motherboard’s Sandy Bridge display output (DVI, HDMI, etc).
“What we have really accomplished here is a seamless visual experience where it is not necessary to choose between the amazingly rich media features of Intel Sandy Bridge platform, like HD playback and powerful video transcoding, and the high-end 3D graphics functionality and performance of a discrete GPU,” said Offir Remez, LucidLogix president and founder.
“Now it is possible to experience a no-guilt, no-compromise PC entertainment experience, and save on energy at the same time,” concluded the company's president.
A beta version of Lucid Virtu will be available in January 2011, while interested parties will also be able to check it out at CES 2011, but they'll have to contact the company directly in order to do so.
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