14 DAY TRIAL // ATI, business unit of AMD, and NVIDIA have long been known to stand against each other on the graphics market, even making technologies that encourage end-users to buy multiple cards at a time. This rivalry is most obvious in the fact that both companies made it so that only identical cards could be used in combination. These technologies are known as the ATI CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI. Some time ago, however, LucidLogix Technologies developed the Hydra 200, a chip that could combine any cards, setting the stage for a new approach to Multi-GPU graphics processing.
Most mainstream users don't need more than one card in order to enjoy most games, but there are quite a few that buy two, three or even four similar NVIDIA or ATI adapters and then set them up in multi-GPU configurations. Lucid's Hydra 200 practically removes any and all limitations to multi-GPU computing, allowing cards of any manufacturer and model to be used in conjunction. The chip has already been used in the MSI Big Bang Fuzion motherboard, showcased at CeBIT, and it seems that the technology was received well enough to warrant further funding.
Current LucidLogix investors, namely Rho Ventures, Giza Ventura Capital and Genesis Partners, have just fueled Hydra's developer with an extra $8 million. This sum, combined with the rest of the capital available to the hardware developer, makes the total capitalization equal to $40 million. The company will use the extra funds for market penetration and for accelerating the adoption of current products, as well as for further research and development purposes.
“The confidence level of our investors has come from our ability to successfully launch and deliver our second generation HYDRA 200 product to mass production, which is already on motherboards from one of the top three manufacturers in the world, MSI, and with more partners in the pipeline,” Lucid CEO Moshe Steiner said. “The additional investment will enable the company to expand to international markets and boost sales.”
“Lucid is making the natural transition from a research and development startup to a silicon-product company,” Offir Remez, Lucid co-founder and president, exaplained. “We are working with leading strategic partners in the PC market during this critical time to deliver on our promises and grow the company, therefore the ongoing support by our investors is extremely valuable.”
Lucid will keep pushing the Hydra's adoption on the desktop and mobile motherboard and add-in board markets.