Intel IGP + Nvidia 'Optimus'-type graphics switching?

[PartEleven]

I haven't been keeping up in this space, but reading the latest details about Ivy Bridge and it's focus on increased IGP performance led me to think about how it would be relevant to me. As a desktop user, I'll likely be using Ivy Bridge in a gaming system with a discrete graphics card. Is there some kind of "Optimus-like" graphics switching that would allow use of the Intel IGP when doing 2D work to save power? Such as on the desktop, typing a document, reading email, etc. Then when I load a 3D game it switches over to the discrete card. If not, then wouldn't the improved IGP in the higher end Ivy Bridge desktop chips not be all that useful in a gaming system?

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Read up on the LucidLogix Virtu software this is what allows the switching from the IGP to the dedicated video and back based on power. I don't remember if it is a feature of the software but I think I remember hearing something about it.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[ther00kie16]

No, nVidia had it with 9000 series and 200 series (?) in the form of hybridSLi and hybridPower but it didn't work well. ATi also had their version Optimus is still buggy. It'll probably be much smoother once IB is around but modern GPUs power gate pretty nicely when idle or in 2D mode so switching between integrated and dedicated will yield very minimal power savings.