Confused about Z68!

blonkster

blonkster

blonkster

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If I get a Z68 and a 2500k I can use the integrated graphics via the MOBO output and also overclock the CPU, which is nice :-)

However, I have only one monitor and want to connect that to my shiny new 6950 for gaming.

I assume if I just connect the monitor's DVI to the 6950 I cannot use the integrated graphic for video output, just quicksync?

So, can I simultaneously connect the integrated graphics to a second input on my monitor (Dell 2409w, with DVI, VGA and HDMI) and use both graphics chip,s and the mobo will switch outputs if I am gaming or otherwise?

If that makes sense, and works, does it matter which connection goes to which monitor input, i.e. DVI and HDMI?

thanks

Blonkster
 
You only connect one output to your monitor - be it the mobo built-in port, or one from a discrete gfx card.
These boards - those Z68 with integrated gfx capability, that is, as not all do (Gigabyte, I am looking at you...) - will come with software called Virtu, by Lucid. This software will allow various modes of automated switching......so, you can have your 6950 connected to your monitor and the board + software can dynamically decide whether to keep it fired up or power it down and use the IGP as it sees fit :)

As for Quicksync, this feature is also dependant on supporting (additional !) software......

Loads of info out there......Google is your friend !
 
if you dont care about the integrated graphics (most of us on here have discrete graphics card), dont want an ssd for caching and dont convert videos - go for a P67 board :)
 
Using the MSI Z68A-GD80 as an example, this has Lucid Virtu support and you can use either the VGA ports on the motherboard OR the ports on your card.

If you choose to connect to the motherboard ports Virtu will disable your VGA card when you are not gaming and hence save you energy. Obviously you can also use the onboard VGA features such as Quicksync in this configuration.

Connecting to the VGA card directly still offers the onboard VGA features but not the power saving ability.

Z68 boards without onboard graphics ports &/or Lucid Virtu support cannot offer onboard VGA Features

I hope this clears things up a little.
 
ScottiB said:
If you choose to connect to the motherboard ports Virtu will disable your VGA card when you are not gaming and hence save you energy. Obviously you can also use the onboard VGA features such as Quicksync in this configuration.
Click to expand...

So, just to be clear, if you connect through the motherboard, you can still use the graphics cards power for gaming?
 
yup :D This is a feature that I'd like to take advantage of myself as my graphics card (reference 4870 X2 2GB) pumps out way too much heat even when i'm just web browsing.

in the spirit of full disclosure, i'd imagine that there is a slight extra overhead when transmitting the VGA card power through the board but so far I haven't seen any figures showing if I'm right and if so, exactly how big the overhead is. There have been a number of reviews for Z68A boards now and I havent seen any that make an issue of this.
 
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ScottiB said:
Using the MSI Z68A-GD80 as an example, this has
If you choose to connect to the motherboard ports Virtu will disable your VGA card when you are not gaming and hence save you energy.
Click to expand...

ScottiB, is this true for all Z68 boards that have built in VGA ports or just MSI ones? I thought if you had a discrete card you have to connect to that.
 
If thats the case where you connect to the onboard graphics, but if you run a game then your discreet card takes over with no switching leads over then that is a great idea. I like it.
 
AzZ said:
ScottiB, is this true for all Z68 boards that have built in VGA ports or just MSI ones? I thought if you had a discrete card you have to connect to that.
Click to expand...

This is true to any Z68 board with built in graphics ports AND Lucid Virtu support (check listings for support details)
 
As of current ranges, the Asus/AsRock Z68 boards all seem to have gfx outputs onboard, as do many MSI, but most Gigabyte (if not all ?) do not.
 
Would it matter which motherboard port you connect to ? would one give better quality picture wise. I was thinking that the HDMI port would be the best
 
humax said:
why is it that not all Z68 board have the VGA port
Click to expand...
in short, because the Z68 and P67 are pin to pin compatible and a couple of manufacturers decided to save money on development by bolting Z68 chips to their old P67 boards.
 
humax said:
Would it matter which motherboard port you connect to ? would one give better quality picture wise. I was thinking that the HDMI port would be the best
Click to expand...
none of the documentation that I have states that it must be a specific socket type but nor does it mention HDMI so in short, I dunno, sorry
 
It has been fine - no problems at all.
First ASRock board I have used in my own PC, although have used a few over the years in builds for others - never once had a problem with the brand.
I chose it over the ASUS primarily for the less limited PCIe lanes, and I liked the bundled front USB3/2.5" caddy (for SSD) thingy, as well as some excellent reviews all round - that said, I suspect there is not much tangible reasoning either way and I have had ASUS boards prior to this for as long as I can remember (pretty much the only variation was a Gigabyte for a s939 build way back when.....)
Good board, good package, and no problems with it = happy me !
 
Good to hear you have had no problems with the Asrock make,i was a bit worried about buying one as i know a long time ago they where always classed as a cheap board. Have you overclocked yours and was it easy to do

;)
 
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