Z68 with GPU + IGP

[DennisMenace]

Considering the release is less than a fortnight (12th May), details are still a bit sketchy on various details, so I was wondering :

Do all Z68 mobos allow 'intelligent switching' between the onboard and discrete graphics? (Or is this a function of the Lucid Virtu/Hydra, so far only confirmed on MSI boards?). Also, does it work with any GPU, or just certain 'capable' models?

My aim is to get a Z68 soon after launch, with an i5-2500K and either GTX 480 or HD 6850/6950. The 480 in particular is rather power-hungry (although newer models seem better), and it seems very non-green to have a GPU using 100W+(*) in idle while I'm surfing forums, but I do want a decent GPU for games. Will the Z68 solve this dilemma? Does it actually power-down the GPU when not in use?

I expect I may have to compromise somewhere, but using a passively-cooled GPU on a Z68/2500K seems lame. But high-end GPUs do still draw a lot of power at idle. HELP!

(*) This is a total guess and possibly way off. But maybe not by a huge amount for a GTX 480.

 

[Bos]

The Asus P8Z68-V Pro also has LucidLogix Virtu.

The part your after is right at the end: http://vr-zone.com/articles/first-looks-asus-p8z68-v-pro-intel-z68-express-/11972-3.html

 

[shaffaaf27]

would be awesome! I wish we could have that ability. Completely kill the main GPU and use the onboard, and have it automatically switch to the actual GPU board, but route the initial display through the IGP's connection. If one uses multiple displays then we have a problem.

 

[DennisMenace]

Thanks for the link Bos, good to see MSI aren't the only LucidLogix boards.

Although it states it is software-based - so presumably could be installed on any Z68 mobo?

 

[chaparral]

The 480 in particular is rather power-hungry (although newer models seem better), and it seems very non-green to have a GPU using 100W+(*) in idle while I'm surfing forums, but I do want a decent GPU for games. Will the Z68 solve this dilemma? Does it actually power-down the GPU when not in use?

My system with two GTX 580 in SLI, i7 2600k cpu, 8Gb ddr3 ram ,3 harddrives, DVD-writer, Fan controller, 7 fans is drawing only 164watts as write this reply

 

[ryu]

yes this is the question i asked myself when i heard about this technology, it states it places the discrete gpu into idle mode, what defines idle mode? completely shutoff? or the idle state assigned to that actual gfx card? ive just switched from a gtx275 to a gtx460. the 460 idle state clocks are lower than the 275's which along with other power saving improvements as reduced the actual wattage draw by about 20-25W.

my full system in my signature draws ~70Watts idle. with the gtx275 it was ~92W. (minus the monitor which is another 26Watts)

 

[chaparral]

my full system in my signature draws ~70Watts idle. with the gtx275 it was ~92W. (minus the monitor which is another 26Watts)

Only 70watts

My last system use to draw 311watts at idle (not including monitor) overclocked E8500, SLI GTX 275 etc

 

[Surveyor]

My system with two GTX 580 in SLI, i7 2600k cpu, 8Gb ddr3 ram ,3 harddrives, DVD-writer, Fan controller, 7 fans is drawing only 164watts as write this reply

Is that from the mains or the PSU?

If it's from the PSU then it will be more like 190-200W at the mains.

 

[ryu]

yup unless my energy monitor is broken, although it is brand new and reports the monitor correctly! usually 70-80watts whilst browsing.

i guess we are seeing the benefits of speed step technology, lower voltage requirements, lower nm chips etc. i only have 1xssd and 1xhd, and 6 fans(including the psu, cooler and gfx card fans) no controllers or dvd drives, although i dont think these will draw power if they arnt being used.

 

[REDNINEAPB]

Only 70watts

My last system use to draw 311watts at idle (not including monitor) overclocked E8500, SLI GTX 275 etc

What case are you using and is that Fan controller the Zalman ZM-MFC3 Multi Fan Controller, is it any good?

 

[pastymuncher]

Asrock Z68 Extreme4 will have it as will the Z68 Pro3 and the M-atx Z68 Pro3-M .

 

[chrisarm]

Wow didn't think these were comming out so soon, will have to tell my mate to hold on a week for his new system so he can get one

 

[HighlandeR]

Hmm some nice info, I love this LucidLogix Virtu techology it should have come out 10 years ago frankly... ive always felt its a waste of gpu power when say your not gaming and just surfing the net....

Actually I wonder is there such a technology that allows one to download p2p/newsgroups but while your pcs in a sleep or hibernation mode ?

That would be the next coolest thing ever !

 

[ryu]

http://www.techspot.com/news/43460-nvidia-optimus-technology-to-arrive-for-desktops-as-synergy.html

heres an alternative that nvidia are working on, solely for their own cards, looks like this technology is going to be the next big thing

i am definately going to swap over to z68 if this all works out issue free.

 

[HighlandeR]

I like this technology... wanted it 10 years ago always felt what a waste if someones got 2-3 6990s and all these guys with sli/crossfire setups, these bods must not have to heat there homes.

Hopefully once enabled the hot wattage power hungry cards can simply switch off including the fan, that way further peace and quiet and no more heat also.... not everyone games all the time.

Another reason I like speedstep technology, Correct me if im wrong but one could overclock to 4.5ghz with say a 2600k and enable speedstep so it could still go back to 2ghz or less but it will go back to 4.5ghz when gaming?

 

[Krislord]

Another reason I like speedstep technology, Correct me if im wrong but one could overclock to 4.5ghz with say a 2600k and enable speedstep so it could still go back to 2ghz or less but it will go back to 4.5ghz when gaming?

Yes you can still use speedstep with an overclocked 2600k - it will still clock down to the 16x multiplier (1600Mhz if base clock is still 100Mhz) when the PC is idle.

 

[HighlandeR]

thx for the confirmation, nice too see energy saving features all the way

 

[DennisMenace]

Actually I wonder is there such a technology that allows one to download p2p/newsgroups but while your pcs in a sleep or hibernation mode ?

That would be the next coolest thing ever !

I recently bought an Emprex NSD-100, which can act as a backup/file/print server, and has a very basic p2p client (and can run Debian!?) for £10. Just plug it into the router and add a USB drive or two. It's not sophisticated enough for private trackers but otherwise works well (no idea about newsgroups though) - and has probably paid for itself in the few months I've been using it. Download torrent to p2p/USB box, start it, turn off PC. Simples.


Back on topic : Good to see other mobos with Lucid, and looks like it should work with any GPU. Just wish there was more info and prices available with only 10 days to go.

 

[chrisarm]

I just can't understand why they didn't do this with the p67/h67 boards. Intel spend billions designing a fusion chip and boosting thier gpu only to turn it off if you insert a discreet graphics card. weird

 

[DennisMenace]

I just can't understand why they didn't do this with the p67/h67 boards. Intel spend billions designing a fusion chip and boosting thier gpu only to turn it off if you insert a discreet graphics card. weird

Even weirder is the lack of improved IGP (HD3000) on the low-power chips - this would make a perfect HTPC system with a H61 or H67 mobo. I think they do this with some mobile CPUs. Something like an i3-3100T (35W TDP) with HD3000 would be unbeatable for a cheap, low-power PC or HTPC.

Instead, if you want HD3000 you need to pay a premium for a K-series chip, and 'waste' all its overclocking goodness (plus you're stuck with 4 cores). Madness.