Graphic Cards GPU question: Integrated vs Dedicated

[Boot_Comp]

Hi,
If I get a Mobo with on-board graphics and then add an independent GPU.
Would I be able to use switch between their usage while running the PC to help save power with the onboard (for normal usage) and the Dedicated GPU (when gaming etc.)?

Or is this not possible and depends on the OS?

TIA

 

[DarkAngel]

Nope. AFAIK this is still not implemented in the desktop segment yet.

 

[tkin]

This is not possible on desktops, only possible on laptops, look for switchable graphics or nvidia optimus branding.

 

[hunt3r]

Not possible on desktop at the moment, but this might be possible on Sandy bridge using a Tech developed by Lucid. Last i read it wont be available until March

 

[tkin]

Not possible on desktop at the moment, but this might be possible on Sandy bridge using a Tech developed by Lucid. Last i read it wont be available until March

Lucid's option does not power down the gpu as the op wants.

 

[Boot_Comp]

So then the max number of monitors we can accommodate would be 2 (considering that most GPU's come with 2 ports)?

 

[hunt3r]

Lucid's option does not power down the gpu as the op wants.

Oh i didnt know that, from what i had read i thought the Lucid solution works pretty much like Optimus

So then the max number of monitors we can accommodate would be 2 (considering that most GPU's come with 2 ports)?

Im not entirely sure how multi monitor support works with Optimus. The display out is from the motherboard, and so i think it would depend on the number of display outs the motherboard supports

 

[de.das.dude]

buy a hybrid crossfire compatible mobo and an ati card compatible with that chipset. then it would work.
who says it dont work in desktop.
even ati cards run in low power mode when not stressed.
and last thing, check for the label of min and max power consumption of your PSU. if its not much of a difference, beeter not burden yourself with trying to lower for just 10W savings