A new technology from NVIDIA known as NVIDIA Optimus technology has been unveiled. The new Optimus technology switches between integrated graphics (for saving on battery life) and discrete graphics (for 3D-intensive tasks) in a laptop, running a given application. That means it automatically chooses the best graphics for the given application. The Optimus technology offered by NVIDIA directs the process happening in the laptop through the most efficient processor for the job and on the move extends the life of the battery up to 2 times compared to similarly configured systems equipped with discrete graphics processors. The NVIDIA discrete GPU is used while playing 3D games, running videos, or using GPU compute applications, web surfing and for emailing.
The Optimus technology gives durable long life to battery and provides great performance. NVIDIA claims that they are the first one to make the switch automatically, with no disruption in the use of the laptop.
NVIDIA explained the process saying “Users can now experience the full performance benefits of a discrete GPU with the battery life of an integrated graphics solution. Nvidia Optimus automatically, instantaneously, and seamlessly optimizes the notebook to offer the best performance or best battery life depending on the application.”
Also Rene Haas, the general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA said “Consumers no longer have to choose whether they want great graphics performance or sustained battery life. NVIDIA Optimus gives them both — great performance, great battery life and it simply works.”
In other words, it’s an experience similar to hybrid car, which automatically switches between its electric and gas-powered engines, depending on the work it does.
Basically NVIDIA is planning to extent its hand to offer automated technology for system flexibility without major sacrifices in battery life. Optimus shuts down the graphic card when not in use.
Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, a pioneer of the graphics industry and a leading analyst said “The genius of NVIDIA Optimus is in its simplicity. One can surf the web and get great battery life and when one needs the extra horsepower for applications like Adobe Flash 10.1, Optimus automatically switches to the more powerful NVIDIA GPU.”
Switchable graphic concept has been around for a while, but with new Optimus technology automated feature can deliver a lot of good to people who have been waiting for this.
Prior to the release of Optimus technology, laptops with switchable graphics come with both a discrete graphics solution and integrated graphics, even users could switch between the two depending on the task. But the switching from one to the other needed the users to reboot and logging out of the computer or at least a long screen flicker. But Optimus technology is automated; here Optimus determines when to activate the discrete NVIDIA GPU without any user intervention. Current switchable graphics systems feed both chips into a MUX which then controls which one is providing the display and controls the graphics drivers for that operating system. Optimus takes a different approach by instead treating the GPU like a co-processor and routing the discrete graphics feed through the IGP. When the discrete graphics power is needed, the GPU renders the image and then places it in the frame buffer, effectively overwriting the poorer image created by the IGP. This approach means that the operating system can almost instantly switch between the two graphics processors with no graphical interference apparent to the user.
And Haas also said “Switchable graphics is an expensive feature to put in the box, but actually, most people aren’t using it,” explaining that people who has this feature are not familiar with the settings required for specific applications and they even forget which setting they had recently used.
However, the first laptop that will be using this feature would be Asus UL50vf, which is scheduled to be announced on Tuesday. The laptop from ASUS will be priced at $869.
“We don’t expect anybody not to use this technology — it’s just too straightforward,” said Hass.
NVIDIA Company plans to incorporate the Optimus technology from netbooks to gamming notebooks. Optimus is designed for different processors in mind. It will run on next generation’s Ion and Geforce M products, also Green Goblin’s upcoming Geforce 200M and 300 GPUs. The Intel’s Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors will be supported as well. Furthermore even Penryn Core 2 Duo and Pine Trail Atom N4xx chips will be included.
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March 11th, 2010 at 1:08 am
Thanks for the useful info. It’s so interesting