ATI Hybrid graphics

[Noxvayl]

I was under the impression that the new chipset while using powerplay was able to do that now as an extra feature. Seems reasonable enough to not make it a whole new feature and rather add it to an existing power saving feature.

I guess we'll find out soon enough with reviews.

[staffsMike]

I'm reading this one now
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...90gx,1988.html

It mentions about nvidia's using the integrated at the start, doesn't seem to be any mention of ATi doing it though. I'm only skimming though so feel free to correct

EDIT: from the conclusion

"but Nvidia also offers HybridPower for saving energy, even with a couple of power-hungry GPUs installed. AMD’s core logic is missing that interaction, which we think is critical if you hope to sell onboard graphics to high-end buyers."

[this_is_gav]

Hmm must be broken on my 4870 then as it idles at around 80 degrees and iirc doenst clock the card back :s

It's not broken. It's just not optimised. I did write a bit out about how it's not working as well as it was on the HD38x0s, but deleted it, thinking it not relevant.

I posted about it here. It's quite easy to test it works in certain older games, certainly in XP. In Vista it's more difficult as some of the 3D features have to be enabled for Aero (no idea if those 3D features are turned off when you don't use Aero though - will depend on how the OS works that one I suspect).

It is broken in the press HD4870X2s that sites like Hexus have previewed. No doubt that'll be fixed by the time the HD4870X2 is released though, be it drivers, BIOS or whatever else is stopping it working.

[Olmy]

I think power management needs to be ATI's main focus in upcoming driver updates for the HD 4000 series, they've got the performance, now they just need better idle power consumption (especially on the 4870) - as it seems to be a sticking point for a lot of potential buyers.