MSI has decided not to wait and has revealed that all of its Intel Z68 motherboards will support Virtu from LucidLogix. NVIDIA have come a long way with its Synergy technology and AMD is working on its solution. But through Virtu MSI ensures that all combinations will work with Sandy Bridge.
Virtu has been detailed here at NordicHardware and the idea behind the technology is that computers seemlessly switch betwen integrated GPUs and discrete graphics cards. This achieves maximal performance when needed, lowest power consumption when 3D performance is not needed and access to all functions of both integrated and discrete GPUs, not the least Intel QuickSync.
LucidLogix that developed Virtu demands licensing fees for each sold motherboard that supports the technology and this cost is moved on the consumers, with an estimated premium of $5-10. Licensing fees for Virtu is said to drop at larger volumes and it therefore comes as no surprise that MSI will use with all three Intel Z68 models.
MSI has since earlier been working closely with LucidLogix, since its multi-GPU technology Hydra, and is a pretty logical partner now that Virtu is coming along. MSI mentions three different mothebroard models based on the new chipset Z68; ATX boards Z68A-GD80 and Z68A-GD65, and Micro-ATX board Z68MA-ED55.
The launch of Intel Z68 is slated to happen between May 8th to 14th.
