Nvidia took the wraps off a new notebook technology Tuesday that chooses the best graphics processor for running any given application and then automatically routes the workload to either a Nvidia discrete graphics processor unit (GPU) or an integrated graphics processor (IGP) offering from Intel. Called Optimus, the technology will soon be available on several next-generation ASUS notebook PCs, Nvidia said.
Optimus enables notebook workloads to become instantly directed through the most efficient graphics processor engine for the job, said Sasha Ostojic, Nvidia’s senior director of notebook software. “Consumers no longer have to choose whether they want great graphics performance or sustained battery life,” Ostojic wrote in a blog. “Optimus gives them both.”
Decreasing Power Consumption
With Optimus, Nvidia’s goal is to enable consumers to obtain optimal battery performance when watching a HD movie, surfing the web, or playing 3-D games — all without having to manually change graphics settings. Ostojic also pointed out that whenever the notebook’s discrete GPU isn’t in use, it automatically powers off. “It powers back on as soon as an application is launched that requires it,” Ostojic added.
Nvidia claims the technology can extend notebook battery life by up to two times in comparison with similarly configured systems equipped with discrete graphics processors without sacrificing graphics performance. Still, it’s difficult to say right now whether Optimus is a significant industry development, said Matthew Wilkins, a principal analyst at iSuppli.
“I haven’t seen any benchmarks on battery savings when using laptops with this technology,” Wilkins said. “Semiconductor suppliers are continually looking for ways to increase performance and yet decrease power consumption.”
Though Nvidia is currently focusing on the deployment of Optimus in laptops, it’s also possible that the technology will eventually become available in other types of computing devices, according to company spokesperson Brian Burke. “We…