Virtualization software for Sandy Bridge

LucidLogix Technologies launched Virtu, software designed specifically to support Sandy Bridge processors in working with external GPUs.

The software can be used to balance built-in media features of the Sandy Bridge processor graphics with the off-chip DirectX 11 features of discrete GPUs, while significantly reducing the power drain of traditional entertainment desktops, the company claimed.

Called Virtu, the GPU virtualization software is able to assign tasks in real time to the best available graphics resource based on power, performance and features considerations, with no need for additional hardware. If graphics is needed for DirectX 11, high-resolution 3D gaming, the system will assign the job to the discrete GPU. If not the Sandy Bridge processor can perform the graphics.

"Now it is possible to experience a no-guilt, no-compromise PC entertainment experience, and save on energy at the same time," said Offir Remez, president and founder of LucidLogix (Kfar Netter, Israel), in a statement.

Designed for entry-level through mainstream PCs equipped with second generation Intel's Core i3/i5/i7 and NVIDIA or AMD 3-D graphics processors, Virtu software automatically adjusts the performance, thermal and feature allocation based on the requirements of individual applications. The only system requirement is to always connect the display screen directly to the motherboard's Sandy Bridge display output.

A demo version of Virtu is available and a beta version will be available in January 2011. LucidLogix was founded in 2003.