AMD PowerXpress 4.0

Optimus is a technology developed by Nvidia, which only occurs in systems with dedicated Nvidia graphics cards and Intel processors. Optimus Nvidia has the advantage of automatic switch the system from an integrated graphics chip to the CPU to a dedicated GPU, depending on the user’s needs, enhancing the autonomy of the notebook (thanks to an energy saving) or improving graphics performance. Until now, AMD has never proposed or alternative equivalent solutions.

The Sunnyvale company has Switchable Graphics Technology, which allows you to switch between the integrated graphics subsystem to the CPU and graphics card, either manually or automatically depending on whether the notebook is powered by battery or is connected to the electricity. Producers, however, ‘can incorporate into their notebooks with AMD Mobility Radeon HD graphics card 6000M technology similar to Optimus, called PowerXpress 4.0, which has the advantage of offering you a ride “transparent” from one component graphics.

In fact, the Catalyst drivers of integration with applications (including games) that indicate whether to turn on the notebook graphics card or integrated. You, if you wish, you can change the list of applications of the drivers. When the laptop will work with the integrated graphics subsystem, the discrete GPU will be in an idle state, but the bus will remain active for instructions and go into operation if necessary, ie if the application is launched in the list of drivers that require the power of a dedicated GPU.

However, producers can choose to either support or not the switch automatically, or only manual step. In addition, it should be possible for the user to “force” the operation of the chip or the GPU with future driver. Unlike Nvidia Optimus that only works with Intel graphics chip (Intel GMA GMA HD and HD 3000), the technology of AMD PowerXpress 4.0 is it compatible with both Intel and AMD.

PowerXpress 4.0 can be used on laptops with graphics cards and AMD Mobility Radeon HD 6000M Sandy Bridge processors or AMD Fusion. The APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) and Ontario Zacate Brazos for the AMD platform will also work with technology PowerXpress 4.0, as well as future processors Llano, which will compete directly with Sandy Bridge. Among the notebooks with AMD PowerXpress technology remind MSI FX420, but we are confident that more will follow.