AMD Dual Graphics: VGA AMD Llano at High Level

Multi-GPU configurations using two or more graphics cards is one solution to boost gaming performance. This solution is commonly used by gamers and casual users if a graphics card is not sufficient to run their favorite games with a comfortable frame rate in the eye. For those of you who like to play games of the convenience factor is one important factor during the game bet.

Currently there are two multi-GPU technology is derived from two different manufacturers, an AMD graphics card with CrossFire and NVIDIA with scalable Link Interface (SLI). Basically, the second principle is the same technology that combines the capabilities of two or more graphics cards so that the frame rates in games or graphics applications can be increased. Of course, to use multi-GPU configuration required several requirements such as a motherboard that supports multi-GPU configurations, power supply with sufficient power output, and of course drivers with multi-GPU profiles appropriate.

Multi-GPU configurations generally use two add-on graphics card or more. But you know if the multi-GPU configurations can be performed using the add-on graphics card and integrated graphics card (onboard)? Both AMD and NVIDIA both have this technology, although it seems that only AMD is still using a multi-GPU technology like this.

AMD Dual Desktop Graphics version

Have you ever heard of a technology called Hybrid Crossfire? Hybrid Crossfire is a multi-GPU configurations using the onboard graphics card on the motherboard and graphics card add-on. Onboard graphics card that can be used as the HD 4290 on AMD 890GX chipset or AMD HD 3300 HD on the 790GX chipset. While the type of add-on graphics card used is usually derived from the entry-level classes such as the HD 5450.

Continuing with Hybrid Crossfire technology, AMD today introduced the multi-GPU technology called AMD Dual Graphics. Basically how the AMD Dual Graphics are not much different from the Hybrid Crossfire. The difference is the graphics card has been replaced onboard integrated graphics card on AMD Llano APU. Yes, this technology is its first debut on the platform AMD Llano A-Series desktop and mobile versions. Although AMD Dual Graphics technology promises to improve gaming performance, there are some limits on this technology. One of them is the limited types of add-on graphics cards that can be used. Besides AMD Dual Graphics optimized when used in graphics applications and games based tenologi DirectX 10 and 11.

Configuration AMD Dual Desktop Graphics version

To run the AMD Dual Graphics configurations (in this case the desktop version) is required add-on graphics card and AMD integrated graphics card on AMD Llano APU A-Series. There are two options for the HD integrated graphics card on the A8-Series 6550D and 6530D on the A6-HD Series. While the add-on graphics cards that can be used is the AMD HD 6000 series with the highest type, the HD 6670. For more on AMD Dual Graphics configurations, you can see the table below.

Seen in the table above, AMD Dual Graphics configurations are creating a new type of graphics card. As seen on the combination of AMD's HD 6670 and HD 6550D which creates graphics card called the HD 6690D2. HD 6690D2 name seems to indicate the performance of this graphics card will be above the HD 6670. Really?

Enable AMD Dual Graphics Desktop version:

Enabling AMD Dual Graphics feature is quite easy.

• First make sure you use the monitor cable connector mounted on a display located on the motherboard.
• Of course do not forget to install the add-on graphics card on a PCI Express x16 slot before turning on the system.
• Make sure the option "Dual Graphics / Surround View" in the motherboard BIOS menu is active. This option usually appears in the BIOS menu after you install the add-on graphics card.
• The next step is to install the graphics card drivers and reboot your system.
• If the option "Enable Crossfire" on AMD's Vision Engine Control Center already has a check mark then AMD Dual Graphics feature is active.

Conclusion

The presence of AMD Dual Graphics feature on AMD platform Llano A-Series is bringing its own benefits for users who are using this platform. Lack of GPU performance on AMD Llano APU A-Series desktop version can now be overcome by adding an add-on graphics card.

Using multi-GPU configuration AMD Dual Graphics provides improved performance is quite satisfactory. As an example let us look at the performance of HD 6670 + HD 6550D 6690D2 aka HD. HD performance is not only beyond 6690D2 6550D HD performance but also outperformed the HD 6670. HD 6690D2 name seems quite reasonable considering the performance that was carried over the HD 6670. Overall, the use of AMD Dual Graphics configurations capable of delivering up to 30% performance improvement over the performance of the add-on graphics card, the graphics application or a particular game.

The results of the above test was also revealed interesting facts. As we mentioned in previous pages, AMD Dual Graphics feature was indeed a more optimal use in graphics applications or games that use DirectX 10 and 11. In DirectX 9 games, using a configuration makes the AMD Dual Graphics performance is not as firm as if using an add-on graphics card. If most of the games you play are still based on DirectX 9, using the add-on graphics card is a more appropriate choice. Configuration AMD Dual Graphics is more appropriate to be used in games DirectX 10 and 11.
AMD Dual Graphics Options Attract?

Performance improvements offered by AMD Dual Graphics feature is quite tempting. But keep in mind to use this feature required the add-on graphics card which means you have extra to spend more. Besides AMD Dual Graphics also more optimal in DirectX 10 games and 11. Though it is still a lot of game titles that use DirectX 9 technology.

If you do not mind this, AMD Dual Graphics configurations is one attractive option to boost the performance of AMD's Llano APU GPU on the A-Series desktop version in addition to overclock the system memory.