AMD Radeon Dual Graphics on a laptop. AMD Dual Graphics: Analysis of test results. Discrete Video Card Switching Methods on Laptop

AMD Radeon. Dual Graphics is a technology based on AMD Crossfirex™, available for AMD based on APU based with coordinating discrete graphic aMD cards Radeon. To view the new list APU-based systems and discrete graphics cards supporting AMD Radeon Dual Graphics technology, see http://www.amd.com/dualgraphics.

For including AMD. Radeon Dual Graphics Integrated graphics processor in APU works in combination with a discrete graphics card to improve the quality of graphics and performance, especially for game applications. For more information on how these components work together, see.

Enable / Disable AMD Radeon ™ Dual Graphics

Use the AMD Radeon Dual Graphics page to enable or disable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics support.

When you enable support for AMD Radeon Dual Graphics, the discrete graphics board is used in conjunction with APU to improve the quality and improve the performance of graphics (when possible).

Note: When you enable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics support, the Control Center application is automatically restarted.

Go to Amd Radeon Dual Graphics:
- Standard view - Performance and Games\u003e Performance in games.
- Extended performance - Performance and games.
Select the appropriate option from the following:
- Enable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics - Allows multiple graphics processors to work together with the aim of improving the quality and improvement of graphics. Displays connected to the auxiliary graphics board are automatically disconnected. With regard to Windows® 8.1, AMD Radeon Dual Graphics support is enabled only for applications and games with a standard AMD profile or user profile Applications. To enable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics for all games and applications - even those of which do not have an application profile - select item Enable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics for Applications without Profile.
- Disable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics - Allows you to enable additional displays on the auxiliary graphics board (the specified action does not lead to improved performance or improve the quality of graphics).
To unlock support for displays connected to auxiliary graphics card, if necessary, click on the slider and drag it. Do not for all configurations AMD Radeon Dual Graphics supports unlocking displays connected to the auxiliary graphics card. We: to achieve optimal performance when starting 3D Applications Connect all displays to the main graphic processor And (if necessary), unlock the displays connected to the auxiliary graphics processor.
Click the Apply button.

AMD Radeon Dual Graphics support is turned on or disabled accordingly. When you turn on AMD Radeon Dual Graphics, you can select the display or hiding the AMD Radeon Dual Graphics indicator.

Display / Hiding the AMD Radeon ™ Dual Graphics logo

When AMD Radeon Dual Graphics is enabled, you can select the display of the AMD Radeon Dual Graphics logo for 3D applications and games started in full screen mode. This logo is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen and indicates that AMD Radeon Dual Graphics is enabled. When AMD Radeon Dual Graphics is disabled, the logo is not displayed.

Right-click the Control Center logo in Windows® notification area.
In the menu that appears, select a graphics card associated with APU, specify AMD Radeon Dual Graphics Parameters and select Show AMD Radeon Dual Graphics status icon (if applicable) To display the AMD Radeon Dual Graphics logo when you turn on AMD Radeon Dual Graphics. To always hide the logo, even when you turn on AMD Radeon Dual Graphics, uncheck the checkbox.

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Overview AMD Dual Graphics | Hybrid Crossfire, reboot

The decision that AMD is now calling Dual Graphics.previously wore name Hybrid Crossfire. From a technical point of view, the previous name was more accurate, since the function uses multiple GPU AMD to scalize APU performance using discrete graphics.

This means that you can take the APU database system, add the Radeon video card, combine them into one configuration and use the resulting cumulative graphics performance resource to achieve a higher frame rate than those of the same components separately.

Decision Dual Graphics. AMD was presented along with GPU Llano in 2011; You can find the appropriate review on our resource. Although we understand the attractiveness of Hybrid Crossfire, in the first implementation several shortcomings were discovered . Then we expected to revise technology Dual Graphics.When it becomes more mature. There was time, the Llano architecture gave way to Trinity's road, which, in turn, was replaced by Richland.

The improvement and improvement of the hardware and software components of the AMD technology has as many as three generations. So we thought it was time to test Dual Graphics. more thoroughly. In the end, AMD makes pretty bold statements about the potential advantages of this function. The slide below is taken from the presentation accompanying the Richland Premiere:

Over the past two years, we have accumulated many questions about Dual Graphics.. For example, AMD does not recommend binding APU with video cards above the level Radeon HD 6670. Due to the possible imbalance of graphic resources. However, we heard that Radeon HD 7750. Perfectly complements array Dual Graphics.. Is it possible to connect APU at all with the VLIW5 graphics architecture and a discrete GCN database using this technology? If so, whether the cards will provide more Radeon HD 6670. Standing results that will meet overpayment? If any restrictions Dual Graphics.What about knowing? IN this material We will try to answer these questions.

We also wanted to include our analysis based on the FCAT utility, which, using video capture, measures the amount of missed and short frames (too small for perception with a naked eye) generated by configurations from several GPUs. Unfortunately, we could not make the utility successfully handle video from Dual Graphics.. In AMD, they said that the problem with which we encountered will not be corrected in the foreseeable future. If you remember, in AMD A10-6700 and A10-6800K review The problem was manifested in the fact that the bits of adjacent frames were shown there, where they should not be, approximately:

See the gap in the image? With such a state of affairs, we do not agree, so we found a method of objective evaluation of efficiency Dual Graphics.: We used video capture, which is usually used FCAT to generate data. You will be amazed by unexpected results (at least we were). Then we will talk about video demonstrations in more detail.

Overview AMD Dual Graphics | Demo video, test booth and benchmark

We always wanted to show exactly the picture that we see when comparing the quality of the output from various graphic adapters. The problem is that the video capture without loss at a frequency of 60 Hz with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels creates a huge video file, too large for download. In addition, when loading this file on YouTube, its frame rate is cut up to 30 fps, throwing out half of the information from the initial file. Fortunately, thanks to Youtube testing on HTML5, we found a way out. Need to activate beta function going link And click the "Join Testing HTML5" button:

After entering, you should close and restart the web browser. Now you need to access HTML5 database through the settings button in the lower right corner of the video playback window:

We recorded our results at shorter speed. Therefore, on the "normal" speed settings in YouTube (30 fps), you can carefully consider the result on a smaller than in reality, speed and feel the difference. Then, if you want to see the output image as it looks like during testing, set the video speed by 2x (60 fps). Thanks to this technique, we have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the impressions of the game at the refreshment frequency of 60 Hz, and readers have to see what we see when collecting results.

But first we would like to give a few tips on HTML5 testing. Make sure the video is fully loaded before playing it at 2x speed. For this, as a rule, a wider channel is needed, since jumps and hangs will prevent normal perception of the picture. We also observed the situations when YouTube did not register changes in the speed settings without rebooting the page. And finally, we recommend first to view the video at normal speed, and then at elevated. Thus, see the difference in smoothness of frame frequency change is much easier.

During testing, we use drivers versions of Catalyst 13.6 Beta instead of Catalyst 13.8 Beta, which add frame adjustment function for a smoother and stable output. AMD claims that the new driver does not affect configurations Dual Graphics.. It works only with several discrete GPUs. Otherwise, the software of other components of the system is updated to the latest versions.

Test Stand Configuration
CPU	AMD A10-6800K (Richland), basic frequency 4.1 GHz, 4.4 GHz in tURBO mode Core, built-in Radeon HD 8670D (844 MHz)
Motherboard	ASRock FM2A85X, Socket FM2, chipset: AMD A85
RAM	AMD Gamer Series Memory, 2 x 4 GB, DDR3-1866, CL 13-13-13-34
Storage device	Western Digital Caviar Black 750 GB 7200 rpm, 32 MB cache, SATA 3gbit / s
Net	Built-in Gigabit LAN controller
Video card	AMD Radeon HD 6670 DDR3, GPU 800 MHz, 1 GB GDDR5 per 800 MHz (efficient 1600 MHz)
Power Supply	ePOWER EP-1200E10-T2 1200 W ATX12V, EPS12V
OS.	Microsoft Windows 8 Pro x64
DirectX	DirectX 11.
Graph. Drivers	AMD Catalyst 13.6 Beta 2
Tests and settings
Metro: Last Light	Version 1.0.0.0, DirectX 10, Built-in Benchmark
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Version 1.6.89.06, version 1.5.26.05, 25 s. Fraps
Tomb Raider.	Version 1.04, Benchmark THG, 60 s. Fraps
F1 2012.	Version 1.2, Direct x 11, Built-in benchmark, 60 s. Fraps
BIOSHOCK INFINITE.	Version 1.0.1441711, Built-in Benchmark, Fraps
COMPANY OF HEROES 2	Version 3.0.0.9804, Built-in Benchmark, Fraps

All laptops have at least one graphic solution - a built-in video card. However, for comfortable work with applications (in particular, game), it is recommended to use a non-built video system, but an additional one. It can be called differently: external, discrete, etc. The bottom line does not change: this video card It is a separate unit that is not integrated into the laptop, therefore, the restrictions characteristic of the laptop map do not apply to it.

In particular, its speed does not depend on the degree of loading of the laptop devices and determine only internal design. In addition, it has its own memory and does not occupy rAM laptop.

In general, the discrete video card in the laptop is full analog An ordinary video card in a stationary PC, but made in another constructive design.

The article will consider how to include a discrete video card on laptop AMD..

The main feature of the discrete adapter is its elevated in comparison with the built-in speed. Sometimes an increase in performance in the transition to a discrete card is up to 200-300%.

Of course, the energy consumption of the system is significantly increasing significantly increases, which leads to a decrease in the mobility of the laptop, but in cases where the high speed of the video system is required - this is the only possible solution.

Discrete Video Card Switching Methods on Laptop

There are several ways to switch the graphics processor used:

The system means included in the Windows operating system (OS).
Using low-level low-level configuration configuration program - BIOS or UEFI.
Application special softwaresupplied with a laptop.

Each method has its own features of application, and in some cases it may not be enough. For example, you can not switch to operating systemIf the external adapter "Tighter" is disabled in the BIOS.

Consider the use of each method in more detail:

Standard tools of Windows

To switch to a discrete card in the operating room windows system You must first disable the built-in map, and then restart the laptop. After this procedure, it switches to the use of a discrete video adapter.

Disconnection is performed in the device manager in the "Video adapter" section. It is enough to choose an integrated map, click on it the right mouse button and specify the "Disable" item.

Important! This follows only if both cards are displayed in the device manager! If only one is displayed - you must first turn on the discrete in the BIOS.

UEFI or BIOS.

If you use the BIOS switch, you must go to the peripheral settings (it may be called "Peripherals", "Advanced Configuration" and the like) and select the used graphic device. The menu item To select the adapter may be called "Graphics Device", "Video Adapter", "Display ...", etc.

Attention! In systems where the UEFI interface is used instead of the BIOS, the adapter change algorithm is similar, however, information may have both a textual representation and displayed as pictograms.

Using the software installed with the drivers

Setting up a particular adapter can also be performed using a special software that, as a rule, comes with an OS on a laptop. For AMD adapters, this can be a Catalyst Control Center.

In the Catalyst program (which is called by clicking on it in the system tray), select "Switchable graph. Adapters "where the selection of the video card used is selected. An alternative will be the "Performance" item in which the integrated card is disabled in the Dual Graphics section.

Over the past two years, we have accumulated many questions about Dual Graphics.. For example, AMD does not recommend binding APU with video cards above the level Radeon HD 6670. Due to the possible imbalance of graphic resources. However, we heard that Radeon HD 7750. Perfectly complements array Dual Graphics.. Is it possible to connect APU at all with the VLIW5 graphics architecture and a discrete GCN database using this technology? If so, whether the cards will provide more Radeon HD 6670. Standing results that will meet overpayment? If any restrictions Dual Graphics.What about knowing? In this material we will try to answer these questions.

Overview AMD Dual Graphics | Demo video test stand and benchmark

After entering, you should close and restart the web browser. Now you need to access HTML5 database through the settings button in the lower right corner of the video playback window:

Test Stand Configuration
CPU	AMD A10-6800K (Richland), base frequency 4.1 GHz, 4.4 GHz in TURBO CORE mode, built-in Radeon HD 8670D (844 MHz)
Motherboard	ASRock FM2A85X, Socket FM2, chipset: AMD A85
RAM	AMD Gamer Series Memory, 2 x 4 GB, DDR3-1866, CL 13-13-13-34
Storage device	Western Digital Caviar Black 750 GB 7200 rpm, 32 MB cache, SATA 3gbit / s
Net	Built-in Gigabit LAN controller
Video card	AMD Radeon HD 6670 DDR3, GPU 800 MHz, 1 GB GDDR5 per 800 MHz (efficient 1600 MHz)
Power Supply	ePOWER EP-1200E10-T2 1200 W ATX12V, EPS12V
OS.	Microsoft Windows 8 Pro x64
DirectX	DirectX 11.
Graph. Drivers	AMD Catalyst 13.6 Beta 2
Tests and settings
Metro: Last Light	Version 1.0.0.0, DirectX 10, Built-in Benchmark
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Version 1.6.89.06, version 1.5.26.05, 25 s. Fraps
Tomb Raider.	Version 1.04, Benchmark THG, 60 s. Fraps
F1 2012.	Version 1.2, Direct x 11, Built-in benchmark, 60 s. Fraps
BIOSHOCK INFINITE.	Version 1.0.1441711, Built-in Benchmark, Fraps
COMPANY OF HEROES 2	Version 3.0.0.9804, Built-in Benchmark, Fraps

Overview AMD Dual Graphics | Test results

Tomb Raider.

Our analysis we start with the game Tomb Raider. This is probably the best option for Dual Graphics. Since the game was reconciled by AMD. In addition, it is very entertaining.

At least, in theory, the results of this benchmark show that Dual Graphics. It has a significant impact on productivity, increasing the possibilities of a separate APU or discrete GPU. As says AMD, Radeon HD 6670. Provides the best price and productivity ratio in a pair with APU A10-6800K. By offering 100% acceleration compared to the discrete card.

The growth rate with GDDR5 cards is impressive less. But, despite the mixing of VLIW5 and GCN architectures, there is an explicit improvement in performance indicators.

Schedule of frame frequency in the dynamics did not show anything new, although it can be seen as configurations Dual Graphics. Provide a noticeable increase in frame frequency than APU or a discrete video card separately.

Now we take into calculation of time fluctuations between frames. It is easy to see that Dual Graphics. Provides a significant delay in changing consecutive frames. Data delays may be the reason for the appearance of missed or short frames, which levels the high frequency of frames.

The video below shows a direct comparison of the results. APU A10-6800K. (average frame rate 24.1 FPS), APU A10-6800K. from Radeon HD 6670. DDR3 in mode Dual Graphics. (average frame rate of 43.3 FPS) and single Radeon HD 7750. (Medium frame rate of 49.2 FPS).

AMD Dual Graphics Test - Tomb Raider

Video to twice the smaller speed provides an expressive demonstration of what the FRAPS indicator cannot say: configuration Dual Graphics. Provides the same "intermittent" conclusion like a single APU A10-6800K. Despite twice the greater frame rate. Meanwhile, Radeon HD 7750. Displays a perfectly smooth picture. This effect is not so expressive at full speed, but still noticeable.

Already during the first tested game, it becomes obvious that there is a discrepancy between the readings of such utilities as FRAPS, and real impressions of the image being played. An increase in time fluctuations between frames confirms our hypothesis. Dual Graphics. may and increase the number of frames visualized per second, but since it is mostly missed and short frames, during a real gameplay it is imperceptible.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The representative of the company has already stated that this driver does not affect the function Dual Graphics. Even despite the introduction of reclamation flow. Version 13.8 is aimed at discrete video cards in CrossFire bundles.

But to be sure of this one hundred percent, we spent an overview of the video capture with the driver Catalyst 13.8 Beta.

AMD Dual Graphics Test with Beta Driver 13.8 - Tomb Raider

AMD Dual Graphics Test with Beta Driver 13.8 - Skyrim

AMD Dual Graphics Test with Beta Driver 13.8 - F1 2012

AMD Dual Graphics Test with Beta Driver 13.8 - Bioshock

As you can see, the new driver has nothing to change in relation Dual Graphics. , as the representative of AMD said.

Overview AMD Dual Graphics | Good for benchmarks, but not for games

Does the discrete video card leading in addition to the APU to an increase in frame frequency in games when activating Dual Graphics. ? According to FRAPS, definitely leads.

But does it lead to a smoother gameplay, if you rely on the image visible on the screen? Tested several games using this feature, we believe that there is no. But not to be unfounded, we found a way to demonstrate. Since FCAT does not work due to problems with driver AMD.We used a video that was usually missed via FCAT. And results for Dual Graphics. turned out to be disappointing.

There is no connection between the higher frame rate in Fraps and the fact that you actually see when displaying via DVI, no connection. About this function AMD has been saying for almost two years, and Dual Graphics. It was supposed to survive his childhood diseases. We do not know how many gamers bought a video card to combine with APU Llano, Trinity or Richland, believing that in this way the sensations from the game will noticeably improve, but, based on what we have seen, additional costs were mostly pasty.

Yes, FRAPS indicator says that the average frame rate increases significantly. However, it is this paradox, first of all, became an inspiration for creating FCAT. If the program calculates each missing and short frame from the average frame rate Dual Graphics. You will not get any benefit from personnel pieces (as in the image above), artificially improving performance.

We are not trying to find fault in AMD. While about such artifacts as small "slowchairing" has been known for many years, the insulation of data that makes sense for real sensations is a more recent phenomenon that was seen by the portal command THE TECH REPORT. And then quantitatively defined in the indicators of the FCAT utility developed by NVIDIA. We are very pleased that AMD seriously reacted to these issues and developed special driver To solve them. We will soon test the last beta driver of the Catalyst on the same technology to find out whether the sensations from the gameplay will improve thanks to a more stable personnel. If it is so, we will gladly praise the AMD Product Developer Developer Team.

However, the newest driver does not improve the situation with Dual Graphics. . Problems with this technology are even more serious than we thought before planning this analysis. We hope that the company will be responsible for the correction of work Dual Graphics. , as in the case of improving CrossFire with two discrete GPUs. Now AMD promotes a function that improves test results, but not the gameplay itself. And it is wrong.