Raster graphics

If you take an ordinary newspaper illustration and examine it carefully, preferably under a magnifying glass, you can see that it actually consists of many dots. These dots can be either bold black (in those places where a deep black background is visible in the illustration), or more or less gray (where halftones are present) or even be almost invisible (in white places). If we consider such an illustration at some distance, and not close, as we did, the individual dots merge into a single image. We can say that an ordinary newspaper illustration is a classic example of raster graphics.

Raster graphics were first created by printers in order to print illustrations on paper with minimal ink consumption. In this case, a thin grid, called a raster, is superimposed on the original image, and the image is divided into many dots (pixels). After that, it remains only to calculate the black intensity at each pixel of the raster or, for a color image, the color of the pixel and, possibly, its transparency. This process is called rasterization. The data obtained as a result of rasterization is either immediately transferred to printing films, or written to a file for further processing.

Vector graphics

Suppose that any, even very complex graphic image can be divided into simple elements: straight lines, curves, ellipses, rectangles, etc. These simple elements, called graphic primitives, can be described by certain formulas. As a result, you get a set of parameters, using which you can accurately recreate the original set of graphic primitives, and hence the original image.

Such graphics, consisting of individual primitives, is called vector graphics. This is how Flash images are saved.

Hybrid Graphics

Actually, hybrid graphics are a kind of vector graphics containing raster images inside. As a result, it is often possible to overcome major shortcomings both raster and vector graphics: big size(for raster graphics) and the impossibility of accurately conveying halftone images (vector graphics).

The hybrid image is divided into fragments, some of which are made in raster form, and some - in vector form. Usually all halftone fragments are callouts, diagrams, maps, etc. In this way, a compromise is reached between image quality and file size.

All modern vector graphics editors, including Flash, provide the ability to create hybrid graphics. The actual ones can even be called hybrid graphics editors. Desktop publishing programs also create hybrid graphics.

AMD Dual Graphics Review | Hybrid CrossFire, reboot

The solution that AMD is now calling Dual Graphics, formerly known as Hybrid CrossFire. From a technical standpoint, the former name was more accurate as the feature uses AMD's multi-GPU technology to scale APU performance with discrete graphics.

This means that you can take an APU-based system, add a Radeon graphics card, combine them into one configuration, and use the resulting combined graphics performance resource to achieve more high frequency frames than those of the same components individually.

Solution Dual Graphics was introduced by AMD along with the Llano GPU in 2011; you can find the corresponding review on our resource. While we understand the appeal of the Hybrid CrossFire, Several bugs were found in the first implementation.. Then we expected to revise the technology Dual Graphics when she becomes more mature. As time went on, the architecture of Llano gave way to Trinity, which, in turn, was replaced by Richland.

AMD had three generations to refine and improve the hardware and software components of the technology. So we thought it was time to test Dual Graphics more thoroughly. After all, AMD is making some pretty bold claims about the potential benefits of this feature. The slide below is taken from the presentation accompanying the Richland premiere:

Over the past two years, we have accumulated a lot of questions about Dual Graphics. For example, AMD does not recommend pairing APUs with graphics cards above Radeon HD 6670 due to possible imbalance of graphic resources. However, we have heard that Radeon HD 7750 perfectly complements the array Dual Graphics. Is it even possible to pair an APU with a VLIW5 graphics architecture and a GCN-based discrete card using this technology? If yes, will the cards provide more expensive Radeon HD 6670 worthwhile results that justify the overpayment? If any restrictions Dual Graphics worth knowing about? V this material we will try to answer these questions.

We also wanted to include our analysis based on the FCAT utility, which uses video capture to measure the number of dropped and short frames (too small for the naked eye) generated by multi-GPU configurations. Unfortunately, we were unable to get the utility to successfully process videos from Dual Graphics. AMD has said that the issue we're experiencing cannot be fixed for the foreseeable future. If you remember, in AMD A10-6700 and A10-6800K review the problem manifested itself in the fact that the bits of adjacent frames were shown where they should not be, something like this:

See the gap in the image? We do not agree with this state of affairs, therefore we have found a way to objectively evaluate the effectiveness Dual Graphics: We used video capture, which is usually used by FCAT to generate data. You will be amazed at the unexpected results (according to at least, we were). Next, we will talk more about video demonstrations.

AMD Dual Graphics Review | Demo video, test bench and benchmarks

We always wanted to show exactly the picture that we see when comparing the output quality of different graphics adapters. The problem is that lossless video capture at 60Hz at 1920x1080 pixels creates a huge video file that is too big to download. In addition, when uploading this file to YouTube, its frame rate is reduced to 30 FPS, throwing out half the information from the original file. Luckily, thanks to YouTube's HTML5 testing, we found a solution. You need to activate the beta feature by going to link, and click the "Join HTML5 testing" button:

After logging in, close and restart your web browser. Now you need to access the HTML5 based speed control through the settings button in the lower right corner of the video playback window:

We recorded our results at half the speed. So on YouTube's "normal" speed settings (30 FPS), you can carefully look at the result at a slower than real speed and feel the difference. Then, if you want to see the output image as it appears during testing, set the video speed to 2x (60 FPS). With this technique, we have a great opportunity to showcase the experience of the game at 60Hz refresh rate, and for readers to see what we see when collecting results.

But first, we'd like to give you some tips on HTML5 testing. Make sure the video is fully loaded before playing it at 2x speed. To do this, as a rule, you need a wider channel, since jumps and freezes will interfere with the normal perception of the picture. We also observed situations where YouTube did not register changes in speed settings without reloading the page. And finally, we recommend that you first watch the video at normal speed, and then at high speed. This makes it much easier to see differences in frame rate smoothness.

In testing, we are using Catalyst 13.6 Beta drivers instead of Catalyst 13.8 Beta, which adds frame adjusting for smoother, more stable output. AMD claims new driver does not affect configurations Dual Graphics. It only works with a few discrete GPUs. Otherwise software other system components updated to the latest versions.

Test stand configuration
CPU	AMD A10-6800K (Richland), 4.1 GHz base clock, 4.4 GHz Turbo Core, integrated 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 3Gb/s
Net	Built-in Gigabit LAN controller
video card	AMD Radeon HD 6670 DDR3, 800 MHz GPU, 1 GB GDDR5 at 800 MHz (1600 MHz effective)
Power Supply	ePower EP-1200E10-T2 1200W 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 p. Fraps
tomb raider	Version 1.04, THG benchmark, 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

Technology AMD Hybrid Graphics technology, is AMD's collective brand for the Radeon discrete and integrated GPU lineup, enhancing performance and performance while conserving power consumption in GPUs. Technology previously applied to select AMD 700 chipset and AMD 800 chipset series chip sets. ATI Hybrid Graphics technology was announced on January 23, 2008 with the Radeon HD 2400 and Radeon HD 3400 series graphics cards that support hybrid graphics functionality. ATI originally announced that this feature would only be supported on Vista, but in August 2008 they included support in their windows drivers xp. The architecture is patented by ATI. Previous generation Hybrid Crossfire paired with 890GX or 880G (Radeon HD4290 and HD 4250 respectively) motherboards AMD 800 chipset series with an HD 5450, 5550, 5570, or 5670 Radeon graphics card from the Radeon HD 5000 series. More new information suggests that AMD A6 and A8 series APUs can be used in hybrid Crossfire (later called "Dual Graphics") with HD 6570 and HD 6670 graphics cards. HD 75/76 and based on Socket FM2 are expected in June 2012.

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Technologies

Hybrid CrossFire / Hybrid CrossFireX / Dual Graphics

Hybrid CrossFireX is a technology that allows the IGP processor or integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor or graphics processing unit to create a CrossFire setting to enhance the system's ability to render 3D scenes, while Hybrid CrossFire X technology is present on the 790GX and 890G, with two PCI-E x16 physical slots with x8 bandwidth can form a hybrid CrossFire X setup with two graphics cards and an IGP, improving 3D rendering capabilities.

The initial results of the work, combined with Radeon graphics card The HD 2400 results in a 50% performance increase over the standalone performance of the Radeon HD 2400, and laptops will also be available. Three modes of operation have been seen as follows:

ATI hybrid graphics

Mode	Embedded IGP	Discrete graphics card(s) PCI-E (including modules (modules) AXIOM / MXM)
Embedded IGP only	Not	Yes
discrete mode	Yes	Not
Hybrid mode	Not	Not
Notes: Hybrid CrossFire X was previously only available on the 790GX, 780G, 760G, 785G and 880G and 890GX chipsets, but AMD's A6 and A8 series Fusion AP6 series can now be used in "Dual Graphic" configurations with HD 6570 and HD 6670 video cards.

One notable issue is that when the IGP is paired with a DirectX 10.1 graphics card, the entire CrossFire hybrid setup will only support DirectX 10.0 and UVD in the IGP will be disabled. However, the new 785G chipset has solved this problem and supports DirectX 10.1.

Since 2012, it seems that this "hybrid CrossFireX" is called "Dual Graphics". AMD claims that - for an A8-3850 APU paired with an HD 6670 graphics card - dual graphics more than double the performance (reference increased by 123%) compared to an APU alone. But the performance of the HD 6670 standalone graphics card does not appear to be quoted or compared. However, the Japanese computer magazine ASCII has published charts showing significant improvements for the combination of the A8-3850 with the HD 6450, HD 6570 and HD 6670, as well as Hardware Tom's Hardware and Hardware Canucks.

Surround View

SurroundView technology is a multi-display technology available on the ATI RS480 chipset. This technology supports the connection of multiple monitors. A maximum of four monitors with a discrete graphics card can be connected to the supported video output ports (one via LVDS, which is either an HDMI or DVI-D port, and one D-Sub port), in "extended desktop" or "dual mode" mode ", for best use desktop systems and more flexibility. Integrated GPU and discrete GPU work in parallel with multiple displays. Therefore, it is different from Hybrid CrossFireX.

Newer products have AMD Eyefinity.

PowerXpress

Available on major mobile IGP chipsets (AMD M780G and M690), PowerXpress technology enables seamless switching from integrated graphics (IGP) to discrete graphics on laptops when the laptop is connected to AC power for improved 3D rendering capabilities, and vice versa when disabled from a power source to extend battery life. The process does not require a system reboot, both in the past and in some modern laptop implementations.

Current Linux support for this feature may be complete with Catalyst 11.4 (fglrx driver 8.840 or later) according to the Phoronix article. X.org does not currently support hot-swapping smooth graphics cards without restarting the X server.

PowerXpress((Mobile)

Mode	Connected to AC power?	Embedded IGP	discrete GPU module(s) AXIOM / MXM	Default PowerPlay power settings
AC mode	Yes	Yes	Not	"Maximum Performance"
Constant current mode	Not	Not	Yes	"Maximum battery life"

The internal name of AMD technology is PowerXpress

• PowerXpress v1 - v3.0 were branded under the same name, "PowerXpress",
• PowerXpress v4.0, external name is renamed "Dynamic Switchable Graphics" (DSG).
• PowerXpress v5.0 - present, DSG rebranded as "Enduro".