Lucid Virtu MVP enhances switchable graphics and more

Gigabyte's Tech Daily explains the exciting new features of Lucid Virtu MVP, a graphics virtualization technology that will be included in the company's 7 series motherboards. With Virtu MVP, users will be able to control whether the system has to use the processor's integrated graphics (to save power) or a discrete graphics card, on a per-application level. Additionally, the Virtu MVP technology also delivers Virtual Vsync and HyperFormance. Full details over here.

The other new feature that we�re looking forward to offering you guys is what Lucid refers to as HyperFormance, a feature which claims to substantially improve overall 3D gaming responsiveness. By responsiveness we mean how well the game actually responds to your mouse and keyboard, a key factor that contributes greatly to a better overall gaming experience.

Without getting too technical, Lucid Hyperformance basically examines each piece of data as it passes through the graphics pipeline with the aim of eliminating redundant rendering tasks. This allows for shorter rendering cycles which, in turn translates into better overall responsiveness for you the gamer. We have toyed around with Hyperformance here in our labs, and we�ve been impressed at how the game just feels faster. If you were running at 100FPS, enabling Hyperformance will most likely give you even higher FPS. Not only does the FPS show marked improvement, but so too does the feel and responsiveness of the game.

Lucid Virtu MVP enhances switchable graphics and more - More news at DV Hardware

Diagnose a Graphics Card Problem

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Blank screens, display monitor flickering, squealing noises, incorrect text and monitor display sizes are all signs that require your graphics card settings to be adjusted. Thankfully, you can resolve many of these issues without having to dismantle your computer. By checking the connections and altering the refresh rate and resolution settings, your graphics card diagnosis will lead you to a fast and clearer visual repair.

1). Check the connections from the graphics card and video cable and verify that each one is securely attached if a blank or black screen is displayed. If your computer monitor does not work correctly, go to the next step.

2). Replace cables that have bent or damaged pins in the connector. If your computer monitor does not work correctly, go to the next step.

3). Change your display resolution if the text or monitor display size is incorrect. Click the "Start" button, click the "Control Panel" and then click "Adjust screen resolution" under "Appearance and Personalization."

4). Click the "Resolution" drop-down list and then move the slider to the "Recommended" resolution size for your monitor. Click "Apply." If your computer monitor does not work correctly, go to the next step.

5). Change your refresh rate if the display flickers. Click the "Start" button, click "Control Panel," and then click "Appearance and Personalization."

6). Click "Personalization," click "Display Settings," and then click "Advanced Settings."

7). Click the "Monitor" tab and then check the "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display" if it is not already checked.

8). Click the pull-down list under "Screen refresh rate" and select a new refresh rate. Click "Apply" within 15 seconds after your display illustrates the new changes otherwise the changes will not take affect. If your computer monitor does not work correctly, go to the next step.

9). Visit the graphics card manufacturer's website and update the driver for the graphics card.

iBoot 2.5 - Unified Graphics Support

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Today, iBoot has received a major update.  No longer will there be multiple versions of iBoot, but one unified version for any supported Intel CPU with either ATI or NVIDIA graphics.  The new version is a permanent replacement for all previous versions of iBoot, including iBoot-NVIDIA, iBoot-ATI, iBoot-ATI-5xxx, and iBoot-Supported. 

Download iBoot

We've rolled in the latest pre-release version of Chameleon 2.0 RC5, and for ethernet, the latest beta version of Lnx2Mac's RealtekRTL81xx.kext.  For desktops and laptops using unsupported Intel CPUs and graphics, a legacy version of iBoot can be downloaded here.

As always, follow the iBoot + MultiBeast method for installation.  Please note that iBoot is an installation tool, and is not intended as a substitute for installing Chameleon to your hard drive or EFI partition. 

If iBoot has helped you, please consider a contribution to support further development.  Thanks in advance, and enjoy!

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

UPDATE: iBoot 2.5.1 now includes 10.5.0 kernel and updated USB support for 10.6.5.

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

Fully Compatible NVIDIA Graphics Cards for Mac OS X

type="html">One of the most important components in a custom build is the graphics card.  If you're building a CustoMac, it's an especially tricky decision.  Not only do you have to worry about what will be a good performer for the cost, but you also have to be informed what is fully supported, and what is not.

Below we've listed a few fully compatible NVIDIA graphics cards for Mac OS X.   Each gives a range of port options, full install compatibility, and are known to work with minimal configuration.  They may not be the most powerful or newest cards available, however they are undoubtedly smart and safe options.  All of the following models have been personally tested by our team.

ASUS GeForce 8400GS

DVI/VGA

This oldie is a perfect fit for someone on a budget who doesn't need much power, but wants a silent card with two working outputs.  Full acceleration enabled with GraphicsEnabler=Yes.

PNY GeForce 9800 GT

DVI/DVI

A standby choice for many enthusiasts, this card gives great performance.  Full acceleration enabled with GraphicsEnabler=Yes.

EVGA GeForce GT 240

DVI/VGA/HDMI

A great choice for a HTPC setup, with working audio + video via HDMI.  Full acceleration enabled with GraphicsEnabler=Yes.

PNY GeForce GTS 450*

DVI/DVI/Mini-HDMI

PNY GeForce GTX 460*

DVI/DVI/Mini-HDMI

EVGA GeForce GTX 470*

DVI/DVI/Mini-HDMI

The newest cards to gain compatibility status, these three 'Fermi' cards are a good choice for their new architecture, CUDA support, and awesome next-generation performance.  Full acceleration enabled with GraphicsEnabler=Yes.  Details here. 
*NVIDIA 4xx cards are fully supported, but some users are reporting random freezes and open gl issues.  Take caution when choosing these cards for now.  Update: these cards are not recommended yet. -tonymacx86

For more information about compatible graphics cards, check out the Graphics Card Database on the Wiki.  Feel free to add a comment here with detailed info about your compatible models.

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

CustomBeast Now Available for NVIDIA 4xx Graphics Cards + USB 3.0 Support

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CustomBeast is now available for NVIDIA 4xx graphics cards!  Supported specs now include any Gigabyte H55, P55, or X58 motherboard with any NVIDIA graphics card. 

In other news we have made some changes to CustomBeast.  During our testing we have found that the MacPro3,1 smbios.plist provides the best performance.  Because of this, we are removing the option for System Identification.  As an added bonus, we will now be including USB 3.0 drivers for supported motherboards.

CustomBeast Request Form

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!