LucidLogix forges ahead with its promise of multi-GPU compatibility across multiple graphics architectures and platforms. Today we see how its latest drivers stand up to the performance standards of CrossFire and SLI on a much more cost-sensitive board.
Continuous development has kept LucidLogix at technology’s cutting edge, but is the company finally ready to take a market lead? Is it finally viable to mix your Radeons and GeForces on the same motherboard? Performance improvements, bug fixes, and an expanded portfolio of 145 3D titles compel us to take a second look at this unique and potentially game-changing technology.

Like the NF200 from Nvidia, Lucid’s Hydra 200 supplies 32 lanes of PCIe 2.0 connectivity to two graphics cards, consuming 16 lanes from the platform’s primary PCIe controller. Similarities between these two devices end at the bridge function, however. While Nvidia relies on the fact that all cards in an SLI array require the same data by simply repeating that information to all cards (a feature Nvidia calls Broadcast), Lucid’s controller adds logic to determine what data each card will use. HydraLogix (the name Lucid is using for its technology) breaks a 3D workload into multiple tasks and attempts to assign those tasks based on the capabilities of each GPU.
The theoretical benefits of the additional controller are multiple, beginning with the ability to load-balance cards of dissimilar performance. Nvidia’s SLI requires that all graphics cards be identical, significantly hindering later upgrades if a matching card cannot be found. While AMD loosens its requirements by allowing different cards of the same generation to be mixed, putting these in an array will force the better card to operate using the lesser card’s specifications.
Conversely, Lucid’s technology allows two cards of vastly different capabilities to both operate at 100% load.
Take the two examples of the GeForce GTS 450 and Radeon HD 5770, which are around half as powerful as the GeForce GTX 460 and Radeon HD 5870. Using load balancing, it’s possible for the half-sized GPU take on one-third of the load, while its bigger sibling takes on two-thirds of the load.
Lucid goes a step beyond making graphics processors of different scale work at full performance, however, in that the company even supports mixing different architectures. While Radeon HD 5870 plus HD 5770 or GeForce GTX 460 plus GTS 450 sound like interesting combos, an AMD and Nvidia pairing could prove more intriguing.
Thus, while our launch coverage of Lucid's first HydraLogix-based motherboard focused primarily on mixing cards of different generations, today’s tests examine various pairings of current-generation, mid-priced-enthusiasts parts.
- Bigger, Better, Faster, More?
- Mid-Priced Motherboard: MSI’s P55A Fuzion
- P55A Fuzion BIOS, Overclocking, And Accessories
- Mid-Priced Graphics Cards: Radeon HD 5850 And GeForce GTX 460
- Test Configuration
- Benchmark Results: 3DMark Vantage
- Benchmark Results: Alien Vs. Predator
- Benchmark Results: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Benchmark Results: Crysis
- Benchmark Results: DiRT 2
- Benchmark Results: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat
- Performance Evaluation
- Power And Efficiency
- Ready For Prime Time?
Also comparing performance pairing two cards from the same generation (say GTX 460 + GTX 470) vs differing generations. (GTX 260 + GTX460)
Lastly what affect would pairing a two cards with varying amounts of memory have? (two regular versions of a card vs 1 reg + 1 dbl memory vs 2 dbl memory) Since it isn't clear from what I've read if both cards would be limited to lowest memory level or not.
Interesting tech for sure
I hope Lucid gets all the issues worked out.
I hope Lucid gets all the issues worked out.
Also comparing performance pairing two cards from the same generation (say GTX 460 + GTX 470) vs differing generations. (GTX 260 + GTX460)
Lastly what affect would pairing a two cards with varying amounts of memory have? (two regular versions of a card vs 1 reg + 1 dbl memory vs 2 dbl memory) Since it isn't clear from what I've read if both cards would be limited to lowest memory level or not.
Interesting tech for sure
If you get this technology right you will be famous forever!!
2. How does it handle memory like CF, like SLI, when not the same size accross boards how much memory is used?
3. Most importantly, some of us have a nVidia card - probably powerful and want to add an AMD for better gaming. Can the AMD render the image and let nvidia do CUDA and use remainder muscles for raising FPS, for example how does hardware acceleration work in CS5? This is the added value, in the case when we would ditch one card we get to have added functianality... - Do a mixed mode benchmark with cuda enabled plz
Bottom line we want more info on the Technology and applications, where it is unique, the setting of these test are kind of ideal. And in a CF,SLI capable motherboard i don't really care how the card performs in the other mode. Cool to see that it has some benefit when using different brands though.
It seems theyre still at it, and its looking better than it did
I think when we all heard this back when, it created a huge expectaion/desire
They surely werent ready then, but theyve made progress
Seeing what happened to LRB, it isnt easy coming in from scratch on a brand new tech, so I tip my hat to them, and hopefully, we get to the day where we dont throw anything out
Maybe because this test started before the 6870 came out....
You're not sure? Looking at this graph I think it's pretty clear... http://media.bestofmicro.com/A/I/264762/original/image024.png
I'm not going to pay for the privlidge of being a beta tester for any tech company.
Though credit where credit is due:
"We’ve even seen instructions on how to select games to best highlight the capabilities of Lucid’s technology, but that's not how we roll."
All in all, pretty good article despite the somewhat "diplomatic" language in you conclusion.