The pioneer of multi-vendor/multi-GPU graphic solutions, LucidLogix today announced it has released Virtu GPU virtualization software for 2nd Generation Intel Core processor platforms to global motherboard manufacturers.

With this technology, next-generation PCs will dynamically balance the advanced power-efficient, built-in media features of Intel Core processor graphics with the high-end, DirectX 11 3D, anti-aliasing and performance features of discrete GPUs, while significantly reducing the power drain of traditional entertainment desktops. Ultimately, the consumer is assured optimal simultaneous performance in 3D gaming and video functions like transcoding and HD playback without the need to swap video cable connections between GPUs.

SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today proudly introduced the Calibre X570 graphics card , delivering intense cooling performance and the broadest set of features for gamers who demand the best. With the excellent cooling solution from Accelero Xtreme, the Calibre X570 Graphics Card brings ultimate DX11 performance with OC function. This offers opportunities for enthusiasts and anyone intent on more hardcore applications to tap their full, powerful potential. Compared to reference GeForce GTX 570 graphics cards on market, the the Calibre X570 Graphics Card is overclocked out of box, it boosts the core, shader and memory clocks significantly to 772MHz, 1544MHz and 4212MHz, bringing better performance in the latest DX11 games.

Employing rock-solid R&D capabilities, MSI rolled out a complete array of new notebook computers packing the new generation of CPU platforms introduced in 2011. It will be parading them March 1-5 at CeBIT, the international computer electronics exhibition in Hanover, Germany. MSI's wares will be displayed in Booth C38, Hall 17. Come to MSI's booth to see world gaming champions Fnatic.MSI as well as the MSI GT680-the world's fastest notebook computer. There'll be plenty of exciting things at the MSI booth to wow the crowds.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, noted that the 20+ additions to be shown will include the awesome G Series gaming laptops, the high performance F Series, the deluxe multimedia C Series, the gorgeously slender X Series, and the highly mobile U netbook series. These stylish machines all pack the newest generation of either Intel or AMD's CPUs and advanced visual-display units. Most models also come with MSI Premium Sound-the best wrap around sound out there. Like supercar-class Dynaudio, cinema-grade THX TruStudio Pro, and premium multimedia SRS PC Sound for the home, programs designed to satisfy the audio-visual entertainment needs of users from around the world, will be on display in Hanover.

MSI will be showing off an array of brand new, powerful display performance notebook computers, including the 15.6-inch CR650, the 12-inch Wind U270, and the 13.4-inch X-Slim X370. Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, explains that these lean, mean machines are the ideal choice for active individuals. They include the Wind U270 ,X-Slim X370 ,and CR650 laptops, which pack AMD's landmark dual core E-350 processor which incorporates the AMD Radeon HD 6310 Discrete-Class Graphics chip which supports DirectX 11, greatly enhancing processing performance and battery life. With these portable laptops, you can enjoy multimedia entertainment outside all day.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today takes the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti series to new performance heights with the supercharged GeForce GTX 560 Ti AMP! Edition. The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti AMP! Edition aims to maximize performance without sacrificing visual quality or stability for an unbridled gaming experience.

"ZOTAC strives to deliver a quality gaming experience with all of our products. With the GeForce GTX 560 Ti AMP! Edition we wanted to maximize performance without sacrificing visual quality or stability for our end users," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "After carefully tuning the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 AMP! Edition, we are able to deliver the highest clock speeds capable of passing our rigorous DirectX 11 testing procedure without a single graphical artifact."

Leading graphics card supplier, SAPPHIRE Technology has just launched a new TV tuner card with a difference - the SAPPHIRE HD 5570 XtendTV card. The SAPPHIRE HD 5570 XtendTV card is a single slot PCI-Express graphics card with 1GB of GDDR5 memory and HDMI and DVI outputs - and a built in programmable TV tuner. Connected to a standard TV antenna signal, it will receive and decode all of the local free to air TV and radio stations*. Just as with a regular TV tuner, the user can watch TV on the host PC using Media Center - record, save and playback programs at will.

But XtendTV does more. Installing the FlexiStream software on the PC in which the card is installed enables the PC as a streaming server and users can watch all of their home TV programmes anywhere in the world using the XtendTV client on a remote PC or laptop.

AMD released the entire entry-mid portion of the Radeon HD 6000 series overnight, for OEMs only. The cards won't be available to consumers (retail) as yet, but does give away specifications of two new GPUs that AMD is carving these SKUs out of, Turks and Caicos. Built on the 40 nm process, Turks packs 480 VLIW5 stream processors, is DirectX 11 compliant, and sports a 128-bit wide GDDR5 memory controller that supports GDDR3 on lower SKUs. Radeon HD 6670 and HD 6570 are based on Turks. Both have all 480 stream processors enabled, differ in memory type/amount and clock speeds. The HD 6670 carries clock speeds of 800 MHz core, 1000 MHz (4.00 GHz GDDR5 effective) memory, and is available with memory amounts of 512 MB or 1 GB. The 128-bit wide memory interface churns out bandwidth of 64 GB/s.

The HD 6570 is also based on Turks, but features clock speeds of 650 MHz core, and two different memory clock speed specifications based on the memory type opted for by the manufacturers. If a manufacturer chooses GDDR3, it's clocked at 900 MHz (1.80 GHz GDDR3 effective), with a memory bandwidth of 28.8 GB/s. If it's GDDR5, it's clocked at 1000 MHz (4.00 GHz effective), 64 GB/s bandwidth. Up to 2 GB of memory can be opted for GDDR3 designs, while up to 1 GB can be opted for GDDR5-based ones. While the HD 6670 reference board uses a full-height design with a single-slot fan-heatsink, HD 6570 is designed for low-profile cards, best suited for HTPCs or SFF PCs.

GIGABYTE Technology Co. LTD., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is pleased to launch the latest GeForce GT 440 series graphics cards, GV-N440TC-1GI and GV-N440D3-1GI.

Compared to the previous generation, the latest NVIDIA GT 440 GPU has up to 30% better performance. It also supports DirectX 11 tessellation. GIGABYTE GT 440 series graphics cards also have higher default GPU working frequency, offering users amazing gaming experience.

An instant upgrade over integrated graphics, the new ASUS GT 440 graphics card is ideal for driving multimedia center PCs while enabling smooth gaming. It features ASUS exclusive technology Super Alloy Power, which delivers a 15% performance boost, 35°C cooler operation and 2.5 times longer lifespan. The GT 440 further ships factory-overclocked at 822MHz, or 12 MHz more than reference cards, and comes with ASUS' Voltage Tweak for easy overvolting for up to 50% faster clock speeds. The proprietary ASUS Dust-proof Fan contributes additional protection against heat and wear and tear, while GPU Guard strengthens the card for an extended product lifespan.

SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today announced The SPARKLE GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards for home theater enthusiasts and casual gamers, which have everything users need to spoil users senses. The SPARKLE GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards adopt the Fermi architecture which accelerate your digital life. Designed with unparalleled levels of price/performance, the SPARKLE GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards are the perfect GPU for LAN party pwning.The SPARKLE GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards dominates the competition and offers amazing game realism on the latest DirectX 11 titles like Civilization V. Equipped with the latest industry leading technologies including NVIDIA 3D Vision, NVIDIA PhysX, high performance NVIDIA GeForce drivers, and more, the SPARKLE GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards have everything you need to spoil your senses.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today introduces a new graphics card for mainstream users seeking a performance kick - the new ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series graphics cards with 512MB and 1GB DDR5 memory.

Powered by the high-performance NVIDIA Fermi architecture, the ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series pack 96 customizable unified shaders capable of rendering beautiful DirectX 11 graphics or accelerate NVIDIA CUDA-enabled video transcoding and image editing applications. The customizable shaders enable the ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series to accelerate streaming high-definition Internet video powered by Adobe Flash technology for flawless playback free of dropped frames and stuttering.

SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today presents The SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Ti Graphics Card, -- the newest addition to its GTX 500 Series of DirectX 11 graphics cards designed for mainstream market. The SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Ti Graphics Card adopts the Fermi 2.0 architecture which upgrades core algorithms such as texture filtering and Z-axis compression over Fermi 1.0 architecture, so that the corresponding instruction operation efficiency is greatly enhanced.

At the same time, with semiconductor chip manufacturing technology improvements at TSMC, through the upgrading of core components and semiconductor manufacturing process optimization of its characteristics, still based on TSMC 40nm process in the premise, The SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Ti Graphics Card can run at higher frequencies. By the two improvements, the Performance/Watt ratio of the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Ti Graphics Card has great increase over GeForce GTX 470 graphics cards.

SAPPHIRE Technology has just added two new models to its FleX family of graphics cards that can support three screens in Eyefinity mode, out of the box, without the need for DisplayPort monitors or active adapters. The SAPPHIRE HD 6870 FleX is the highest performing card with this feature, allowing gamers to use low-cost DVI monitors for all three screens. The new SAPPHIRE HD 5670 FleX delivers a cost-effective Eyefinity solution for increased productivity in tasks such as editing or business applications.

Both the SAPPHIRE HD 6870 FleX and the HD 5670 Flex can support three DVI monitors in Eyefinity mode and deliver a true SLS (Single Large Surface) work area without the need for costly active adapters. With the SAPPHIRE FleX solution, the first two monitors are connected to the DVI outputs, as usual. A third DVI monitor can be connected to the HDMI output with the passive cable adapter supplied. Thus three DVI monitors can be used in Eyefinity mode without any additional investment.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today raises the performance bar with a new performance-class graphics card - the new ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti. The new ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti delivers best-in-class features and stunning visuals to create a superior gaming experience that goes beyond the traditional frames-per-second metric.

By pairing 384 unified shaders with an ultra-wide 256-bit memory interface, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti is capable of rendering phenomenal hardware-tessellated visuals with Microsoft DirectX 11 technology and deliver unprecedented gaming interaction realism using NVIDIA PhysX technology - all while delivering best-in-class frame rates for a smooth lag-free gaming experience.

Last summer, NVIDIA astounded gamers with the introduction of the GeForce GTX 460 GPU, which editors called "an incredible value". Flash forward 5 months later, and NVIDIA is set to do it again with the immediate availability of the new GeForce GTX 560 Ti GPU. With average performance that is 33% faster, overclocking headroom that is off the charts, and a performance per watt that puts competitive products to shame, the GeForce GTX 560 Ti is further proof as to why GeForce GTX GPUs are favored by PC gamers worldwide.

The GeForce GTX 560 Ti is the newest addition of the Company's "Fermi" line of consumer GPUs that were designed to deliver stunning DirectX 11 (DX11) performance for PC gaming platforms. The GeForce GTX 560 Ti brings a new level of DX11 price/performance to the performance PC gaming market while maintaining super quiet acoustics and minimal power requirements.

MSI introduces the CR650 notebook computer with the newest generation AMD dual core E-350 processor as well as SRS PC Sound and Cinema Pro technologies for a superior multimedia experience. The CR650 packs MSI's Turbo Battery+ power-saving technology and shortcuts for shutting off the screen to extend standby time. MSI's all-new C Series CR650 notebook computer features AMD's latest generation dual core E-350 processor with AMD Radeon HD 6310 Discrete-Class graphics chip for powerful display performance on par with that of a discrete graphics card. The CR650 also comes with high quality, theater-class wrap around stereo courtesy of SRS PC Sound for unprecedented sound fidelity. What's more, Cinema Pro allows you to make adjustments to graphics like a professional to maximize your multimedia experience.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, notes that the CR650 multimedia laptop comes sheathed in MSI's own color film print coating with color gradient design, making it even more pleasing to the eye. The independent Chiclet keyboard and seamless touchpad give you a stylish machine with powerful computing capabilities, and unparalleled multimedia performance.

SAPPHIRE Technology has just announced a new high performance model in its latest series of graphics cards - the HD 6870 TOXIC Edition with Vapor-X cooler. The SAPPHIRE HD 6870 TOXIC Edition has the same internal architecture as the standard model, with 1120 stream processors and 56 texture processing units, but clock speeds are increased to 970MHz for the core and 1150Mhz (4.6 Gb/sec effective) for the memory giving users a considerable boost in performance. The same SAPPHIRE exclusive cooler will also be offered on a model with the standard clocks of 900MHz core / 1050MHz memoy (4.2Gb/sec effective) - the SAPPHIRE HD 6870 Vapor-X Edition.

The SAPPHIRE exclusive Vapor-X cooler ensures that the card runs quietly and efficiently. Together with other special hardware features including on-board 10-phase power control and SAPPHIRE's highly efficient, cool running patented second generation Black Diamond chokes this ensures there is a good margin for performance tuning (overclocking) by enthusiast users. SAPPHIRE's overclocking tool for these models - TriXX - is available for users to download from the SAPPHIRE Select Club - free for SAPPHIRE enthusiasts to join online.

After a well-received launch of the Fusion "Zacate" accelerated processing unit (APU) for nettops and entry-level PCs, AMD's higher-performance APU, codenamed "Llano", is just around the corner. Llano is intended for use on mainstream desktops, business PCs, and all-in-one PCs, it is better geared for higher-resolution, visually-intensive computing. Its competitors include Intel's Core i3 and Core i5 dual-core processors. AMD is backing up this launch with a new multi-GPU technology which is both similar and different from Hybrid CrossFireX. The similar part is that the GPU embedded in the Fusion chip will work in tandem with a discrete AMD Radeon graphics card, the difference is that it can work with any HD 6000 series graphics card, and multiply the available display connectivity.

The Fusion Llano APU will be part of AMD's Lynx mainstream desktop platform. The Llano APU embeds two x86-64 processing cores that feature the latest SIMD extensions, a DirectX 11 compliant GPU, a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, a PCI-Express 2.0 hub, and an interconnect to the Hudson M1 chipset. The APU gives out a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 port, which is configurable using external switching. AMD also ran its own internal tests to show the performance advantage the new multi-GPU technology will give. AMD's Lynx mainstream desktop platform is expected to launch a little later this year.

AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced revenue for the fourth quarter of 2010 of $1.65 billion, net income of $375 million, or $0.50 per share, and operating income of $413 million. The company reported non-GAAP net income of $106 million, or $0.14 per share, and non-GAAP operating income of $141 million. The non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP operating income primarily excluded a net of tax gain of $236 million, and a pre-tax gain of $283 million, respectively, that the company recognized related to a patent license and legal settlement.

For the year ended December 25, 2010, AMD reported revenue of $6.49 billion, net income of $471 million, or $0.64 per share, and operating income of $848 million. Full year non-GAAP net income was $360 million, or $0.49 per share, and operating income was $553 million.

In the wake of impending competition from NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560Ti, AMD is busy fine-tuning its performance-segment offer. It is lowering prices of Radeon HD 6950 with the introduction of a new 1 GB variant, and reportedly working on Radeon HD 6870 "Turbo" models. Combined with the two, AMD is also planning a new driver which is out and out focussed on performance enhancements for Radeon HD 6000 series GPUs.

Catalyst 11.1a Hotfix introduces performance improvements specific to Radeon HD 6800 and HD 6900 series, in turn specific to games. One can expect performance improvements of up to 35% with Anti-Aliasing in some games. Catalyst 11.1a is also going to give users full control over the way the driver handles tessellation, allowing users to override applications' tessellation settings (much like AA and AF). In the future, there's also scope for an AMD-optimised tessellation setting that adjusts tessellation detail to give the best details with minimal performance impact.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Catalyst 11.1a Hotfix Update

A list of changes follows.

AMD today announced immediate availability of the new AMD Embedded G-Series processor, the world's first and only Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) for embedded systems. The AMD Embedded G-Series, based on AMD Fusion technology, delivers a complete, full-featured embedded platform and incorporates the new low-power, x86 CPU based on the "Bobcat" core with a world-class DirectX 11-capable GPU and parallel processing engine on a single piece of silicon.

"AMD's commitment is to ensure the game-changing technologies we develop for consumers and the enterprise are also available for the vast and growing embedded market," said Patrick Patla, corporate vice president and general manager, Server and Embedded Division, AMD. "Today, we have a record number of embedded launch partners. They are using the unique advancements of the AMD Embedded G-Series APU to develop a brand new generation of highly differentiated, energy-efficient, small form-factor embedded systems that can deliver the vivid visual experience expected in our always-connected world."

NVIDIA released its latest version of GeForce software suite, the unified package that installs GeForce drivers, PhysX system software, 3D Vision software, HDMI audio driver, and related system software. Version 266.58 released by NVIDIA is WHQL-signed and available for all current versions of Windows. All GeForce GPUs from 6-series onward, and ION series, are supported. Version 266.58 WHQL installs PhysX system software v9.10.0514 and HDMI audio driver version 1.1.13.1. In terms of performance improvements, 266.58 WHQL introduced a number of game-spcific performance improvements for GeForce 400 and GeForce 500 series GPUs. SLI profiles were added and improved for several games.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 266.58 WHQL

A list of changes follows.

Better late than never. ASRock finally unveiled its mini-ITX motherboard based on the AMD Brazos platform, featuring AMD Fusion "Zacate" E-350 accelerated processing unit (APU). The APU integrates two x86-64 processing cores based on the "Bobcat" architecture with a DirectX 11 compliant AMD Radeon HD 6310 graphics processing core. The ASRock E350M1 is a typical mini-ITX embedded platform motherboard. The board draws power from a standard 24-pin ATX power connector (20-pin will do), though from the looks of it, the same PCB can be reconfigured to have a 2-pin 12V DC power external input for use in some very tight cases.

The APU is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, the lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical 2.0 x4). The E-350 APU and Hudson M1 chipset have separate heatsinks, the one over the APU is ventilated by a small fan. The chipset gives out four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and one eSATA 6 Gb/s. Display connectivity includes one each of DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Other connectivity features include 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, gigabit Ethernet, mouse/keyboard combo PS/2, and a number of USB 2.0 ports.

Fujitsu also launched its latest Lifebook sub-notebook, the PH50/C, which is driven by AMD's Fusion "Brazos" platform. At its heart is an AMD Fusion E-350 accelerated processing unit (APU), which packs two x86-64 cores clocked at 1.60 GHz, and an AMD Radeon HD 6310 DirectX 11 compliant graphics processor. The APU is aided by 2 GB of memory and 500 GB storage. The 11.6-inch Lifebook screen features a 1366 x 768 pixels screen. Connectivity is typical of what you'd expect from a notebook in its category: WiFi b/g/n, Ethernet, and a couple of USB 2.0 ports. Other features include a webcam, 3-in-1 media card slot, and HDMI to extend the display to a larger screen. Windows 7 Home Premium comes pre-installed. Set to release first in Japan, the Fujitsu Lifebook PH50/C is priced at an equivalent of around US $950.

After showing off a monstrous DirectCu II cooled Radeon HD 6970 at CES, ASUS released pictures of another card which probably couldn't make it to Vegas. The GeForce GTX 580 DirectCu II from ASUS is just as beastly as its Radeon cousin. It uses a completely in-house design, with custom PCB that uses a strong VRM; and a triple-slot cooler which uses copper heatpipes that make direct contact with the GPU. The PCB uses an 8-phase GPU and 2-phase memory VRM. Whereas the reference design draws all memory power from the slot, the ASUS version has shifted one memory phase to external for improved overclocking. The VRM makes use of high-grade components, including an NEC-made proadlizer to condition power for the GPU.

The DirectCu II cooler uses a large aluminum fin array to which heat is conveyed by five heatpipes that make direct contact with the GPU. Two 100 mm fans are in charge of ventilation. The rear panel consists of two DVI, and one each of DisplayPort and HDMI. The card is bound to have factory overclocked speeds, with room for more overclocking. The cooler, though large and with two fans, is tested by the company to be quieter than NVIDIA's reference design cooler. The GeForce GTX 580 is NVIDIA's flagship DirectX 11 GPU. It packs 512 CUDA cores, and connects to 1536 MB of memory over a 384-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface.