Yes, thanks Soar, as it is always nice to have everything confirmed and if I am wrong at least I will find out what it really is.
DM,
I found the answer to how the motherboard switches between discrete and integrated and the answer is quite fascinating:Virtu™ GPU Virtualization Software
Uncompromised Graphics and Video Performance Like Never Before
When you invest in a high-performance Entertainment PC, you shouldn't have to choose between media performance and 3D graphics realism. However, graphics technology found in an integrated GPU, an Intel Sandy Bridge CPU or on a discrete 3D graphics card have a variety of different, yet important, graphics, media, gaming and power saving benefits. In comes Virtu™,
the first GPU virtualization software that makes it all accessible and eliminates the need to choose."The holy grail of Intel's newest platform is a Core i5/i7 K-series chip, Z68 Express, and Lucidlogix's Virtu software."Chris Angelini
Tom's Hardware Guide
"Including Lucid Virtu software with Genuine Intel® Desktop Boards enhances the value of both products.Joel Christensen,
General Manager of Intel Client Boards Division
With Virtu software, next-generation PCs with 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processor platforms 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.
DM, and now, some more on how it actually works:How Virtu GPU Virtualization Works
Lucid Virtu software is able to assign tasks in real time to the best available graphics resource based on power, performance and features considerations, with no need for additional hardware. If high end graphics power is needed for applications like DirectX 11, high-resolution 3D gaming, the system will assign the job to the discrete GPU. If not, the discrete GPU automatically goes into idle mode, while heat drops, fan speed slows down and GPU utilization goes down to zero, resulting in a green, power-efficient, long-lasting system.
All info above gleaned from the following URL:
http://www.lucidlogix.com/product-virtu.html#virtu_chartQuestion answered and now I only wish I could find someone who could tell me how it works in real life scenarios!
PS
Sorry, the inflatable blow up Virtu doll does NOT come with the package. I repeat, the inflatable blow up Virtu doll does NOT come with the package! So sorry DM!
Soar