Switching between intel sandy bridge GPU and discrete video card on the fly

Question

Is it possible to disable the discrete GPU(s) without physically fiddling with the hardware, and run the system exclusively on intel sandy bridge GPU - in order to save power? Can one do the switch without rebooting? Which desktop motherboards support this?

Answer 1

Yes. That functionality is provided by Lucidlogix's Virtu and it's for motherboards with H61/H67 and Z68 chipsets but I think it also requires support in the BIOS so check any specific MB your looking at.

Virtu™ GPU Virtualization Software