Notebook Multi-GPU Outlook

What kind of outlook on multi-GPU notebooks is there in the next year or so? I'm talking both SLI and Crossfire (or multi-core GPU's). I've been searching for information, but I haven't been able to turn up much via Google (I wish this forum wouldn't have gone to Google search due to lack of granularity).

The reason I ask is because I plan to sell my Inspiron XPS Gen 2 (reviewed for this site years ago) before it becomes 4 years old in April of 2009. This is due to an on-site transferable warranty that will be in effect until that time, and I think it will improve prospects of a successful sale. Ideally, I'd like to buy a mult-core, multi-GPU system (my current one is single core on both the CPU and GPU). I would absolutely love to get one of the Radeon x2's if they make their way to notebooks.

Normally it's easy to come across chatter on future technologies going into PC's, but this one has proven to be quite quiet. I really expected to come across a road map or some sort of expectations.

Thanks!

 

actually I suggest a multi core cpu utilizing a high end single core gpu on your laptop. Both nvidia and ATI scaling is crap, 70% is as high as you'll get and its a rip for the price you pay for SLI and Crossfire.

A single ATI HD 4870 was able to outperform 9800gtxX2. Because of lower heat output and 100% scaling increase, Overclocking potential is much higher for a single gpu. Unless future multi core gpus utilize hydra technology or find another way to achieve 100% scaling, your best bet is with a single high end card.

 

The current performance specs of multi-GPU systems are what has me considering the Gateway FX notebook that just refreshed. However, I would expect in the very near future, if not already, that software will better be able to take advantage of multiple GPU's after doing some catching up just as it did when multi-core CPU's became mainstream. This expectation is what has me fixated on the multi-GPU options out there.

EDIT: Although the obscene price of Nvidia components sometimes makes me change my mind...but I'm hoping ATi delivers on that 2006 crossfire plan soon.

 

Your system sounds like it will be a serious desktop replacement, so maybe you should also consider getting one of those newfangled Intel mobile quad cores when they become available.

As for SLI or Crossfire, I've never been a big fan of multi-GPU solutions. I prefer getting a very high end single GPU instead. That said, in the near future (early 09), multi-GPU systems should get a kick in the pants with Hydra Engine. We talked about it on this very forum here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=288089

If you do plan on a multi-GPU system that isn't Hydra, I'd consider waiting for an ATI X2 or Nvidia GX2 model, as they seem to lend themselves better to mobile multi-GPU than standard SLI or Crossfire solutions. Mmm...4870X2 m...