Physics Cards?

[underworld288]

I really dont know if this was were to post this question but here it goes, what exactly is a physics card (i know it has to do with how stuff falls in games)? And, do i really need one right now or should I wait for better ones to come out?

 

[i.Angel]

Physics cards take the load of generating the physics in games off the CPU. They are designed to process physics only. However, according to benchmarks then arn't really worth it right now. Some people actually experience lower FPS rates when they use a PPU (physics processing unit).

I'd wait for better ones to come out.

 

[underworld288]

ok thanks just wonder, and trying to keep up with new technology.

 

[PC eye]

For one your spelling was off a little. The "PhysX" cards are an addon not a primary video card. There's no rush to get a PhysX card due to the issues still being seen with support from major companies. http://theinquirer.net/?article=30906

 

[diduknowthat]

They're expensive and not too many games support them yet..but they are on sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2010380048+1305521460&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=48

 

[34erd]

ATi is developing some sort of three-way video configuration where one acts as a PPU: http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=3721

 

[fade2green514]

ATi is developing some sort of three-way video configuration where one acts as a PPU: http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=3721

oh my god. i want the system that they built.
conroe 2.66ghz with 3 x1900xtx's two rendering video one calculating physics.

 

[underworld288]

yeh, that system is pretty sweet, imagin what you could do with that system.

 

[WeatherMan]

Well for a start, update the drivers to DX10 and you can play crysis when it comes out

 

[underworld288]

so crysis is going to support phisx cards? thats awsome.

 

[WeatherMan]

Yep it sure is

 

[34erd]

Yep it sure is

No it isn't...

 

[WeatherMan]

Kustom said it is

 

[underworld288]

ok, now im confused, which is it yes or no.

 

[PC eye]

Well for a start, update the drivers to DX10 and you can play crysis when it comes out

You are off the mark there on DirectX 10. That won't be out until Vista makes it's appearance. The highest available until the summer release is DX9c. http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=21077

 

[34erd]

That and it wont be backwards compatible with DX9 cards.

 

[PC eye]

You shouldn't see a problem updating from DX9c to 10 once Vista is out. I just reinstalled DirectX 9c while looking for a developers release of DX 10. That's where you download the full DX pack and save it to a folder in case you reinstall the video card drivers or swap cards out,

 

[Apokarteron]

I doubt that Ageia will get big, ATi will overthrow Ageia with it's upcoming PPUs, but best you get a PPU in 1-2 years when they will be more advanced and more games (maybe all new games) will support..

 

[Dialamo]

so crysis is going to support phisx cards? thats awsome.

Yep, so when you run into trees, the branches and leafs will sway in the direction and the exact force you ran into them. Also, when you blow things up, the debris will fly around everywhere in calculation to the strength of the explosion. Does not sound so useful other than releaving a bottleneck on your CPU when games become more "physical".

 

[PC eye]

You better first find out just how long PhysX is going to survive. There have been a few other ideas in hardware that became short lived. Even softwares have seen a flop at times(someone say me? ).