Nvidia Phases Out 32-Bit PhysX Support with RTX 50 Series GPUs
In a significant shift, Nvidia has officially discontinued support for 32-bit PhysX with the introduction of its RTX 50 series graphics processing units (GPUs).The PhysX engine, known for delivering real-time physics simulation, has been a cornerstone in enhancing the visual experience in numerous classic video games. This transition coincides with the company’s decision to drop support for 32-bit CUDA applications, leaving many players seeking alternatives to enjoy their favorite titles with enhanced visuals.
Innovative Workaround: Pairing GPUs for Optimal Performance
Despite the discontinuation of 32-bit PhysX support, gamers can still leverage the power of this physics engine on the latest Nvidia hardware. An innovative solution involves pairing a newer generation GPU with an older model dedicated solely to handling PhysX tasks. One such example is user “jerubedo”, who has opted to combine an RTX 3050 with an RTX 5090 for optimal gameplay performance.
This configuration allows the RTX 3050 to manage the demanding PhysX processes while the RTX 5090 focuses on rendering the game itself. According to jerubedo, this setup allows for a smoother gaming experience in classic titles without sacrificing frame rates.
Performance Benchmarks: A Clear Improvement
Benchmarks shared by jerubedo illustrate impressive performance gains across various classic games when using the dual-GPU setup. Here’s a snapshot of the results:
Mafia II Classic results:
- No 3050 at max settings: 28.8 FPS
- With 3050 at max settings: 157.1 FPS
Batman Arkham Asylum results:
- No 3050 at max settings: 61 FPS (many scenes dipping to low 30s and 40s)
- With 3050 at max settings: 390 FPS
Borderlands 2 results:
- No 3050 at max settings: PhysX could not be enabled due to performance limitations.
- With 3050 at max settings: 122 FPS in a scene with heavy PhysX effects.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag results:
- Without 3050 at max settings: 62 FPS (engine locked).
- With 3050 at max settings: also 62 FPS (engine locked); PhysX effects performed well using the CPU.
Utilization and Setup Instructions
In further comments, jerubedo noted that the RTX 3050’s workload remains efficient, utilizing around 40% to 50% of its capacity during PhysX operations, occasionally peaking at 60%.However, he expressed skepticism regarding the performance capabilities of older Nvidia models in similar configurations.
For those looking to adopt this dual-GPU approach, enabling PhysX settings through the Nvidia Control Panel is straightforward. Navigate to the “3D Settings”section, locate “Configure Surround, PhysX, ”and select the desired GPU for PhysX operations. Ensure to check the “Dedicate to PhysX”option to finalize setup.
Ideal Hardware Choices
Although PhysX remains supported on Nvidia GPUs preceding the RTX 50 series, using an RTX 3050 proves beneficial due to its compact form factor. Depending on the variant, several models can operate using the PCIe slot’s power alone, making it an excellent low-profile option for those with extra PCIe slots available.
For RTX 50 series owners intrigued by this strategy, here are a couple of single-fan RTX 3050 options that would be effective:
Amazon US: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3050
Amazon UK: Palit GeForce RTX 3050 StormX
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