GenL has released updated mod for hybrid PhysX systems – now it works with recent 195.xx GeForce drivers and supports Windows XP/2003

UPDATE: Hybrid PhysX mod 1.03 released – with timebomb fix and lastest drivers support.

- added support for new checks in 195.xx drivers
- added support for XP/2003 drivers
- both x86 and x64 are supported by a single mod now

Notes about the mod:
- Both x86 and x64 are supported by a single file now. If you are using x86 OS, you should just skip patching 64-bit binaries (press No when asked for a search).
- Don’t forget that you must be able to access nvidia control panel. For this connect nvidia GPU to the second input port of your monitor – physically or virtually (i don’t know if this is possible), or any other way you find. There are community-generated tutorials for this, i can’t tell anything because i own only 1 GPU.
- Lite version may come later, if needed. Additionally, i can fix errors if you find them and release it with an update.

Notes about XP/2003 support:
- Only 195.62 drivers are tested for XP/2003 case. I can’t say anything about earlier versions, i didn’t even try them.
- It should work for XP/2003 x64 editions too, would be great if anyone will confirm.
- It will work for 2000 only if original XP/2003 package supports it.

You can download PhysX mod 1.02 directly from our server (2.19 mb) *

Mirror #1 (thanks to Alexandr82)

Update #2: 1.02 mod is working with new 196.21 drivers.

Update #4: 1.02 mod may not work properly with 196.75/197.xx drivers, users are also reporting incompatibility with 9.10.0222 PhysX System Software.

In addition, original post contains mod for PhysX drivers 9.09.30, that allows to use original Ageia PPU with ATI cards.

Please use commentaries to this post or thread at NGHQ forums to report errors, if they’ll occur. Reports with positive results are also appreciated.

Update: Installation instructions – Link#1 | Link#2 | Link#3 (Please note that most of them refer to old PhysX mod 1.01 – use 1.02 mod instead, download link above) | Link#4 | Link#5 (video guide) | Link#6 (specific details) | Link#7 (Italian video guide) | Link#8 | Link#9 (detailed) <- it’s recommended to start from newer links.

Hybrid PhysX systems benchmarks: HD4870/5870+9500/9600GT | HD4850/5750+9800GT | HD5870+GT220 | 2xHD5870 + 9800GT | HD5870/GTX285 + 9800GT

Dedicated PhysX GPU performance dependence on PCI-E bandwidth

Update #3: Catalyst 10.2 and extended display error fix – in addition, you’ll be able to use dedicated NV GPU for PhysX without necessity to extend display.

* PhysXinfo is not responcible for any harm this file can cause to your system. Use it for your own risk.

YouTube was unusually rich in interesting PhysX related videos this week.

Warm Gun Ragdolls by EmotionalRobotsInc

Funny video of ragdolled characters from Warm Gun mod for UT3.

RayFire Tool: building demolition with 3151 objects by Hondash3

House demolition sample made with Rayfire Tool plug-in.

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November’s Nvidia Developer Newsletter #49 has brought some very interesting material – 50 min. long video of “Creating Immersive Environments With NVIDIA APEX” session from SIGGRAPH 2009 conference.

It contains in-deph overview of all APEX Modules (FYI, APEX is artist focused framework on top of PhysX SDK), new details and demos, never shown before. Must watch for PhysX developers and people who are simply interested in PhysX future.

Download video (197 mb.)

Browsing certain forums we’ve realised that recent changes in PhysX SDK access procedure weren’t clear enough for some developers, and they now experiencing problems with PhysX dev. account registration.

Update: If you have trouble with new account registration or existing account (dissapearing downloads, unable to log-in, etc) you can send your problem description to support@physxinfo.com – we’ll try to provide a shortcut to PhysX dev. team.

Thus, we’ve decided to put-in small registration guide and contacted Nvidia PhysX team to recieve some commentaries.

STEP 1. Go to PhysX Developer Support Center and click “Sign in” (upper-right corner)

STEP 2. Click “Request a New Account Button”

PhysXInfo.com: What are requirements for participants in general ?

PhysX SDK Manager: Our only requirement is that developers complete the registration form completely and accurately. In general, we reject most accounts because they do not provide a real name but in other cases, developers try to get cute with answers to questions and then we reject them. PhysX has real value in game development or simply studying about game development; therefore, we require that they register with accurate and complete information, they keep the information current, and that they log into their account within any 6 month period. If they provide email address which are not accurate, then we will also delete their account.

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PhysX Visual Debugger, debug and visualization tool for PhysX SDK based applications, was updated to version 1.1.9.

Main fix in this update – compability with PS3 version of PhysX SDK 2.8.3.

You can download PhysX Visual Debugger here

Using a mid- or low-end GPU as dedicated PhysX card is quite popular idea today (even among ATI owners), while PCI-E bandwidth requirements for dedicated PhysX GPU are not absolutely clear. Everyone knows, that x8 and even x4 would be enough, but what about PCI-E x1 ?

PCPOP.com has published article today, that investigates PhysX performance of GTX295 + 9800GT setup, with 9800GT used in PCI-E x1/x4/x8 cases (unnecessary pins were taped).

And, surprisingly, even PCI-E x1 usage isn’t affecting performance as much as it should at a glimpse.

You can read rest of the article here

BTW, users with old mobos (or lack of free full scale PCI-E slots) are asking sometimes – “What if I just put my old 9600GT in PCI-E x1 slot ? Would that be enough for PhysX ?“. Now they have some clarity. Of course, mechanical “adjustment” will be needed to make it fit, that can result in GPU/mobo malfunction, so we don’t recommend even to think about it until you are clearly sure.

This week don’t miss our newest comparison video for Sacred 2: Ice & Blood add-on. Meanwhile:

PFlow Toolbox Office Volume 2 – Trailer by PsychoSilence

Tutorial collection for Orbaz PFlow Box#2 – 3ds Max plug-in based on PhysX SDK 2.8.3.

3DS MAX PhysX cloth simulation renderer #2 by Hondash3

Simulation of hi-rez cloth behaviour inside 3ds Max via PhysX DCC plug-in.

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Browsing through the web recently, I’ve found that The Unofficial PhysX Links & Info Page, oldest info website about PhysX technology (since 2005), was finally closed after several months of inactivity. Title page says:

This page will not be updated anymore.

For all things PhysX, go to physxinfo.com.

Back in early 2007 this website inspired me to start my own PhysX project, that evolved afterwards to PhysXInfo.com

Farewell !

We’ve added GPU PhysX Info profile for Sacred 2: Ice & Blood. As this add-on installs over Sacred 2 game, it has all GPU PhysX content from original title, but also adds new PhysX enhanced spells effects for new playble character - Dragon Mage. And this time more then two. As always, we’ve prepared comparison PhysX video.

PhysX System Software 9.09.30, available only for PhysX developers previously, leaks out. As anyone else, were were not authorised to provide public download, but as concerned gamers gained access to Developer Support center, download link emerges.

Main difference in this release from 9.09.14 Drivers is updated .dlls for 2.8.3 PhysX SDK.

You can grab 9.09.30 PhysX Drivers here, while download is still available.

Update: Mirror #2;