Update: and yet another article from TweakTown – GTX 480 vs GTX 470 + GTX 260 in PhysX games.

Read the full article.

Performance numbers are great, but GTX 465 does not seems to be a good candidate for such role because of heat, noise and high power consumption. I’m personally waiting for low-end Fermi based GPUs, to reinforce my new GTX 470

• New: added support of multi-core CPUs (PhysX simulation is spread over several threads). New checkboxes are also available to control this feature.
• New: added a checkbox to set the number of particles.
• New: added a checkbox to force CPU PhysX.
• New: added Heavy PhysX mode: to make modern systems with GPU PhysX happy
• New: added point sprite based rendering for particles (keys F2, F3 and F4).
• New: added keyboard-based camera control in stability test mode.
• Change: compiled with NVIDIA PhysX SDK 2.8.3.21.
• Change: updated with the latest version of ZoomGPU for graphics hardware detection.

Update: limitations of GPU PhysX simulation

Update #2: Async mode details

We’ve already did more or less detailed features overview in our FluidMark 1.2 Beta preview article (in addition, more technical details are available from original post), so this time we will just point on certain changes in release version in comparison to beta one.

Main window haven’t underwent much changes..  (click to view full picture)

.. while benchmarking process was improved, to achieve results standardization. Every benchmarking sequence now starts with so called “Warming-Up” state, to ensure that all particles are emitted on the scene. In addition, default settings are now set to 60 000 particles and one minute timed run.

Moreover, new FluidMark 1.2 is now officially approved by Nvidia. According to JeGX, FluidMark developer, NV engineers have helped with bug fixing and overall optimizations, but have not influenced development process in order to give an advantage to GeForce GPUs or penalize CPUs.

And, of course, some tests (Note: since we are using different settings now, and other internal changes in FluidMark, these results can not be directly compared with our previous benchmarks)

System: C2Q 9400 @ 2.66 GHz CPU, Nvidia GTX 275 + GTX 260 (192 sp) GPUs, 4GB RAM, Win XP, PhysX System Software 9.09.1112. Default settings, # of emitters = 3.

In final version of FluidMark multi-core PhysX checkbox is related only to PhysX SDK simulation part, while main app (GUI) and rendering threads are separated all the time – thus  it almost does not affect GPU PhysX mode, like in Beta version.

As for much higher difference between GPU PhysX and multi-core CPU PhysX – it seems that beta version contains a bug, that results in abnormal low score for PhysX on single GPU (in general, it should be much closer to dedicated PhysX GPU).

Sum: Good old FluidMark, but now with true multi-core CPU PhysX support and enhanced benchmarking procedure. One of the best GPU PhysX testing tools becomes even better.

You can download PhysX FluidMark 1.2 from here (2.5 mb)

P.S. Thanks to Jerome “JeGX” Guinot for Release Candidate version of FluidMark, provided beforehand.

Update: Another article from TweakTown. HD 5970 and HD 5870 with GTX 465, GTX 285 and GTX 260 as PhysX cards.

Hardly many people can afford such system, but at least, it is interesting read.

Now, new and enhanced MKZ Benchmark version 2.2, specially developed for Fermi GPUs launch in China, is available.

Compared to previous version, graphics is looking much nicer, game physics (destructible rigid body objects, particles, tearable cloth) is looking more solid and accurate.

MKZ Benchmark 2.2 download is available here (1.3 Gb)

Important note:

For English version you’ll need to select first line designated as ?? during installation.

Configuring and launching the game may be a little tricky.

Benchmark settings can be altered via MKZSettings.exe file, located in \Object Software\MKZBenchmark\system folder.

Now, to launch benchmark with saved settings, you’ll need to create shortcut for MetalKnightZeroClient.exe file (same folder) with following parameters “-openautomate -debug“

You can use one of the shortcuts created automatically during installation, but don’t forget to delete “-RESOLUTION” parameter, to prevent graphics resolution settings override.

P.S. MKZ is now in closed beta state. Open beta will be available later this summer.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to check other recent PhysX benchmark – JX3

Again, thanks for Stefan for some hints

Benchmark includes two sequences – first one, Lighting & PhysX benchmark.

Scene starts with lighting capabilities demonstration – dynamic shadows, god rays, day & night cycle..

.. and is followed by fighting scene, echanced with several PhysX effects..

..like cloth banners, clothing simulation, and particles affected by characters movement.

Looking nice, but nothing particularly impressing, and those “lighting” part prevents GPU PhysX performance from being measured properly.

Second part of the benchmark is called CUDA Accelerated Animation.

Large group of characters, dancing (or something) in front of the camera, is spawned. Enabling “CUDA Hardware Acceleration” option boosts fps by 2x times.

Sum: just another way to test your GPU PhysX or Hybrid PhysX setup.

You can download JX3 PhysX & CUDA benchmark here (351 mb)

Thanks to Stefan for the link.

Update: From NGOHQ:

After deeper investigation, this issue has identified as a rare overflow bug. Looks like Nvidia PhysX System Software 9.10.0222 doesn’t cripple performance, but I’ll run more tests just to be sure

In following article we are comparing both GPU and CPU performance of PhysX effects, using most recent PhysX System Software 9.10.0222 (blamed for “ruining game experience”), previous 9.10.0129 version and several games – Mirror’s Edge 1.01 and Cryostasis Tech Demo.

System: C2Q 9400 @2.66 GHz CPU, GTX 275 GPU, 4GB RAM, Windows 7 Professional x64

MIRROR’S EDGE.

Standart “Flight Fly By” sequence was used (can be activated by “- FlybyFlight” parameter), in-game setting; 1680×1050, all high, 4xAA. Framerate measured by FRAPS 3.0.1.

As you may see, there is almost no difference in PhysX performance with different System Software versions. Moreover, our framerate pattern correlates with early benchmarks, published more than a year ago, like  Overclockers Club or Tech Report.

CRYOSTASIS TECH DEMO

In-game settings (click to view). Framerate measured by internal benchmark system.

Again, framerate with 9.10.0222 and 9.10.0129 drivers is equal. CPU PhysX performance is similar to other tests.

SUM: according to our tests, there is no difference in performance between 9.10.0222 and 9.10.0129 System Software, either for CPU or GPU calculations. We can not also verify any performance degradation compared to previous benchmarking results.

Thus, we see two explanations of original statement:

1) Performance impairment really does exist, but does occur only when non-Nvidia GPU is spotted in the system.

2) Mr. Eran “Regeneration” Badit has provided not very accurate information, either without malicious intent or with it.

Not bad, huh ? GTX 480 promises 2.5x performance gain over GTX 285 in PhysX calculations. To reinforce this statement, some benchmarking results vere revealed.

First one – for Raging Rapid Ride techno-demo, featuring complex water simulation (you can read our overview here).

Second one  – for actual GPU PhysX enhanced Dark Void title, released in January.

In addition, GTX 480’s ability to simulate and render up to 1 000 000 particles in Supersonic Sled demo was mentioned.

That is all what we have for you today

Update: PhysX performance graphs from various GTX 480/GTX 470 reviews around the web:

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 Video Card Review by NjnjaLane

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 Fermi by techPowerUp

NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 480 and GTX 470 by AnandTech

GTX 480 Fermi reviewed, finally by Fudzilla

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 Graphics Card Review by HardwareHeaven

GTX480/470 GPU Review by beareyes.com.cn

GTX480/470 GPU Review by pcpop.com

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 Overclocking with Voltage Adjustment by Tweak Town

GTX 480 Test Part IV – PhysX and GPGPU by Extra Hardware

EVGA GeForce GTX 275 CO-OP PhysX Edition: Physics Onboard by Xbit Labs

Includes package and PCB design overview, power consumption, noise level and GPU temperature measurements, lots of tests with GPU PhysX (Dark Void, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Darkest of Days) and non-PhysX (Crysis Warhead, Fallout 3, etc) games.

Update: recently, this article was expanded – few new GPUs and Hybrid PhysX system (ATI HD 5850 + NV GT220) added to tests.

Interesting result – GTX 275 + GT220 beats GTX 275 CO-OP in some PhysX  titles.

EVGA GTX275 CO-OP PhysX Edition Review by Benchmark Reviews

This article is less detailed than the one from X-bit Labs.

Only two PhysX and two non-PhysX games were tested. Final score – 8.75 out of 10.

Article itself is nothing particularly special, from our opinion – only one dedicated PhysX GPU was tested, old 1.01 PhysX mod (while 1.02 is available for several months) and old installation guide (while much more detailed can be found easily) were used – still, fact that Hybrid PhysX is now recognized by such popular website like Fudzilla, is memorable enough.

Other Hybrid PhysX links you may refer to:

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

Hot Dance Party from Perfect World is 3D casual style MMO dancing game, with micro-transactions-like business model. Besides dancing, game includes appearance personalization, pet raising and make-up systems.

Title is using in-house engine called “Angelica 3D“, which is augmented with PhysX SDK based cloth simulation support – dancer’s hairs, ribbons, dresses and skirts are simulated as dynamic cloth objects.

Interesting detail – apart from other GPU PhysX games, which are unplayble with extra PhysX effects enabled and without appropriate GPU from Nvidia, this title runs fast enough with all physics calculated on CPU, while presence of Nvidia GPU only boost framerate.

In september 2009 major ugrade was released, designated as Hot Dance Party II – even though it’s part of the same social networking system, it is positioned by Perfect World as new and different title.

Update includes enhanced graphics, several additions to gameplay, and of course, more realistic and detailed PhysX cloth based content.

GPU PhysX info mini-site for both Hot Dance Party and Hot Dance Party II is located here