nVidia Graphic Visions

What is nVidia PhysX?

What is nVidia PhysX?

Generally speaking PhysX is a realtime middleware physics engine SDK. It refers to the card PPU (physics processing unit) which can accelerate graphic processing, where PhysX feature is enabled. It is used the most to enhance graphic environment in computer games, PhysX was designed strictly to improve the graphic performance. The physX was released some time ago, it was used then by Graphic engineers and designers to produce professional physics simulations and to make 3D environment used in games or movies. The fact was that this technology was too expensive for a regular gamers. Graphics processes supporting hardware acceleration by PhysX can be accelerated by PhysX PPU or a CUDA-enabled GeForce GPU. CUDA is a name of PhysX developed engine by nVidia. When graphic applications such as computer games using physics calculations from the CPU, allowing it to perform other objectives instead - it is potentially resulting with a smoother and faster graphic processing. Middleware physics engines gives another feature to game designers. It allows to avoid writing their own code to handle the complex physics interactions possible in modern games, because PhysX has got a ready to use physical algorithms.

A bit of PhysX history

PhysX was originally developed by Ageia as the NovodeX SDK. Ageia was a company that profiled itself into the 3D graphics market with fantastic idea to bring physics computing into computer games. Ageia engineers knew that physics calculations allow for a more extreme and real visual experience. Ageia way of thinking was a really interesting, and as a pioneer idea it had also plenty of disadvantages, unfortunately the cards were put into the market way too expensive and received way to little industry support.

The Ageia financial results was a way below the average and the company was nearly bankrupt. All management’s eyes and hopes turned to nVidia who was interested in Ageia technology of graphic processing. And it happened, in February 2008, Nvidia bought Ageia for 30 million dollars and hired their leading staff to get Ageia’s PhysX API. After that the PhysX engine and has begun to transform into nVidia CUDA technology. In August 2008, Nvidia released software technology that allows GeForce 8 series and higher cards to implement PhysX graphic processing.

PhysX features and performance:

PhysX graphic processing is widely used to delivering physical environments inside the game source. The main features that PhysX is capable to perform is allowing very spectacular graphic realtime effects, very detailed environment like clothes factor, tear drops and hairs. PhysX also improves dust and collateral debris during in-game explosion. More of that it can perform moving objects inside a very dense smoke & fog without lack of performance. When PhysX is on, game characters has got complex geometries for better movement and interaction. It generally increases performance of all graphic applications moving some tasks to PhysX PPU. Nowadays any CUDA ready GeForce graphics cards, GeForce series 8 and newer, can take advantage of PhysX without the need to install a dedicated PhysX card. Take a look at the graph showing the PhysX performance rates on various resolutions. The graph compares platforms with and without Physx graphic processing:

As you see the PhysX doubles the performance of graphic processing, so the technology, nVidia invested was a sure shot. Now, NVIDIA claims that the fact GPU solutions are cheaper is going to push better GPUs into more powerful machines, making more PCs abstractly available for gaming. When PhysX is disabled in software, it left the effects enabled, and they are now calculated over the CPU. It’s incredible how much CPU overhead that takes. Now, normally your FPS would be much higher as physics stuff is disabled, but I figured it’s a nice example of how well Physics can be done over a GPU. It’s just much more efficient.

PhysX P1 (PPU) hardware specifications:

• Multi-core MIPS architecture based device with integrated physics acceleration hardware
• Interface: 32-bit PCI 3.0
• 125 million transistors
• Fabrication Process: 130 nm
• Peak Instruction Bandwidth: 20 billion per second
• Memory: 128 MB GDDR3 RAM on 128-bit interface
• 182 mm2 die size
• Sphere collision tests: 530 million per second (maximum capability)
• Peak Power Consumption: 30 W
• Convex collision tests: 530,000 per second (maximum capability)
• Price: Between $100-$250

So finishing, NVIDIA did a lots of fantastic work here. The attributes the PhysX provides are very good. PhysX solution is the great choice if you want to have the best available gaming experience, and the performance are great. PhysX is a fantastic graphic process technology. It looks good for the future I want more, yet we need to see some bigger and newer titles supporting it.

Review of Gigabyte GeForce GTX 285

Today I want to present you the Gigabyte’s graphic card, built on the newest nVidia 200-series processor designed on a completely new architecture of 55 nm technology. NVidia released GeForce GTX 285.

General

GeForce GTX 200 series GPU is a brand new chip made by nVidia. Inside the GTX 285 is all about breaking new graphics architecture. It was moved to the 55nm fabrication process - making that chip (GT200b) smaller, that requires less voltage, performs better and this card is more affordable. The GTX 285 offers excellent performance while not being so extremely expensive but just expensive. The graphic card I’ll review here comes from Gigabyte, a one of the most titled nVidia partners. From there I’ll test out the performance and you’ll see how it compares to the older cards like the GTX 280 and the Ati HD 4870 X2. So let’s have a quick look at the package before review of the card and its specifications. Inside the package, there isn’t a plenty of elements. Inside you can find the CD with the basic driver and some applications, standard GIGABYTE cable set which includes a TV-Out breakout box, single DVI to VGA, single DVI to HDMI and two dual molex to 6-Pin PCI-E connectors and connectors.

Specifications

The Largest difference in GTX 285 to the previous models is the move to the 55nm fabrication on the GPU this move is the main reason for the loss of the 8-pin PCI E connector. The smaller size also brings with it lower power absorption and it emits much less heat. Because of that, this graphic card is able to be overclocked higher than the GTX 280. GTX 285 core runs at 648MHz, GTX 280 only 602MHz. The shader clock in 295 runs at 1476MHz, GTX 280 at 1296MHz and the 1GB of GDDR3 carrying a 2480MHz clock, the GTX 280 only 2212MHz. The NVIDIA goal was to gain an extra performance power out of the card.

3DMArk

3DMark Vantage is the PC gaming performance benchmark created by Futuremark. The latest version was designed for Windows Vista and DirectX10. New benchmark tool provides four new tests for graphic and CPU and it supports the latest hardware. 3DMark Vantage is based on a new engine which supports DirectX10.

As you see on a graph there’s a nice performance bump comparing the GTX 285 to the GTX 280. It seems that the new GTX 285 have problems against only the the double 2x Radeon HD 4870. I think the GTX285 performacne are quite good inspite the price of double Radeon HD 4870.

Temperature

The temperature is metered with TES 1326 Infrared Thermometer. It will give the true bare facts about temperatures at maximum clock speeds. There are two places to take the temperature value from - the back of the card directly behind the core and an exhaust point. The temperature looks higher when compared to the GTX 280, but readings on the 280 without a shroud are closer to the 70c mark. This test was made by tweaktown.com specialists.

There are other manufacturers of cards based on nVidia GTX 285 chip. Some of them do not feature overclocked editions, and whenever that happens, their graphic card wasn’t pre tested and certified for higher clock frequencies. They only offer a non-overclocked GTX 285 and when you purchase their GeForce GTX 285, so watch out buying a new card - you have to watch out for used technology and it should be 55nm. Looking closer at the GIGABYTE card, there isn’t much to say more about it, generally. The package is medium equipped, the cooler is standard which generates average noise of 67 dB during maximum performance. The prices are approximately from $340 to $410 - it depends of the manufacturing company, the Gigabyte version costs 399$. So if you are computer graphic enthusiast and you have enough cash to buy it, leave anything you do now and run to the nearest computer store or visit eBay and purchase it immediately. That’s all folks , see you next time

Graphic effects: What Is Anisotropic Filtering?

General

Anisotropic filtering (AF) is a graphic algorithm of improving the surface texture of an object. Where anti-aliasing is a method of making the edges of an object smoother, the anisotropic filtering is a method of enhancing the way how the objects looks inside, it concerns to all spaces between the edges. Every 3D objects that are used to build a game environment are textured. Texture is no more than a “coat of paint” that covers all those flat polygons to make them look like skin, wood, metal or bricks in the wall. Anisotropic filtering is a technology that became an standard effect in graphics cards in the early 90’s. Now the anisotropic filtering is widely used in graphics hardware.

Types of anisotropic filtering(AF)

There are three types of anisotropic filtering (AF). We can differentiate three methods of AF - bi-linear, tri-linear and full anisotropic. The anisotropic filtering is very powerful method, but it also uses lots of GPU performance. Settings that are available for anisotropic filtering are from 2x to 16x. When the level of anisotropic filtering is higher it provides more clear and sharp texture details, but it effects with more GPU usage. Modern nVidia graphic card such as Geforce 285 or even older models like Geforce 8800 handles 16x anizotropic filtering in resolution 1280 x 900 with no problem. For Geforce 285 even 1680 x 1050 is not a challenge, that because of use higher-quality AF algorithm. You can feel the difference between Anizotropic Filtering ON and OFF. Just take a look how anizotropic filtering looks like in action. These examples are a screenshots from 3DMark06 - the graphic benchmark tool. You can open those examples in a new window or tab, switching between them you can see the true difference.

3DMark06 Anisotropic Filtering (AF) OFF:

(Click this image to open it in new tab to see the difference)

3DMark06 Anisotropic Filtering (AF) ON:

(Click this image to open it in new tab to see the difference)

In short, anisotropic filtering is used when the generated textures are away from the viewer. It gives a smoother border between High resolution textures close to the viewer and lower resolution textures which are used away from “your eyes”. It is very useful for the textures in games with the far horizon. Of Course the textures resolution decreases looking further.

Anisotropic filtering vs. graphic cards performance

Anisotropic filtering can have an effect on games performance, even more when it’s used together with Anti Aliasing (AA). Companies building graphic cards such as nVidia are developing this filtering method to gain the best performance. To speed up AF, Nvidia specialists have initiated a special algorithms that makes Anizotropic Filtering calculations faster. Unfortunately it effects the lower amount of AF varies depending on the angle of the surface. The newest cards from nVidia use a higher-quality AF algorithm that have no problem with it but it results in a more round pattern.

Graphic effects: What is Anti-Aliasing?

Full Screen Anti-Aliasing (FSAA) or simply Antialiasing (AA) is a method which reduces the effects of aliasing. You wonder what the Aliasing is? It is simply the jaggedness and pixelation of computer images. It is particularly seeable on things like the straight edges of objects, or the outline of walls or ground in 3D games. These sharp jagged edges can even produce a “sparkle” effect somewhat when you are moving around in a 3D environment. When AA is enabled, it uses your graphics card’s hardware to blend the edges of the jagged lines and hence produce a smoother image.

Aliasing:

Anti-Aliasing (AA):

Anti-Aliasing can have a different multiplicators, usually in steps of 2x, 4x, 6x and 8x. If it’s used the higher is the level of Antialiasing, the image is dynamically smoothed, but it laso uses much more graphics card resource. GPU need more strain processors to recalculate the graphic to produce these smoother images. Also, the higher the level of AA the greater the blurriness you can see. It is sometime a disadvantage because you game or image could become too “cartoon smooth” in appearance, which is not always the ideal effect.

What is the nVidia SLI?

SLI means Scalable Link Interface and it is a brand name for a multi-GPU solution used by Nvidia for linking multiple video cards together to generate only one output. SLI is an system of parallel processing for graphics, designed to increase the multi-processing power available for graphics.

Sli system wasn’t designed by nVidia engeneers. The name SLI was first used by company called 3dfx - former leader in graphic cards, it was famous for creating the very effective graphic accelerator , based on chip called “Voodoo”. Voodoo was ruleing all over the world. I remember my first diamond monster graphic card with voodoo chipset - it was world first graphic card that was an appard module to primary graphic card, it was called graphic accelerator,. It’s performance for those days was magnificent. It was the beggining af this technology. 3dfx relesed it under the full name Scan-Line Interleave, which was introduced to the consumer market in 1998 and used in the Voodoo2 line of video cards. After buying out 3dfx, Nvidia acquired the technology but did not use it. Nvidia company re-released the SLI name in 2004 and intended for it to be used in modern computer systems based on the PCI Express (PCIe) bus - whitch is actual fastest graphic interface. However, the technology behind the name SLI has changed dramatically. That’s how looks the double Geforce 9800 gt cards connected with nVidia SLI system:

Soon I’ll write about SLi performance and I’ll try to answer the question: Do she SLI really doubles performance with two card connected? Is it worth to buy single better more expensive card or two weaker cards set in SLI mode?

Overclocking Gainward 9800 GT

Gainward was always the leading nVidia partner who adds something special to its GeForce Versions. Gainward graphic cards everytime was quite easy to overclock. To improove your core clock all you need to do is install special Gainward’s Expert Tool on your computer. You can find it on official gainward site or you can simply download it by clicking here: Gainward’s Expert Tool v. 7.0.
After installing this small program you’re albe to set your card for better performance. The standard rates for Gainward 9800GT are:

- 600 MHz for Core Clock Setting
- 900MHz for Memory Clock Setting
- 1500MHz for Shader Clock Setting

You can change your clock setting by simply moving the rates. The maximum values you can set using Gainward Expert Tool are:

- 700 MHz for Core Clock Setting
- 1000MHz for Memory Clock Setting
- 1760MHz for Shader Clock Setting

Remember to have the Link clocks checkbox on. Expert tool will evenly distribute the power through the all three rates.It’s important to make a test after changing your graphic clock. Warning! You have to watch out for overheating of you Nvidia processor and memory. If you don’t have any additional cooling fan , you should use your Expert Tool to manage the fan speed on your GPU.

You have to watch out for the temperature of your GPU. It’s important to try keep temperarure not higher than 55/57 degree. The best solution is to set your fixed fan speed to the maximum and check from time to time the GPU thermometer vaule. If your temperature will be to high (especially in passive cooling models) try to decrease all the clock values. And that’s all. It wasn’t so difficult, right? Have a nice fun! Stay tuned for next articles:)

Gainward 9800 GT with 1024MB

General review

With this graphic acccelerated card you are able to experience a high-performance 3D gaming and high-definition multimedia.Gainward GeForce 9800 GT powered by NVIDIA’s Unified Architecture can give you all of that in fact new 9800 processor is just a modern version of 8800 gt from last year. So Why it’s so fantastic? NVIDIA Unified Architecture empowers the Gainward GeForce 9800 GT with 112 ultra-fast processor streamimng cores for ultra fast frame rates in 3D games and graphic programs. Not only does the Gainward GeForce 9800 GT delivers also a superb high-definition video experience with NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology. More of that, PureVideo HD increases up standard-definition video to high-definition quality. Nvidia introduced this GeForce 9800 GT card on Autumn 2008. Gainward as many other nVidia partners took a chance to earn some money selling rebranded 8800 GT cards. But the Gainward 9800 GT is not just a plain reference card. It comes with new cooling and it has got a bit overclocked GPU. The GPU clock is 650+ MHz, which means it is could be overclocked even further. The same goes for the memory, 1800MHz and the shader clock is 1625+MHz. For easy overclocking you can use Gainward’s ExpertTool.

Here’s the Gainward Geforce 9800gt Specification:

- GeForce 9800 GT core running at 650MHz
- Shader Clock Speed of 1625+MHz
- 1024MB GDDR3 Memory running at 1800MHz
- 256-Bit Memory Interface
- 112 Stream Processors
- Shader Model 4.0
- Memory Bandwidth: 57.6GB/s
- Designed For Extreme HD Gaming
- Nvidia Pure Video Technology
- Dedicated Video processors free the GPU Shaders to run 3D applications
- Dual dual-link DVI supports two 2560 x 1600 resolution displays
- HDCP Enabled!!
- SLI ready – Upto 2x the performance of a single GPU (Available on with future driver release)
- True High Dynamic Range Rendering Support – Based on Open EXR technology
- World’s first unified architecture supporting Microsoft® DirectX® 10
- Built for Microsoft® Windows® Vista™
- Geforce with CUDA
- PhysX enabled
- CUDA enabled

Takre a look at Vintage bechmark score. As you see, it shows us that this card has a bit better performance as an overclocked 8800 GT. Not bad, and with the right price Gainward Gold Sample could be a very good solution. The real kick gives you the newest nVidia product - the GeForce 280 GTX 670M. It gives the double performance as 9800 did. But this card is still extremelly expensive. So all I need to do is wait a bit for buying it.

Does the Gainward 9800 GT with 1024MB of memory has got the optimum performance to run fluently GTA IV on high details?

Generally yes, but it depends of the rest of your CPU equipement. To launch GTA IV on 9800 gt you need to have at least 2.2 MHz Core 2 Duo LG775 Intel processor and 2gb dual channel RAM memory. You can gain the better performance installing a special nVidia drivers dedicated for GTA 4 it will increse your gaming performance. To download those GeForce 180.84 drivers from Nzone just hit this link:

Download GeForce Driver 180.84 for GTA 4 Here