Top Highlights
- Nvidia has announced that the RTX 50 series GPUs will no longer support 32-bit PhysX, marking the technology’s official retirement.
- There are no known 64-bit games using integrated PhysX technology, effectively ending its use on RTX 50 series and newer GPUs.
- RTX 40 series and older GPUs remain capable of running 32-bit CUDA applications and PhysX.
- Users can still run PhysX on RTX 50 series GPUs by pairing them with an older RTX 40 series card, but the future of PhysX appears bleak.
Nvidia’s recent decision to end support for 32-bit CUDA applications with the RTX 50 series GPUs marks a significant shift in the landscape of graphics technology. This move eliminates support for 32-bit PhysX technology, a feature that many users have relied on for years. As Tom’s Hardware observes, the absence of 64-bit games utilizing this integrated technology indicates a clear trend: the industry is moving forward, leaving older technologies behind.
Historically, PhysX allowed game developers to create immersive experiences. It enhanced physics simulations in various gaming environments. However, as the gaming industry evolves, so do the requirements for high-performance graphics. The transition to 64-bit architecture reflects this change, offering more robust processing capabilities for developers and gamers alike. Thus, Nvidia’s decision appears both strategic and necessary.
While users of RTX 40 series GPUs can still access 32-bit CUDA applications, the end of an era is palpable. Games developed in the future are unlikely to support PhysX as their foundation. Consequently, Nvidia essentially relegates PhysX to legacy status, even for active users of older graphics cards. Only by incorporating a secondary RTX 40 series or older card can users continue to utilize PhysX on the newer RTX 50 series. This workaround highlights the diminishing role of PhysX in modern gaming.
Industry experts predict a gradual phasing out of PhysX in the coming years. Game developers will likely pivot towards more advanced physics engines that can leverage 64-bit capabilities. As a result, Nvidia’s decision signals a broader trend in technology: innovation often requires discarding outdated systems.
Users may feel a sense of loss regarding PhysX support, especially those who enjoyed its unique contributions to gaming. Nevertheless, this change challenges developers to adapt and innovate. The future of graphics technology continues to unfold, and Nvidia’s pivot to a more streamlined approach may lead to more advanced experiences that redefine gaming.
Continue Your Tech Journey
Stay informed on the revolutionary breakthroughs in Quantum Computing research.
Explore past and present digital transformations on the Internet Archive.
AITecv1
