32-Bit PhysX Support Dropped on RTX 50 Series Cards
Deprecation of CUDA Applications
NVIDIA's RTX 50 series graphics cards will no longer support 32-bit PhysX implementations, effectively removing support for 32-bit CUDA applications. This move marks the end of an era for games that relied on PhysX for particle and clothing effects.
Impact on Older Games
Games from the late 2000s to early 2010s that utilized PhysX will be affected, including titles like Mirror's Edge, Mafia II, and Batman: Arkham City. While these games remain playable, they may experience reduced graphical fidelity due to the loss of PhysX features.
Workarounds and Solutions
Several workarounds are available:
* Use a Secondary PhysX Card: Install a dedicated PhysX-compatible card to handle PhysX processing.
* Disable PhysX in Games: Turn off PhysX support within the game's settings to avoid performance issues.
* Hope for Community Solutions: The modding community may develop fixes or alternative implementations to address the loss of PhysX.
Noteworthy Games
A comprehensive list of 32-bit PhysX-supported games can be found on ResetEra. Notable titles include Metro: Last Light, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2.
Previous PhysX Challenges
PhysX implementation has previously encountered challenges in Borderlands 2 and other games, but its use in titles like Batman: Arkham City has been highly praised.
Significance
The removal of PhysX support on RTX 50 series cards highlights the ongoing transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing in the gaming industry. While this move may come as a disappointment to some users, it ultimately allows NVIDIA to focus on optimizing future hardware for more demanding applications.