PhysX + Cellfactor = great fun.

[mashie]

It is quite unfortunate GRAW was available before the CellFactor Demo because this is what physics accelleration really is about...

More images:

The playground
Explosion 1
Explosion 2
Explosion 3
Explosion 4
Explosion 5
Explosion 6
Explosion 7
Explosion 8

Screenshots taken at 1024x768, no AA, 8xAF, HDR on, dynamic shadows on using a single x1900xt.


Considering still pictures doesn't make it right here are a few videos as well...

Video1 (7MB)

Video2 (23MB)

Video3 (23MB)

Video4 (4MB)

Video5 (6MB)

Video6 (3MB)

Video7 (4MB)


Recorded with fraps at 1024x768, no AA, 8xAF, HDR on, dynamic shadows off using a single x1900xt.

 

[mashie]

Well well, the first GOOD remark about the PhysX card I've seen.

What happens when you increase the resolution and/or add AA and higher AF??
does it slow to a crawl?? .

At 2560x1600 I get 5-10fps just walking around not shooting anything...

AA can't be enabled in game and forcing it in the ATI drivers makes no difference.

The fps during the 0.5s things were detonating got that low thanks to dynamic shadows being enabled for the hundreds of objects created. When I recoded the videos the dynamic shadows were disabled producing a nice speed boost.

 

[mashie]

Lovely, completely unplayable using an x1900xt. w00t go Physx

I would blame the videocards for not being able to handle all the objects created though...

 

[mashie]

So we're all going to need X1900XTXs in Crossfire to be able to use PhysX properly... Does seem a bit of a poor implementation. Instead of using PhysX to add loads of extra stuff into scenes, it should be taking the existing physics work off of the processor to increase framerates.

Considering how little CPU currently implemented physics (HL2) use I don't see the need for a PPU to offload that. The PPU is designed to take physics to the next level and yes, more realistic enviroments/explosions will require a lot more powerful videocards. Today when things blow up it is particles and sprites used for the bits flying around. With the PPU you have enough power to calculate real 3d objects to fly around, however the videocards are a lot faster drawing sprites...

So yes, to max out a PPU you will definately need the most powerful videocards you can find.

Also in CellFactor, you have to be careful where you drop grenades since the debris flying about WILL get you killed. Effect physics (GRAW) in all glory but this is the way I prefer it. Now I just need to get my second x1900xt replaced.

 

[mashie]

Will this demo work if you dont have a phsyx card?

You need a PhysX card to run it.

I expected that to go at 100+ fps.

The graphics arent exactly groundbreaking (textures, shadows etc).

What exactly is that physx doing? (calculating physics slowly by the looks)

Tom

I was curious how it would look with everything maxed out at 2560x1600, well the slideshow of 0.5fps was quite pretty. Unfortunately at that setting it was so unresponsive I couldn't even get it to make a screenshot.