What is a Physics card?

[i845_]

I hope I've posted in the right section.....

I was browsing through the Asus website in search of a mobo that I could use for my new machine when I came across this (http://asus.com/products.aspx?l1=19&l2=102&l3=0&model=1137&modelmenu=1).

Which brings us back to my question: what is a physics card actually, and what does it do?

[Parcival]

I am not an expert on the topic, but it looks like a coprocessor to me that can be used by computer games for a physically more realistic environment.

[mrrangerman43]

Here's some feedback on the card, you may get an idea what it does here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16814121015).

[Davno]

They call those card PPU (physic processor unit) they are supposed to take the load of the CPU and GPU. From what i read it look like a waste of money, its not supported by that many games yet and might never be, that extra money would give better result if you get a better GPU. Don't know about Linux compatibility. :)

[cybertron]

Yeah, I have a feeling those things will never take off (of course, some people probably said the same thing about discrete graphics cards, and that's become a huge industry). The problem is that other people are working on performing the same functions with a video card, and for the price they just don't do that much. A few extra effects in games, but until a lot of people have them that's all they're going to be good for. It's yet another chicken and the egg story.

[wossname]

Physics cards could potentially be a massive breakthrough, as long as the hardware/software interface is well-formed and efficient.

We'll have to just pray that Linux takes this particular bull by the horns before Bill's Minions do. If MS get their dirty proprietary mitts on it then all hope is lost.