Recently, Nvidia’s new RTX 50 series graphics cards discontinued support for 32-bit software, affecting older games that rely on the PhysX physics engine. Owners of these cards are now finding solutions by incorporating secondary GPUs to enhance performance for these legacy titles.

One user on Reddit reported that they bought an RTX 3050 to work alongside their RTX 5090, yielding significant performance improvements. The jump in frames per second (fps) when using dedicated hardware for PhysX has been substantial. For example, in Mafia II classic, the fps rose from 28.8 to 157.1 when utilizing a secondary card for calculations.

Additionally, while turning off PhysX can improve fps, it detracts from the visual quality of games that utilize cloth and particle effects, such as Batman: Arkham Asylum and Mirror’s Edge. Importantly, many gamers with older GPUs are turning to budget cards like the GT 1030, finding an unexpected boost from such configurations.

In conclusion, the evolving needs of gamers with the latest Nvidia hardware might signal a resurgence in dedicated PhysX cards, emphasizing the importance of optimization for older gaming experiences. It’s suggested that players consider using their older graphics cards to maintain the visual integrity of classic games.