Nvidia PhysX System Software

leosantare · 18 Dec 2020

For games that support Nvidia PhysX System Software, is it required to have Nvidia PhysX System Software installed for the game to launch?

If not, does having Nvidia PhysX System Software installed really necessary?

Thanks,

bro67 · 18 Dec 2020

PhysX | FAQ | GeForce

leosantare · 19 Dec 2020

I'm looking for someone to answer my questions directly as the link does not.

Thanks though,

- - - Updated - - -

More accurately, I am looking for answers to these two specific questions. Plus, I would think Nvidia may give a bias answer or opinion.

Faith · 19 Dec 2020

Hi, to answer your questions;

Q: Is it required to have Nvidia PhysX System Software installed for supported games to launch?
A: No

Q: Is having Nvidia PhysX System Software installed really necessary?
A: Only if you want to utilize hardware accelerated PhysX (GPU) in supported games (list here.)

leosantare · 19 Dec 2020

Thanks Faith!

Therefore, the PhysX System Software is optional, even for games that support it.

However, I would be most likely missing out without it, if I decide to play a PhysX supported game.

Bottom line, do you recommend I install the PhysX System Software?

I may or may not end up getting games that support it. Although, I do have Batman Arkham Knight.

Thanks again,

Faith · 20 Dec 2020

I usually just run an 'express' installation when I install Nvidia drivers so I get everything, including PhysX System Software. It doesn't hurt to let it sit there, and it simply gives you the option to toggle it on/off in each game that support it in the option menu for the games.

However I must mention that GPU accelerated PhysX is notorious for having issues on newer hardware because Nvidia doesn't really focus much on updating it. And since modern games usually run PhysX, Havoc or other physics related SDKs directly through the CPU - so everyone can utilize physics in the games, not just Nvidia GPUs -, Nvidia doesn't seem to care all that much about it. But like I said, it doesn't hurt to let it sit there so you can test for yourself in different supported games.

RoasterMen · 20 Dec 2020

I personally install it only when a game requires it then leave it be after.

stormy13 · 20 Dec 2020

RoasterMen said:

I personally install it only when a game requires it then leave it be after.

Or if it isn't present (think AMD video card) and a game requires it, the game will likely install it itself. I know Borderlands 2 and 3 both install Physx if it isn't already present on the system.

TairikuOkami · 20 Dec 2020

leosantare said:

Bottom line, do you recommend I install the PhysX System Software?

That depends, do you like better graphics or not? Assuming your GPU/CPU can handle it.

Faith · 20 Dec 2020

stormy13 said:

Or if it isn't present (think AMD video card) and a game requires it, the game will likely install it itself. I know Borderlands 2 and 3 both install Physx if it isn't already present on the system.

This is false. No game requires this. It does not install itself, and if a game have the option to enable it (and it's not installed / running AMD), it will simply be turned off. The PhysX System Software that's GPU accelerated only works on Nvidia cards. So the added options in Borderlands 2 only works with Nvidia cards. if the SDK comes with the installer then it is most likely outdated, so it's better to get the latest version directly from the latest express driver or manually installed here. Borderlands 3 doesn't use the same hardware accelerated PhysX since it's an AMD-sponsored title, so instead it uses baked physics from the Unreal Engine SDK.