How does a PhysX card work?

[Dougx1317]

I just ordered an 8800GT 512MB to replace my 8600GT 256MB. I've been reading about using older video cards as "PhysX" cards. I thought PhysX cards were a separate type of card made by Ageia. Could I use my old 8600GT as a PhysX card? What would it require? Would it help?

Old Card: EVGA 8600GT 256MB
New Card: BFG 8800GT OC2 512MB

 

[Dougx1317]

Any help? I can't find a good explanation of this.

 

[Dekasav]

Nvidia bought Ageia awhile back, and has since incorportaed Physx into their drivers by utilizing their CUDA technology. An old GPU is now able to run Physx code/software with all its cool effects instead of needing the specialized PPU from Ageia.

 

[meodowla]

I you have another PCIex16 slot free, then plug the 8600GT to it.

And set it as seen in the below image.

 

[Dougx1317]

Thanks for the info.

How does the additional PhysX card work? Is it like SLI with two different kinds of cards? What kinds of things would it help with? Are there any benchmarks?

 

[Dougx1317]

I just found an article with this exact setup, and they said it wouldn't really make sense. Does anyone agree with this?