Nvidia’s decision to discontinue PhysX support on RTX 50 series GPUs has left many PC gamers, especially those with the high-end RTX 5090, scrambling for solutions to maintain performance in older titles. The loss of this hardware-accelerated physics engine impacts the visual fidelity and frame rates of numerous classic games, prompting some enthusiasts to adopt creative, albeit costly, workarounds. One such solution involves pairing the RTX 5090 with an older, PhysX-compatible GPU.
As previously reported by Tom’s Hardware, maintaining PhysX functionality with newer RTX 50 series GPUs is possible by employing a secondary, older graphics card (RTX 40 series or earlier). This secondary card handles PhysX processing, effectively restoring the lost capabilities. A Reddit user, jerubedo, demonstrated this approach by pairing their RTX 5090 with an RTX 3050, sharing the results on the Nvidia subreddit. This method involves selectively enabling the secondary GPU for PhysX duties within the Nvidia control panel.
Performance Impact of the Dual-GPU Setup
Jerubedo tested this dual-GPU configuration with several games known for their reliance on PhysX, including Mafia II Classic, Batman Arkham series, Borderlands 2, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and Mirror’s Edge. The results highlighted the significant performance drop experienced when running these titles on the RTX 5090 alone.
In some instances, such as Borderlands 2, PhysX effects wouldn’t function at all without the secondary GPU. Other games saw drastically reduced frame rates when relying solely on the RTX 5090. However, with the RTX 3050 handling PhysX, performance drastically improved, with frame rates increasing and visual effects rendering correctly. While some games, like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, exhibited minimal frame rate differences between the single and dual-GPU setups, others showcased substantial gains. Mirror’s Edge, for example, saw a jump from a near-unplayable 12fps to a smooth 171fps with the addition of the RTX 3050.
The Cost of Lost Backward Compatibility and the Lack of a PhysX Successor
The RTX 5090’s hefty price tag of around $2,000 further compounds the frustration of losing PhysX support. This decision effectively removes backward compatibility for older games, forcing enthusiasts to invest in additional hardware to maintain performance. While the dual-GPU workaround is effective, it’s an added expense many users find unreasonable.
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The Digital Foundry podcast highlighted the performance implications of this change, noting that without PhysX or a dedicated GPU, the burden of processing physics calculations falls onto the CPU, leading to suboptimal performance. They expressed disappointment that CPU advancements haven’t adequately compensated for the loss of PhysX, making the discontinuation even more impactful. Furthermore, the lack of a clear PhysX successor suggests that such dual-GPU setups might be the only viable solution for enthusiasts seeking to preserve the intended experience in older games.
Conclusion
The removal of PhysX support on the RTX 5090 has created a challenging situation for gamers who enjoy older titles. While creative solutions like pairing the RTX 5090 with an older GPU can restore functionality, this approach requires additional investment and isn’t ideal. The absence of a readily available PhysX replacement emphasizes the need for a long-term solution from Nvidia to address this backward compatibility issue. The hope remains that future developments will offer a more streamlined and cost-effective way to enjoy classic games with their intended visual fidelity and performance.
