What difference will a Physics Card make?

Question

Thanks

Answer 1

Physics is all about how objects in your game move and react. It's not just how things look, but how they behave. In many of today's games, objects just don't seem to act the way you'd want or expect. Most of the action is limited to pre-scripted or canned animations.
The AGEIA PhysX processor is the critical hardware element required for optimized game physics and is the third engine of the Gaming Power Triangle which will drive a new era in exciting and immersive gaming.
The only way to get real physics with the scale, sophistication, fidelity and level of interactivity that dramatically alters your entertainment experience is with the AGEIA PhysX processor, which was developed from day one to accelerate the highly specialized physically based simulations. And the only way for serious gamers to get true mind-blowing physics in gaming is with a PhysX Accelerator add-in card available today from leading game system vendors such as Dell, Alienware, Falcon Northwest and leading PhysX accelerator makers BFG and ASUS.The AGEIA PhysX processor is the critical hardware element required for optimized game physics and is the third engine of the Gaming Power Triangle which will drive a new era in exciting and immersive gaming.

Answer 2

Depends on what you're using it for. I assume you're going to use it in conjunction with the Ageia physics drivers.

It'll make it run that bit smoothly, but essentially if you're going to upgrade something about your computer, I would recommend looking at your RAM or possibly your processor.

Try running the Ageia test anyway and check out the physics -without- a card. It's fine, right? If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Answer 3

Physics cards are only worth it if:

a) you already have an 8800-series Nvidia

b) you're loaded

They're really on their way out as most developers don't support it.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/07/19/is_ageias_physx_failing/

*edit*
The guy below my really gave an unbiased answer lol. That's like asking Steve Jobs if the iPod is the best MP3 player out there.

Answer 4

It enhances "effects" physics but has no impact on gameplay physics which is embedded on the game itself.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/07/19/is_ageias_physx_failing/page2.html