Using the disabled on-board graphics card as a Physics unit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of utilizing a disabled on-board graphics card as a physics processing unit, specifically in the context of physics simulations. Participants explore the technical feasibility of activating such chips for this purpose, without delving into the motivations behind the inquiry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of using an unused on-board graphics chip as a physics processor, focusing on the technical aspects rather than the rationale.
  • Another participant notes that the capability depends on the specific on-board chip, indicating that some may have the option to function as a PhysX card.
  • A third participant highlights the necessity for the on-board graphics chip to support CUDA/OpenCL, mentioning that many simple chipsets lack the processing power and support for these calculation libraries.
  • A later reply expresses interest in further investigation, citing a lack of reliable information on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the capabilities of on-board graphics chips, with no consensus on which specific models may be suitable for use as physics processors.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific hardware capabilities and the lack of comprehensive information regarding the use of on-board graphics chips for physics processing.

Pattonias
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I have seen drivers that allow you to use one of a SLI cards as a physics processor. I was wondering if boards with a built in, but unused, graphics chip could be turned on and used as a physics processor. I'm not really concerned with the "why would you want to" but more the "is it possible".
 
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Depends on the on-board chip. Some do have the option to use as a PhysX card.
 
You would need an onboard graphics chip that supported CUDA/OpenCL, most onboard graphics are simple chipsets (eg IntelGM950) without a lot of processing capacity and so generally don't have support for the calculation libraries.
 
Interesting, I will have to look more into this. Not much reliable information in this regard.
 

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