How a Reddit User Unlocks 32-Bit PhysX Games by Pairing an RTX 3050 with an RTX 5090

Nvidia has made a significant change with the release of the RTX 50 series GPUs. They have officially stopped supporting 32-bit PhysX, their well-known physics simulation engine. This engine was famous for enhancing some classic games with stunning visuals. Alongside this, support for 32-bit CUDA applications is also gone.

But there’s still a way to enjoy PhysX effects on new hardware. You can pair an older Nvidia GPU specifically for PhysX tasks. For example, a Reddit user named “jerubedo” bought an RTX 3050 to work alongside their RTX 5090. This setup allows their powerful 5090 to handle gameplay while the 3050 manages the physics effects.

Jerubedo shared their experience on the Nvidia subreddit, mentioning they play classic games and wanted the enhanced visuals without sacrificing performance.

They provided some impressive benchmark results on their RTX 5090 and 3050 setup. Here’s how some popular games performed:

Mafia II Classic:

• Without the 3050: 28.8 FPS
• With the 3050: 157.1 FPS

Batman Arkham Asylum:

• Without the 3050: 61 FPS (with several low scenes)
• With the 3050: 390 FPS

Borderlands 2:

• Without the 3050: Couldn’t enable PhysX at all.
• With the 3050: 122 FPS.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag:

• Without the 3050: 62 FPS (engine locked).
• With the 3050: still 62 FPS (engine locked, but PhysX effects were solid).

Jerubedo noted their RTX 3050 runs at about 40% to 50% usage when processing PhysX tasks, sometimes peaking at 60%. They also expressed concerns that older cards might struggle to keep up with the same performance.

If you want to try this setup, the Nvidia Control Panel allows you to choose which GPU will handle PhysX. Just go to the 3D Settings section and configure the PhysX processor accordingly.

The RTX 3050 is a smart choice for this, especially since it has a compact design. Certain models can even run on the power from the PCIe slot without needing extra power cables, making it ideal for those with limited space.