Introduction

This review is all about a product that is said to be the next leap in the gaming hardware world. Not only are we now able to run quad graphics card setups in SLI or Crossfire mode, Dual core processors and more, we are now able to run the physics of games through a single processing unit, a PPU (Physics Processing Unit). The principles of PPU technology is that by running all game physics through a dedicated physics "engine" it will be possible for much more realistic in-game physics. As apposed to pre-set animations of objects moving, they will (If all goes to plan) move in a much more realistic fashionm, with gravity and force playing much more influential roles in the movement of the objects than ever before. Currently there are few games that fully support PPU technology, but just to see how things are moving along with Asus' take on the Ageia PhysX card, we put it through its paces with our setup benchmarking software and games.

A little About Agiea

"In 2002, five innovative technologists and entrepreneurs shared a vision of a uniquely diverse company teaming together to add new levels of realism to computer simulated physics processes. They brought their skills and knowledge from around the world--from America , Germany , Egypt , India and America -- and named their company based on their countries of origin: AGEIA Technologies, Inc.

Today, AGEIA is dedicated to delivering dynamic interactive realism to the ever demanding complexity of next generation games. Its flagship solution, AGEIA PhysX, is the world's first dedicated physics engine and physics processor to bridge the gap between static virtual worlds and responsive unscripted physical reality. AGEIA PhysX allows developers to use active physics-based environments for a truly realistic entertainment experience.

AGEIA's major investors include Apex Venture Partners, BA Venture Partners, HIG Ventures, Granite Global Ventures, CID Equity Partners, and VentureTech Alliance."