Summary
NVIDIA Nsight Graphics 2018.5 is a powerful tool for debugging, profiling, and analyzing graphics applications. This version introduces significant enhancements, including Turing GPU support, Copy Engine Visualization in GPU Trace, and the ability to export Range Profiler data to CSV. These features enable developers to optimize their applications more effectively, identify performance bottlenecks, and improve overall GPU utilization.
Unlocking the Power of NVIDIA Nsight Graphics 2018.5
NVIDIA Nsight Graphics 2018.5 is a comprehensive tool designed to help developers debug, profile, and analyze graphics applications. With its latest release, NVIDIA has introduced several key features that enhance the tool’s capabilities and provide developers with deeper insights into their applications’ performance.
Turing GPU Support
One of the most significant additions to Nsight Graphics 2018.5 is its support for the Turing GPU architecture. This means that developers can now use the Range Profiler and GPU Trace activities with Turing-based GPUs, unlocking the full potential of these powerful graphics processors.
Copy Engine Visualization in GPU Trace
Another important feature introduced in this version is the ability to visualize Copy Engine activity within a GPU Trace capture. This feature is particularly useful for analyzing bubbles in GPU workloads and understanding why the GPU might be idle. By visualizing Copy Engine activity, developers can identify potential bottlenecks and optimize their applications for better performance.
Exporting Range Profiler Data to CSV
Nsight Graphics 2018.5 also includes the ability to export Range Profiler data to a CSV file. This feature allows developers to analyze their data in a spreadsheet, making it easier to identify trends and patterns. The data can be exported in three different modes: Export Per Range, Export Metrics as Columns, and Export Ranges as Columns.
Improved Performance and Compatibility
In addition to these new features, Nsight Graphics 2018.5 includes several bug fixes and application compatibility improvements. These enhancements ensure that the tool runs smoothly and efficiently, providing developers with accurate and reliable data.
Using Nsight Graphics for Performance Optimization
Nsight Graphics is designed to help developers optimize their applications for peak performance. By using the tool’s profiling and analysis features, developers can identify performance bottlenecks and make targeted improvements. The Range Profiler, for example, provides detailed information about GPU utilization, allowing developers to optimize their shaders, render targets, and texture usage.
GPU Trace and Performance Analysis
The GPU Trace activity in Nsight Graphics provides a deep analysis of SM performance by tracing the execution of shaders across a series of frames. This feature helps developers identify opportunities for async compute and measure the impact of async compute on their frame. By analyzing GPU traces, developers can gain a better understanding of their application’s performance and make informed optimization decisions.
Real-Time Analysis and Debugging
Nsight Graphics also supports real-time analysis and debugging, allowing developers to inspect their application’s rendering calls and GPU pipeline state in real-time. The tool’s Frame Debugger activity provides a comprehensive set of tools for discovering problems with an application’s rendering or general operation.
Key Features of Nsight Graphics 2018.5
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Turing GPU Support | Support for Turing-based GPUs in Range Profiler and GPU Trace activities |
| Copy Engine Visualization | Ability to visualize Copy Engine activity within a GPU Trace capture |
| Export Range Profiler Data | Ability to export Range Profiler data to a CSV file |
| Improved Performance and Compatibility | Bug fixes and application compatibility improvements |
Benefits of Using Nsight Graphics
- Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize applications for peak performance
- Improve GPU utilization and reduce idle time
- Analyze GPU traces and identify opportunities for async compute
- Debug and analyze graphics applications in real-time
- Export data to CSV for further analysis in a spreadsheet
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- NVIDIA GPU with Turing architecture or later
- Nsight Graphics 2018.5 or later
Getting Started with Nsight Graphics
- Download and install Nsight Graphics 2018.5 from the NVIDIA website.
- Launch Nsight Graphics and select the activity you want to use (e.g. Frame Debugger, GPU Trace).
- Configure the activity settings and start the analysis.
- Use the tool’s features to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize your application.
By following these steps and using the features and tools provided by Nsight Graphics, developers can create high-performance graphics applications that take full advantage of NVIDIA GPUs.
Conclusion
NVIDIA Nsight Graphics 2018.5 is a powerful tool for debugging, profiling, and analyzing graphics applications. With its support for Turing GPUs, Copy Engine Visualization in GPU Trace, and the ability to export Range Profiler data to CSV, this version provides developers with the tools they need to optimize their applications for peak performance. By using Nsight Graphics, developers can identify performance bottlenecks, improve GPU utilization, and create high-performance graphics applications.