Summary
NVIDIA’s Nsight Graphics 2019.2 is a powerful tool for debugging, profiling, and analyzing GPU-accelerated APIs. This release introduces significant enhancements, including Vulkan profiling support, improved DirectX Raytracing (DXR) capabilities, and enhancements to the Acceleration Structure viewer and API inspector. These updates make Nsight Graphics an indispensable tool for developers working with GPU-accelerated applications.
NVIDIA Nsight Graphics 2019.2: A Leap Forward in GPU Debugging and Profiling
NVIDIA has announced the release of Nsight Graphics 2019.2, a comprehensive tool for debugging, profiling, and analyzing Direct3D, OpenGL, and other GPU-accelerated APIs. This release marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Nsight Graphics, with several key enhancements that cater to the needs of developers working with cutting-edge GPU technologies.
Vulkan Profiling Support
One of the most notable additions in Nsight Graphics 2019.2 is the introduction of Vulkan profiling support. This feature allows developers to inspect GPU performance metrics under Vulkan workloads within the program’s Range Profiler. This is a significant advancement, as it provides developers with detailed insights into the performance of their Vulkan applications, enabling them to optimize and fine-tune their code for better performance.
Improved DirectX Raytracing (DXR) Capabilities
Nsight Graphics 2019.2 also brings significant improvements to DirectX Raytracing (DXR) capabilities. The tool now supports tracing GPU hangs or crashes back to the specific DXR shader responsible, making it easier for developers to identify and fix issues in their DXR applications. This feature is particularly useful for developers working with complex raytracing scenarios, where pinpointing the source of performance issues can be challenging.
Enhancements to the Acceleration Structure Viewer and API Inspector
The Acceleration Structure viewer in Nsight Graphics 2019.2 has been enhanced to provide an even better debugging experience. Developers can now change the camera speed and camera orientation, visualize geometry setup flags by utilizing highlight-based filtering, and inspect the hierarchy with additional information. The API inspector has also been improved, with event numbers and performance markers now visible for greater event context, and trimmed Direct3D 11 and Direct3D 12 strings to increase information density.
Other Key Features
- D3D12 Fence Visualization: Nsight Graphics 2019.2 includes a new feature for visualizing D3D12 fences in the GPU Trace, allowing developers to view waits and signals in the synchronization row.
- Feedback Button: A feedback button has been integrated into Nsight Graphics, making it easier for developers to send comments, bugs, and feature requests.
- Improved Support for Running Steam Games on Linux: The new injection method in Nsight Graphics 2019.2 makes it easier to run Steam games on Linux, providing a smoother debugging experience for developers working on Linux platforms.
Table: Key Features of Nsight Graphics 2019.2
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Vulkan Profiling Support | Inspect GPU performance metrics under Vulkan workloads within the Range Profiler. |
| Improved DXR Capabilities | Trace GPU hangs or crashes back to the specific DXR shader responsible. |
| Acceleration Structure Viewer Enhancements | Change camera speed and orientation, visualize geometry setup flags, and inspect hierarchy with additional information. |
| API Inspector Improvements | Event numbers and performance markers are now visible, and Direct3D 11 and Direct3D 12 strings are trimmed for increased information density. |
| D3D12 Fence Visualization | View waits and signals in the synchronization row in the GPU Trace. |
| Feedback Button | Send comments, bugs, and feature requests easily. |
| Improved Support for Running Steam Games on Linux | New injection method makes it easier to run Steam games on Linux. |
Conclusion
Nsight Graphics 2019.2 is a powerful tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features for debugging, profiling, and analyzing GPU-accelerated APIs. With the addition of Vulkan profiling support, improved DXR capabilities, and enhancements to the Acceleration Structure viewer and API inspector, this release is a significant step forward in the field of GPU debugging and profiling. Developers working with GPU-accelerated applications will find Nsight Graphics 2019.2 to be an indispensable tool in their workflow.