3D Vision Discover Provides Free 3D PC Gaming
Here's a way to activate 3D gaming on a Nvidia GPU without the need to purchase the 3D Vision Kit.
Want 3D PC gaming but dont' have the bucks to dump into a new Nvidia 3D Vision kit? There may be a way around the premium setup if you already own a Nvidia-based GPU. Press X Or Die has a small tutorial on how to get 3D up and running, however this method uses the old-school anaglyph technique using red and cyan filters. That said, you may need to make your own specs--finding a pair on the market may be next to impossible outside ordering through Nvidia.
Nvidia calls this method "3D Vision Discover," and apparently it only works on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems (sorry XP). The minimum specs also reveal that the PC needs at least an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 CPU, 1GB of RAM (although Nvidia suggests 2GB), 100MB of HDD space, and any desktop display. 3D Vision Discover doesn't work on just any Nvidia-based GPU either--the GeForce 200/100 series, the GeForce 9 series, and the GeForce 8 series are the only supported GPUs.
For those with qualified rigs, the overall setup sounds rather simple. Once the drivers are installed and the CP reboots (if this process is needed), gamers simply go to Start>All Programs>NVIDIA Corporation>3D Vision, then click on "Enable 3D Vision Discover." The setup goes through various processes of testing and depth correction. Once completed, most games should run in anaglyph mode-- each will even report how well it is supported.
"One thing to note is that it can have a hefty penalty on your frame rate," the blog reads. "For example in L4D it dropped from 60fps down to 30fps. But some games don’t take as much of a hit." The blog added that some games work better than others, with FPS titles receiving the biggest visual "boost." However all games seem to have HUD issues, as the HUD isn't 3D and appears to float on-screen.
Thanks nVidia. Knew I could count on you.
Thanks nVidia. Knew I could count on you.
Had good performance in L4D2.
Anyway, 3D is just a gimmick to pay more for the same thing but 3dED.
It could be pretty awesome, but not in the next 5 years.
Well I think the point of this here is that you don't need all of that. Just a compatible GPU and a pair of glasses.
So not true. Any pair of red/cyan 3D glasses will work from any vendor. Here are just a couple:
http://www.rainbowsymphony.com/
http://www.3dglassesonline.com/
Still, In doesn't work well at all unless you buck up for the Officail Nvidia Glasses, and IR transmitter. (200$) , a 120H moniter (600$) and a GTX 295 (500$+).
And that's to much to pay for the current, Imperfect 3D.
I'll switch over to 3D when I can do it on ATI, without glasses, and without a 120HZ moniter.
( Oh, and it works well)
Then I'll jump full way onto 3D. =D
Indeed, but you can't beat a dead horse. XP can't become too oudated too quickly.
I must say it's subtle but definitely there. Worth a shot, didn't get a headache and played for about 30 minutes.
Tried FEAR as well, but it's so dark it's hard to get any effect. I'll run mirrors edge in the morning, light and bright, so should work well in the high contrast environments.