Mesh shaders introduce a brand new strategy to geometry processing that simplifies the graphics pipeline whereas additionally giving builders extra flexibility and management.
In 3D graphics, a mesh is the set of vertices, edges and faces that outline the form of an object. In present graphics pipelines, all of the geometry information in a mesh have to be processed sequentially earlier than any additional steps may be taken. This is usually a vital efficiency bottleneck.
Mesh shaders change the outdated strategy with a brand new mannequin that brings the facility, flexibility and management of a compute programming mannequin to the geometry pipeline.
Mesh shaders can course of small sections of a mesh, referred to as meshlets, in parallel with a a lot larger diploma of flexibility and management.
Amplification shaders, one other new a part of the mesh shader pipeline, are particularly helpful for culling, as they will effectively decide which meshlets are seen earlier than shading. An amplification shader can cull nonvisible meshlets much more effectively than the standard strategies.
Test mesh shader efficiency with 3DMark
The 3DMark Mesh Shader function check reveals how sport engines can enhance efficiency through the use of the mesh shader pipeline to effectively cull geometry that’s not seen to the digital camera.
The check scene is a corridor containing many rows of extremely detailed, carved pillars. As the digital camera strikes by means of the scene, the pillars within the foreground block the view of these additional again.
The check runs in two passes. The first move makes use of a conventional strategy to geometry culling to offer a efficiency baseline. The second move makes use of mesh shaders to effectively cull hidden meshlets.
The results of the check is the common body price for every move and the distinction between the 2 expressed as a share.
Interactive mode
The 3DMark Mesh Shader function check contains an interactive mode that helps you visualize the advantages of utilizing mesh shaders. You can pause and leap to completely different components of the timeline and alter settings in real-time. Use visualizer choices to spotlight meshlets or see the extent of element (LOD) used for every meshlet.
Experience DirectX 12 Ultimate with 3DMark
DirectX 12 Ultimate provides highly effective new options and capabilities to DirectX 12. These options allow sport builders to create ever extra lifelike graphics whereas additionally enhancing efficiency and body charges.
3DMark has a devoted check for every of the brand new options in DirectX 12 Ultimate:
- 3DMark DirectX Raytracing function check
- 3DMark Mesh Shader function check
- 3DMark VRS function check
- 3DMark Sampler Feedback function check (coming later this yr)
As properly as measuring efficiency, every of those assessments additionally has an interactive mode that permits you to experiment with completely different settings to see the impact on picture high quality and efficiency.
System necessities
To run the 3DMark Mesh Shader function check, you want Windows 10 model 2004 or later and a graphics card with drivers that assist Microsoft DirectX 12 Ultimate.
3DMark Advanced Edition
The Mesh Shader function check is obtainable now as a free replace for 3DMark Advanced Edition.
3DMark Professional Edition
The Mesh Shader function check is obtainable as a free replace for 3DMark Professional Edition clients with a legitimate annual license. Customers with an older, perpetual license might want to buy an annual license to unlock the check.
