Vulcan Runtime Libraries are libraries created for NVIDIA cards (meaning the latest modifications). The name itself speaks about their purpose. That is, the need for them arose due to the addition of API-Vulkan support to Windows. Provision is made for distributing libraries separately from software (for GPUs). However, their operation without software is excluded.

Purpose

VRLs are designed to ensure correct execution of graphic commands in compatible applications. The need for libraries is felt by developers planning to implement Vulcan technology. By the way, the universal interface is used for games on Windows OS, and for applications on Android and iOS that involve the use of three-dimensional graphics.

More information about the Vulkan API

This interface has become, so to speak, the successor to OpenGL. It is supported in many popular games. Based on the fact that good performance can be achieved with the help of Vulkan, the conclusion suggests itself about the prospects of introducing the API into many projects related to the gaming industry, which is eloquently evidenced by the fact that the most popular engines today are trying to acquire support for this interface (id Tech, Source 2).

In addition to the increased level of performance, especially felt on computers released several years ago, the interface provides the highest level of detail.

Installation

Vulcan RT is installed automatically. The installer can independently check for the presence of other libraries in memory. If any are detected, the process of removing them starts. Also, using Vulcan RT, you can initiate uninstallation using standard methods provided by the operating system protocol.

About the main features

• Vulcan API graphics commands are executed extremely correctly;
• libraries are included in new versions of drivers for video cards;
• compatible with the latest versions of Windows and modern GPUs;
• the installation process occurs automatically;
• the product is freely available.

by Khronos Group. The next generation API aims to deliver a better programming interface that allows more access to the hardware available on various platforms which include PCs, Smartphones and Consoles. After facing a short delay, the fully open source, cross platform, Vulkan API is now available with latest drivers pouring in from graphics card makers to support the OpenGL"s successor.

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NVIDIA's Special Vulkan Drivers For GeForce Graphics Cards Offers Full Support For Next Generation API

The Vulkan API is the successor to the OpenGL API and a rival to the Metal API from Apple and DirectX 12 API from Microsoft. The Vulkan API pushes for reduced API overhead and optimized multi-core and multi-threaded performance on current and upcoming hardware. The API is going to be the direct competitor to Microsoft's DirectX 12 API which is also going to see wide-scale usage in 2016. While DirectX 12 is limited to Microsoft's Windows OS, Vulkan API has the edge of having cross platform and cross vendor support.

Vulkan on the other hand can work on multiple OS which range from Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Linux, SteamOS, Android. Also unlike Mantle, Vulkan will be able to run multiple GPUs from various vendors allowing a wider more support than any previous API. Another leverage over previous APIs is that Vulkan adopts the first open standard cross-API intermediate language for parallel compute and graphics known as SPIR-V, allowing developers to write programs for Vulkan in their own choice of programming language.

“The Vulkan API enables developers to get the best from NVIDIA GPUs, and we are proud of our role in its development,” says Tony Tamasi, senior vice president of content and technology, NVIDIA. “We are making Vulkan drivers available for Windows, Linux, and Android platforms, on the same day as the specification launch, and we’ll continue our work within Khronos to ensure Vulkan evolves to meet industry needs.”

NVIDIA had previously announced full support for the Vulkan API and today they have launched their latest drivers for Windows and Linux OS which adds support for the API on Kepler and Maxwell based GeForce cards so that users can have support for latest and upcoming titles that utilize the new API from the start. One such title is The Talos Principle which utilizes the Vulkan API and showcases the performance enhancement added through it. You can check out the game on Steam.

Vulkan, a new graphics application programming interface, launched today. With a simpler, thinner driver, and efficient CPU multi-threading capabilities, Vulkan has less latency and overhead than OpenGL or Direct3D, and can help your system reach new levels of performance. In simpler terms, Vulkan can help developers avoid CPU bottlenecks that limit performance, and can improve performance elsewhere, too.

If you’re a GeForce GTX gamer, simply download this special Vulkan driver and you can try the new API today in The Talos Principle, a critically-acclaimed puzzle game that’s been upgraded with Vulkan support. via GeForce

The latest drivers for NVIDIA graphics cards are now available. Windows driver version 356.39 and Linux driver version 355.00.26 provide support for the Vulkan 1.0 API. It should be noted that the drivers published by Intel, NVIDIA and Qualcomm have passed the conformance tests for Windows and Linux while the BETA drivers that AMD launched haven"t passed the tests. You can find additional details in the following post by NVIDIA :

Vulkan Beta Driver Release Notes:

You will need any one of the following Kepler or Maxwell (both first and second generation Maxwell) based GPUs to get access to Vulkan functionality:

• Quadro Series: Quadro M6000, Quadro M5000, Quadro M4000, Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K2000D, Quadro K1200, Quadro K620, Quadro K420
• Quadro Series (Notebooks): Quadro K5100M, Quadro K5000M, Quadro K4100M, Quadro K4000M, Quadro K3100M, Quadro K2200M, Quadro K2100M, Quadro K3000M, Quadro K2000M, Quadro K1100M, Quadro K1000M, Quadro K620M, Quadro K610M, Quadro K510M, Qua dro K500M
• GeForce 900 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN X, GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970, GeForce GTX 960, GeForce GTX 950
• GeForce 700 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN Z, GeForce GTX TITAN Black, GeForce GTX TITAN, GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GeForce GTX 780, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 760 Ti (OEM), GeForce GTX 750 Ti, GeForce GTX 750, GeForce GTX 745, GeForce GT 740, GeForce GT 730, GeForce GT 720, GeForce GT 710, GeForce GT 705
• GeForce 600 Series: GeForce GTX 690, GeForce GTX 680, GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 660 Ti, GeForce GTX 660, GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GeForce GTX 650 Ti, GeForce GTX 650, GeForce GTX 645, GeForce GT 645, GeForce GT 640, GeForce GT 630

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Vulcan Runtime Libraries - libraries that appeared in the latest versions of official drivers for NVIDIA video cards. As the name suggests, they are needed to add support for the universal graphics API - Vulkan - to Windows. The libraries are also distributed separately from the GPU software, but cannot work without installing the latter.

Purpose

VRLs ensure that graphics commands are executed correctly in compatible applications. Libraries are also necessary for developers planning to implement Vulkan technology in their projects. By the way, the versatility of the interface allows you to use it only to create games for Windows, but also mobile applications for iOS and Android operating systems that use 3D graphics.

About Vulkan API

This interface has replaced the outdated OpenGL. It supports some modern games - Doom (2016), The Talos Principle, Get Even and so on. Considering the fact that Vulcan makes it possible to achieve maximum performance from the CPU and GPU, we can assume that in the future the API will be implemented in many games. At a minimum, this is evidenced by the fact that popular engines are gradually acquiring interface support. For example - Source 2 and id Tech.

In addition to increased performance, which is especially noticeable on older hardware, the interface also provides greater detail.

Installation

Installation of VulkanRT occurs automatically. The installer independently checks for the presence of other versions of libraries installed on the computer and, if any, removes them first. The VulkanRT package can also be uninstalled using standard Windows system tools.

Key Features

• ensure correct execution of Vulkan API graphical commands;
• libraries are included in the latest versions of drivers for NVIDIA video cards;
• compatible with all modern GPU models and versions of Windows;
• are installed automatically;
• available completely free of charge.

Changes:- New extensions:VK_KHR_get_surface_capabilities2VK_EXT_sampler_filter_minmaxVK_NV_fill_rectangleVK_NV_fragment_coverage_to_color- Updated VulkanRT loader to 1.0.49.0- Various performance improvementsNVIDIA provides full Vulkan support and functionality on NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro graphics card with one of the following Pascal, Maxwell (first or second generation) or Kepler based GPUs : - Quadro Series: Quadro M6000 24GB, Quadro M6000, Quadro M5000, Quadro M4000, Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K2000D, Quadro K1200, Quadro K620, Qua dro K600 , Quadro K420- Quadro Series (Notebooks): Quadro M5500, Quadro M5000M, Quadro M4000M, Quadro M3000M, Quadro M2000M, Quadro M1000M, Quadro M600M, Quadro K5100M, Quadro K5000M, Quadro K4100M, Quadro K4000M, Quadro K3100M, Quadro K2200M, Quadro K2100M, Quadro K3000M, Quadro K2000M, Quadro K1100M, Quadro K1000M, Quadro K610M, Quadro K510M, Quadro K500M- GeForce 1000 Series: GeForce GTX 1080, GeForce GTX 1070, GeForce GTX 1060, GeForce GTX 1050- GeForce 900 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN X, GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970, GeForce GTX 960, GeForce GTX 950- GeForce 700 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN Z, GeForce GTX TITAN Black, GeForce GTX TITAN, GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GeForce GTX 780, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 760 Ti (OEM), GeForce GTX 750 Ti, GeForce GTX 750, GeForce GTX 745, GeForce GT 740, GeForce GT 720, GeForce GT 710- GeForce 600 Series: GeForce GTX 690, GeForce GTX 680, GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 660 Ti, GeForce GTX 660, GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GeForce GTX 650 Ti, GeForce GTX 650, GeForce GT 635- GeForce 900M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 980M, GeForce GTX 970M, GeForce GTX 965M, GeForce GTX 960M, GeForce GTX 950M, GeForce 945M, GeForce 940MX, GeForce 940M, GeForce 930M, GeForce 920M, GeForce 910M- GeForce 800M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 880M, GeForce GTX 870M, GeForce GTX 860M, GeForce GTX 850M, GeForce 840M, GeForce 830M- GeForce 700M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 780M, GeForce GTX 770M, GeForce GTX 765M, GeForce GTX 760M, GeForce GT 755M, GeForce GT 750M, GeForce GT 745 M, GeForce GT 740M, GeForce GT 735M, GeForce GT 730M- GeForce 600M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 680MX, GeForce GTX 680M, GeForce GTX 675MX, GeForce GTX 675M, GeForce GTX 670MX, GeForce GTX 660M, GeForce GT 650M, GeForce GT 64 5M, GeForce GT 640MFor any bugs or issues, please file a bug through the developer website. Vulkan on NVIDIA Hardware FAQ:1) How do I start using Vulkan in my code base?NVIDIA Vulkan developer page is a great place to start. You can learn from Vulkan presentations and articles as well as NVIDIA demos and SDK samples.2) Is NVIDIA going to continue to support OpenGL in the future?NVIDIA is fully committed to invest in OpenGL that our ISVs rely on and will continue to support and improve it. NVIDIA believes in providing maximum functionality with minimal churn to developers. Hence, NVIDIA fully supports both Vulkan and OpenGL.3) Is NVIDIA Vulkan driver conformant?Yes, all available drivers have passed the initial version of Vulkan 1.0 conformance.4) Will there be an official (non-beta) NVIDIA driver with Vulkan support ?Yes. We plan to include Vulkan in both Windows and Linux drivers in an upcoming driver release. These will be available to all users to run Vulkan content as part of our regular driver releases.5) Does NVIDIA support Vulkan on Linux for Tegra?Yes. Linux for Tegra drivers are supported.About Graphics Drivers:While installing the graphics driver allows the system to properly recognize the chipset and the card manufacturer, updating the video driver can bring about various changes.It can improve the overall graphics experience and performance in either games or various engineering software applications, include support for newly developed technologies, add compatibility with newer GPU chipsets, or resolve different problems that might have been encountered.When it comes to applying this release, the installation steps should be a breeze, as each manufacturer tries to make them as easy as possible so that each user can update the GPU on their own and with minimum risks (however, check to see if this download supports your graphics chipset).Therefore, get the package (extract it if necessary), run the setup, follow the on-screen instructions for a complete and successful installation, and make sure you reboot the system so that the changes take effect.That being said, download the driver, apply it on your system, and enjoy your newly updated graphics card. Moreover, check with our website as often as possible in order to stay up to speed with the latest releases.

Note: The “download” link can lead either directly to the file or to the manufacturer’s website, where you can find the desired file.
This is due to the fact that some manufacturers do not allow direct links to files.

Nvidia has announced full support for the new Vulkan 1.0 API, which was just officially published by Khronos Group today.

The next generation of APIs will provide a better programming interface, allowing greater access to hardware - PCs, Smartphones, consoles.

The Vulkan API is the successor to OpenGL and a competitor to Apple's Metal API and Microsoft's DirectX 12 API. This API will become a direct competitor to Microsoft's DirectX 12 API, the use of which is already known in some projects.

Vulkan can run on several OS, which range from Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Linux, SteamOS, Android. Also unlike Mantle, Vulkan can run on different GPUs from different manufacturers.

The latest drivers for video cards from nVidia and AMD are now available.

• Quadro Series: Quadro M6000, Quadro M5000, Quadro M4000, Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K2000D, Quadro K1200, Quadro K620, Quadro K420
• Quadro Series (Notebooks): Quadro K5100M, Quadro K5000M, Quadro K4100M, Quadro K4000M, Quadro K3100M, Quadro K2200M, Quadro K2100M, Quadro K3000M, Quadro K2000M, Quadro K1100M, Quadro K1000M, Quadro K620M, Quadro K610M, Quadro K510M, Qua dro K500M
• GeForce 900 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN X, GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970, GeForce GTX 960, GeForce GTX 950
• GeForce 700 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN Z, GeForce GTX TITAN Black, GeForce GTX TITAN, GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GeForce GTX 780, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 760 Ti (OEM), GeForce GTX 750 Ti, GeForce GTX 750, GeForce GTX 745, GeForce GT 740, GeForce GT 730, GeForce GT 720, GeForce GT 710, GeForce GT 705
• GeForce 600 Series: GeForce GTX 690, GeForce GTX 680, GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 660 Ti, GeForce GTX 660, GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GeForce GTX 650 Ti, GeForce GTX 650, GeForce GTX 645, GeForce GT 645, GeForce GT 640, GeForce GT 630

Windows:

• Download for Windows 8 and 7 (32-bit)
• Download for Windows 8 and 7 (64-bit)
• Download for Windows 10 (32-bit)