Is Vulkan better than dx12?

Answered by Tom Adger

In my personal experience, I have found that Vulkan performs exceptionally well in handling multi-core CPU workloads. This is especially noticeable when compared to older versions of DirectX. However, it is important to note that DirectX 12 also excels in this area.

When it comes to utilizing multiple CPU cores efficiently, Vulkan has a clear advantage over its predecessors. It is designed to fully leverage the power of modern multi-core processors, allowing for better distribution of computational tasks across multiple threads. This can result in significant performance improvements, particularly when running at lower resolutions.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, also offers improved multi-core CPU utilization compared to its predecessors. It has been specifically optimized to take advantage of multi-threaded systems, allowing for better performance scaling in CPU-bound scenarios. While Vulkan may have a slight edge in this aspect, DirectX 12 is by no means far behind.

Both Vulkan and DirectX 12 provide developers with low-level access to hardware, allowing for more control and optimization. This enables developers to squeeze out every ounce of performance from the underlying hardware, leading to better overall performance and efficiency.

Now, let’s talk about the impact of these APIs on lower resolutions. When running at lower resolutions, the workload is often more CPU-bound rather than GPU-bound. In such situations, the efficiency of multi-core CPU utilization becomes crucial. Here, Vulkan’s ability to effectively utilize multiple cores can make a noticeable difference in performance. By efficiently distributing the workload across cores, Vulkan can help mitigate potential bottlenecks and provide smoother gameplay experiences.

On the other hand, DirectX 12’s improved multi-core CPU utilization can also deliver excellent performance at lower resolutions. While Vulkan may have a slight advantage, the difference may not be significant enough to sway the decision solely based on this aspect.

Both Vulkan and DirectX 12 excel in handling multi-core CPU workloads, with Vulkan potentially having a slight edge. However, DirectX 12 is by no means far behind and offers excellent multi-core CPU utilization. The choice between the two ultimately depends on various factors such as the specific hardware and software ecosystem, developer preferences, and platform compatibility.