HUD Graphs

There are two types of HUD graphs available: raw and ratio.

Some graph counters make sense as raw values (i.e., pixel counts), while other counters, such as GPU Idle, tend to be ratio values.  When creating a new graph, ensure that you create a graph type that is consistent with the counter that you want to track.

Default HUD Graphs

When you begin debugging your application with NVIDIA Nsight, here are some graphs that appear by default.

1. FPS

The FPS Indicator displays the frames per second in the application that is being debugged, as well as the status of the speed control and the current HUD activation hot key.

2. Thumbnails

The Thumbnails Indicator displays the currently bound textures for this draw call. Left-click on the texture to allow for closer inspection of the image.

3. Units Busy

The Units Busy graph shows how busy different units in the GPU are, such as the Geometry, ROP (or blending), and Texture units.

4. GPU Idle

The GPU Idle graph shows the percentage of time that the GPU is idle.

5. Batching Histogram

The Batching Histogram shows the distribution of the draw calls submitted. Since each draw call carries with it some degree of overhead, it's more efficient to use draw calls with a large number of triangles to keep the GPU busy.

The numbers on the X axis are the number of triangles per bucket, while the numbers on the Y axis are the number of draw calls per bucket.

 

Editing HUD Graphs

To change the size of a signal graph on the HUD:

1. Left-click and drag the lower-right corner of the graph.
2. When the graph is at the desired size, release the left mouse button.
   
   

To change the position of a HUD signal graph:

1. Left-click and drag anywhere in the graph area except the lower-right corner.
2. When the graph is at the desired position on the screen, release the left mouse button.
   
   
   
   

To add, remove or customize the signal graphs on the HUD:

1. From the Nsight menu, select Windows >Graphics HUD Configuration. The HUD Configuration page appears.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on a graph name to modify it, or click on the New Graph link to create a new graph to appear in the HUD. On the target application, the HUD identifies each graph by number:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Modify the graph information such as the Name, and Graph Type.
4. Modify the Signal/Counters that you want to be displayed. Each graph can display multiple signals or counters. 
   1. Click on the drop-down box of the signal/counter that you want to modify.
   2. Under Enter filter keywords, type the first few letters of the name of the signal/counter. The drop-down box filters the available signals/counters as you type.
      
       
      
      
      
      
      
      When you begin to search for a graph type, the applicable counters (either raw or ratio) will display alphabetically in normal type at the beginning of the list, to make them easy to find. The data types that are not applicable to your graph can be found in italicized print at the end of the counter list.
      
      
   3. To the right of the drop-down box, type the label of the signal/counter as you want it to appear in the HUD.
      
      
      
       
      
      
   4. To the right of the label text field, select the color you want the HUD to use to display the signal/counter.
5. Click OK.
   
   

To pause your game and capture the current Direct3D frame:

1. Click the Capture icon  in the toolbar on the HUD. As an alternative, you can also press the space bar to capture a frame.
2. The application will be paused, the frame captured, and the HUD will move into Debug mode.

The Batching Histogram shows the user how big the batches of draw calls are.

Since each batch carries with it some degree of overhead, it's more efficient to use large batches of draw calls than small batches.

On the histogram chart: the numbers on the X axis are the number of triangles per bucket.

The numbers on the Y axis are the number of draw calls per bucket.