Only Windows 10 supports multiple Vulkan GPUs

Vulkan is a low-level, cross-platform 3D graphics and computer API. Recent news has revealed that multiple versions of Windows will drop support for multiple Vulkan GPUs, meaning support for the NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire platforms will only be available on Microsoft’s latest version of Window as it’s the only one that features the WDDM “Linked display adapter” mode now required for Vulkan multiple GPUs support.

At a recent game developers conference, Kronos confirmed the following information:

Native multi-GPU support for NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire platforms
– WDDM must be in “linked display adapter” mode

This means that players who own high-end multi-GPU systems will now have no choice but to install Windows 10 in order to enjoy the Vulkan’s multi-GPU support. If you still prefer to use a Windows 7 or Windows 8 computer with Vulkan, you’ll need to rely on a single graphics card.

However, this limitation won’t affect too many gamers. Actually, the number of people running multi-GPUs is quite small:

Man I wish more devs would actually use Vulkan. The gains in Doom was far more impressive than anything DX12 and Nvidia can do. Too bad only 3 titles support Vulkan at the moment.

Linux gamers can consider themselves lucky as Vulkan won’t be restricted in the same way on their machines. The fact that only Windows 10 will support Vulkan multiple GPUs may force some gamers to upgrade to Windows 10.

Well this ******* sucks, I was planning on staying with 7 as long as possible

Intel recently added support for the Vulkan API for its most recent chipsets, Skylake and Kaby Lake. According to Intel, Vulkan is also the way to go if you’re preparing for a future of 4K and VR.

RELATED VULKAN STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

• Vulkan Run Time Libraries in Windows 10: what you need to know about it
• DOOM for PC now supports Vulkan API