Hardware

DirectStorage

The Microsoft API that moves game assets from an NVMe SSD straight into graphics-card memory with minimal CPU involvement.

// EXPLANATION

In the classic path, data goes from the SSD to system memory, is decompressed by the CPU and copied to VRAM. DirectStorage cuts load times and CPU load by decompressing on the GPU and handling many small reads in parallel. NVIDIA's similar technology is called RTX IO.

// ALSO KNOWN AS

DirectStorageRTX IODirect Storage

// RELATED TERMS

NVMeThe storage protocol that lets SSDs work over PCIe with many parallel command queues. SSD (solid-state drive)A solid-state storage drive with no moving parts that stores data in NAND flash cells. VRAMThe high-bandwidth memory on the graphics card itself; an AI model's weights have to fit into it. PCIeThe lane-based serial bus standard that connects graphics cards, SSDs and other components to the motherboard.

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