Tips for reach performance in OpenGL simulations

Question

Hi, i would like to know some tips, articles or books about performance in OpenGL based simulations

Answer 1

Here's a presentation to get you started. It may be AMD but most points still stand.

Also, if you're seriously into OpenGL, there one book that is a must to have.

But probably there's one golden rule -- read the OpenGL 3.2 specifications, and DON'T USE anything that is marked as DEPRECATED. That alone will save you from most OpenGL bottlenecks.

A handful of general tips:

• reduce the amount of draw calls (calls to the graphics hardware)
• reduce as much as possible texture changes (use texture atlases)
• use efficient data to graphics card solutions (preferably Vertex Buffer Object's and Framebuffer Object's)
• measure performance, use profilers to find the bottlenecks!
• do what calculaions you can on the GPU using shaders

Answer 2

If you're not doing it already, be sure to use vertex buffer objects. If complex shading is slowing you down, consider a deferred shading model.