DirectX Version Help...

[gweedodogg69]

How do you find out what level of DirectX your video card can support without downloading CS:S? I have Windows XP SP2 installed so DirectX 9.0C is installed but I want to find a site or program that will test what version mine will support fully. If you can help, thanx...

 

[blahblahblah]

HL2 and CS:S will support any card from the original Geforce and on.

What video card do you have? I can tell you what DX version is your video card is native and if it still supports DX 9.

Also, go to start -> run -> and type "dxdiag". There should be a couple of tests under the display tab that should give you a definitive answer as well.

 

[gweedodogg69]

I ran the tests and they were all successful, but I don't know if mine supports DX 9 to the fullest. That's what I wanna know.

 

[blahblahblah]

What is your video card?

 

[gweedodogg69]

Radeon IGP 345m, laptop's only a year old so you'd think at least directx 8

 

[blahblahblah]

Radeon IGP 345m, laptop's only a year old so you'd think at least directx 8

To be perfectly honest, laptops are not meant to play computer games. I did a quick search on google and couldn't find any relevant information on the graphics card. If HL2 does run on your computer, expect it to run at its absolute lowest settings due to the nature of laptop graphics cards. That is assuming it will run at all.

I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but laptops are notorious for having poor performance in games.

If you still want to determine your laptops capabilities, download 3D Mark 01 and 3D Mark 03 (not 3D Mark 05) and run them. Then come back to this thread and post your scores. I can then give you a better idea of how your computer will run.

 

[gweedodogg69]

i just want the cool water effects, lol...if only there was a way to force that on a video card.

 

[blahblahblah]

i just want the cool water effects, lol...if only there was a way to force that on a video card.

It really would help if you run 3D Mark 01, at the very least. There is no way you are running under DX 9 codepath. More than likely, you will not have shiny water effects. I don't want to burst your bubble, but that is probably going to be reality. Run 3D Mark 01 and let me know. For comparision as well, what other games do you run and how well do they run?

 

[gweedodogg69]

I ran it, some of the tests wouldn't even do it...so i guess i gotta save up, get a desktop, get at least ATI 9800 Pro or that X800 card and play Hl2/CS:S

 

[blahblahblah]

I ran it, some of the tests wouldn't even do it...so i guess i gotta save up, get a desktop, get at least ATI 9800 Pro or that X800 card and play Hl2/CS:S

As a disclaimer, people will come in here and tell you need an X800 XT PE and a FX 53. That is false. If you are a casual gamer, you will be fine with much less.

If you want to do a fair amount of gaming, the 9800 Pro ($200 USD) is an excellent price. If you are willing to spend more money ($400 USD), an X800 Pro or 6800 GT is awesome.

If you are a casual gamer, the 9600 Pro or 9600 XT is a great deal for $125 USD. It will provide a whole lot of HL2 eye candy for a decent price.

To give you an idea on the performance difference, check out these benchmarks.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/graphics-cards-2004.html

 

[gweedodogg69]

I just made a post on places to finance a PC, do you know of any places? Besides bestbuy and circuit city. Bestbuy won't let me get their Best Buy card or w/e. I'm 19, so I don't know why not...but that's not the point.

 

[blahblahblah]

I just made a post on places to finance a PC, do you know of any places? Besides bestbuy and circuit city. Bestbuy won't let me get their Best Buy card or w/e. I'm 19, so I don't know why not...but that's not the point.

Financing a PC is not worth it. The average cost of financing a new computer is around 21%. Which means you will pay a lot for a new computer if you go the financing route. I suggest you start saving money for a new computer instead of financing one. Once you have the money saved, then go buy a computer.

You are relatively young, so you need to establish a credit history. You can do this buy applying for a credit card (do not apply for a Sears/BestBuy/Circuit City credit card). When you get your credit card, it is important you do not use your credit card for everyday things. Only use your credit card if you occasional buy something but then can pay it off in cash, or if you are in an emergency. Credit Cards should only be used to establish a credit history or in emergency's, not be used for discrentionary items like a new computer.

 

[gweedodogg69]

damn, i hate my job too...been applyin for new jobs. stupid 6 bucks n hour isnt doin it and my manager is a homotard and i get like...NO HOURS, so...gotta hate those 200-230 dollar paychecks. Down with Panera Bread >:O