![]() Helping out for this non-graphical aspect, DX11 brings in the DirectCompute shader, which can be used in calculation-heavy instances such as physics processing or video transcoding, for example. While most readers of this guide will view a graphics card as a means of playing the latest games, there has been an emergence of using the GPU to act as a general-purpose device for computing complex calculations, especially if the workload is parallel in nature. What's important to note is that the tessellation hardware isn't a magic wand for creating high-resolution models out of low-res data inputs developers need to code for it in the games engines used by popular titles. Tessellation hardware has been around for a while, as it was incorporated into the original Xbox gaming console, but now it's become standard specification within DX11. Hardware-based tessellation attempts to get around this problem by using dedicated logic on the GPU (graphics card) to turn low-resolution models into higher-resolution ones, all with a minimal performance hit. However, doing so places a huge burden on the CPU, potentially causing scenes to be drawn slowly and, consequently, a reduction in the frame rate. ![]() One method of achieving this aim is to increase the polygon count - the building blocks of computer graphics - for all characters on the screen. One of the main challenges facing developers is in making games look more realistic. Graphics cards primarily use the Direct3D component of DirectX, and version 11 brings some new features that enables games developers to use a standardised, enhanced feature-set which makes it simpler to author code for better-looking effects.ĭX11 has three major features that should help enable better-looking game effects and a more efficient use of the PC's resources these are hardware-based tessellation, multithreading support, and DirectCompute. The underlying design of DX11, which uses what's known as a Windows Device Driver Model, means that it is compatible with Windows 7 and Windows Vista only. DX11, like all its DX predecessors, primarily runs on Microsoft's Windows operating systems. This interface governs the relationship between multimedia hardware - graphics cards, sound cards - and the operating system. DirectXĭX11 is shorthand for DirectX 11, and it is the latest generation of what is known as an application programming interface. ![]() ![]() Now, this term may not mean a whole heap to you, but understanding what it is and how it can benefit the user is the aim of this guide. The very latest graphics cards are advertised as being 'DX11 compliant'. You may well see Sapphire, HIS, XFX, EVGA, MSI or ASUS, to name but a few, sell graphics card based on AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce technology. These chips are then taken on by the two firms' retail partners and sold in branded form. To fully understand the potential purchase, you need to be aware of the underlying architecture, be cognisant of the speeds and feeds, and appreciate just how much value you're receiving for a given outlay.ĪMD and NVIDIA are the two main companies who manufacture the graphics chips which are the heartbeat of any modern graphics card. Buying a new graphics card is more complicated than it may seem on first glance. ![]()
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