Topic: DirectX 8 vs. 9 (Read 13598 times)

SirWilliam · « **on:** January 18, 2003, 09:49:16 pm »

Just wondering how many people here are still using DX8 vs. DX9. Seems to be a big conflict w/players using different versions -- then the dreaded "stuck in loading" abomination.

Running DirectX 8 or 9?
DX8
DX9

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2003, 11:19:52 pm »

I've been trying to point this out for a couple weeks.....even in the dynaverse...there is a host and a joiner.....

Quote:
Originally posted by David Ferrell:
An unofficial recommendation would be to have all players with DX 9 (or possibly even 8.2). We are still awaiting testing from Activision on this matter.
--
Check out this bit from the DX9 FAQ:
http://microsoft.com/windows/directx/productinfo/overview/faq.asp

Q. Are there any known issues with regard to DirectX 9.0?

A. Due to enhancements in the way DirectPlay functions, it is strongly recommended that all users who want to join or host multiplayer games upgrade to DirectX 9.0. A user with earlier versions of DirectX may have trouble joining or hosting games, or my see a significant performance reduction when playing with users who have 9.0 installed.
--

Thanks,

Dave

So anyone who hasnt upgraded and still tries to play with others who have upgraded....is causing problems.....

Upgrade allready!

Rogue-11z · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2003, 12:42:13 am »

I updated my Direct X to version 9.0, now whenever I start SFC3 it says Direct X is not there and tells me I need Direct X 8.1 or higher. Tried to reinstall it from the SFC3 disc and it says installed but makes no difference.

Any ideas?

Rogue

1.2 Gig Athlon
328 mbRam
40 Gig 7200 HD
Nvidia Geoforce 2 mx
Windows 98
Direct X 9
Cable Modem

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2003, 12:58:34 am »

Yes...there is an SFC3 patch just for DX9 users......this patch will eliminate this error.....

Seems the game looks for 8.1"only".....not 8.1"or higher"...thus the error message

The SFC3 patch currently being worked on does fix this issue...once its released.....there will be no need for a separate DX9 patch....

And..ofcorse...I dont have the link for you.....sorry...

The DX9 users patch is a Taldren patch for SFC3......not a DX patch for DX.....

If you cant find the patch...I'll link it tomorrow...

I would try http://www.starfleetcommand3.net/

Hope this helps

Addition...here is a direct link to the DL at Activision http://www.activision.com/downloads/409.asp

Rogue-11z · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2003, 01:20:45 am »

Thanks Crimnick, I downloaded the patch and it works great.

Rogue

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2003, 12:00:02 pm »

Happy to help

And a bump..cause this is more important than half the stuff up the list...hehehe

Vipy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2003, 01:24:36 pm »

Yep way more important

Inglo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2003, 02:17:10 pm »

As far as DirectX9 goes, I can't really be sure whether its DX9 or more likely the latest nVidia drivers (42.01), but I'm finally getting good anti-aliasing in EAW.
In regards to some of the stuff mentioned above regarding direct play, goes to show that people who scream that you should pass on DX9 because there aren't any video cards that support it, don't know what they're talking about. DirectX is a lot more than just a graphics API.

TheSatyr · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2003, 01:25:32 am »

DX9 has worked well for me...all my games seem to run a little better with it.

Unforunately,I can't say the same for the new Nvidia drivers...they caused me(and a few other people) alot of trouble...had to go back to the older version.

David Ferrell · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2003, 06:48:22 pm »

Bump!

Thanks,

Dave

Belchfire · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2003, 09:39:42 pm »

Bump

Pestalence · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2003, 08:24:06 pm »

bump

BZ Wardog · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2003, 08:31:25 pm »

While "upgrading" sounds like areasonable thing to do..It only becomes reasonable when Microsoft releases software that doesn't have a 25% massive failure rate (see winXP SP 1 for example) Also..even though Direct X is always advertised as "Backwards Compatable" I find it more like "Occasionally Tolerant" of "older games and apps the cruise along happiy with Direct x8 or even 7!.

Persoanly UNLESS SFC takes some advantage of features only offered in Direct X (..I'd say Taldren should be spending a little time to FIND the reason fro the "bug" that creates Hang-ups when players of UN-like versions of Direct X meet up in cyber-space.....Common guys...Don't us to Beta test Direct x When YOUR game was based on Direct x 8 components...Make the game work..>Or bug Microsoft to explain why THEIR software ISN't compatable with older versions of THEIR software.

Vysander · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2003, 08:45:02 pm »

well a lot of people stay on top of their updates and moved to dx9 regardless if it would make this game play better or not.

and given that direct x can't go backwards (uninstall from 9 to 8.. not easily at least), you have to cope with it and recommend upgrading to 9. Microsoft's compatibility problem isn't taldren's fault nor should it be Taldren's priority to troubleshoot it but rather send data to microsoft for THEM to troubleshoot it.

Pestalence · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2003, 01:28:50 am »

Quote:

...Or bug Microsoft to explain why THEIR software ISN't compatable with older versions of THEIR software.

David did find Microsoft's explination.. look on this link for Microsoft's FAQ which gives a lot of explainations...

http://microsoft.com/windows/directx/productinfo/overview/faq.asp

just click on any question there and they have an answer... they (Microsoft) have stated that newer Version of Direct Play has components that do not work well with older versions of Direct X and thus causes connectivity problems....

on top of that ( referring to someone else's post) I have yet to encounter a XP Service pack 1 issue once i got the Gaming CD issue fixed with the patch that Microsoft released in their Technical section...

the answers are out there look them up...

Basics :
Routers (proxie) and Firewalls.. look at the networking.txt on the SFC 3 disk for solutions.. if that don't work, then contact the maker of your router and/or firewall.. also reference Gamespy Arcade help section for proper settings for your stuff.. SFC 3 works through GSA for Direct Play validation and user name, email,password validation.. GSA does not like routers and/or firewalls.. Period.. however, they have settings available..

Cable modems... Contact the manufacturer of your cable modem to see if the Ethernet Connection on your modem has a built in router.. if so, does it have USB? If so, then connect USB and load the proper drivers as USB usually bypasses cable modem routers...

Video Drivers are extremely important.. find the Driver that works best for your equipment... Do this for all your hardware (cd rom, monitor, chipset on motherboard, cpu, bios, modem, keyboard, mouse, ethernet card, etc.)

Direct X 9.. increases Direct Play stability and makes games look crisper... and it is backwards compatible to pre-DX 9 software / hardware. If it does seem to mess up your system, run a web search for Direct X buster, dl and run it, then reinstall Direct X 8.1.

there are several other things that you can get for your system to run better...

how many of you can't join a chat room? you get a blank explorer when going to chat areas? have you gone to http://java.sun.com and gotten the Java package on your machine? that is what runs the majority of chat rooms...

people need to take care of their machines and upgrade often, that includes software upgrades and sometimes hardware upgrades.. technology will not stand still for you.. you have to keep up or stay in the dust....

ActiveX · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2003, 04:08:05 am »

http://208.57.228.4/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB3&Number=2239&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

DONOTDELETE · « **Reply #16 on:** January 22, 2003, 12:00:59 pm »

Well..I'm gooing to reply to both threads.....

Yeah...I'm on a dial up.....

But it is an excellent pay ISP....not AOL...

No one has ever complained of lag to me.......when using my newer system..even when fighting mirak carrier fleets in asteroid fields( an area that will definatly show if your having lag problems due to the high packet rate)

My system runs at idle when running both SFC and RW..meaning ..I have more than 95% of resources available when playing....

I dont fly carriers or multi ship fleets in campaign play (another two items that can greatly effect performance)

DX9 was free...cable would cost me 50 bucks a month...and since I've ben laid off for 7 months.....cable is out of the question at this time.....

The point?

Being on a *good* dial up doesnt screw up the game......

Running DX8 and trying to play with peeps who have DX9...WILL

David Ferrell · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2003, 12:32:03 pm »

is if you want to play on-line SFC, upgrade to DX9.

Thanks,

Dave

SirWilliam · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2003, 04:19:27 pm »

Shouldn't I get a promotion to LTJG for stirring up such a mess?

ActiveX · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2003, 05:33:01 pm »

Is the patch going to change the requirement to DX9 rather than keep it at DX8?

News:

Topic: DirectX 8 vs. 9 (Read 13598 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

SirWilliam

**DONOTDELETE**

Rogue-11z

**DONOTDELETE**

Rogue-11z

**DONOTDELETE**

Vipy

Inglo

TheSatyr

David Ferrell

Belchfire

Pestalence

BZ Wardog

Vysander

Pestalence

ActiveX

**DONOTDELETE**

David Ferrell

SirWilliam

ActiveX

Topic: DirectX 8 vs. 9 (Read 13598 times)

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE

DONOTDELETE