Nimbus

I have an app that needs to have DirectX 8.1 or greater on the PC, and a AGP with DirectX 7 support. The PC is no problem but my aging TNT 2 only supports DirectX 6. Is there any free way I can upgrade this so that it supports DirectX 7? I don't want to pay out for a new AGP just for this (unless anyone is feeling generous ).

Cheers

Daz34

No mate afraid not AFAIK

Jye

I've Directx 9 running np with a TNT 2 M64 in one of our machines. What happens when you try and upgrade?



---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: GM1000 (TNT2 M64)
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type:
DAC type:
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_002D&SUBSYS_0081110A&REV_15\ 000800
Display Memory: 15.5 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit)(85Hz)
Monitor: 172E
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nvdisp.drv
Driver Version: 4.13.0001.1200 (English)
DDI Version: 7



------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/24/2004, 10:42:20
Machine name: XP2
Operating System: Windows 98 (4.10, Build 2222) A
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: n/a
System Model: n/a
BIOS: n/a
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1400MHz
Memory: 256MB RAM
Page File: 57MB used, 442MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0b (4.09.0000.0902)
DX Setup Parameters: /WindowsUpdate
DxDiag Version: 4.09.0000.0902 32bit

Nimbus

I have upgraded the PC to DirectX 8.1 with no problems. I think it's that the AGP only supports DirectX 6. The PC works fine, it's just that the app gives me some Direct3D error messages. The system requierements state:-

Intel® Pentium™ II compatible processors or above (Intel® Pentium™ III 800MHz recommended) (Got an Athlon 700MHz)
Microsoft® Windows® 98SE, 2000, Me and XP (Running Win2000)
64MB RAM (256MB RAM recommended) (Got 128(
128MB available hard disk space (250MB recommended)
DirectX® 8.1 driver or above installed 8.1
Display card with 4MB display memory (32MB recommended) which supports DirectX®7 or above (I think this is the sticking point)
Hi Color or True Color display adapter and monitor
CD-ROM Drive
Windows compatible pointing device

Jye

Sounds more like a driver problem. Have you tried the latest or at least newer Nvidia Detonator drivers? The AGP doesnt 'know' (or care ) what version of DX is running so it wont be an AGP problem.

This link will take you to the newest drivers for your TNT.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/win9x_53.04

oops, wrong link, should be ok now

Jye

It would also help if you ran dxdiag.exe.and posted the results.

Nimbus

I don't think it's a driver issue. I Installed the latested drivers over the weekend with no problems. I think it must be related to the AGP not supporting DirectX 7 or above...

I'll try running dxdiag tonight and post what I get tomorrow.

Daz34

You can happily have a DirectX6 card in your pc & have the DirectX9 software installed without a problem but if your software program requires the video card to produce DirectX7 effects it aint gonna happen. Your hardware aint capable of it.

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

Exactly. Ain't gonna happen. New card needed

Onlu possible way, would be if there were a firmware flash for the card to add the required level of features (highly unlikely).

Nimbus

Thanks for you comments.

Unfortunatly, that was the reply I was expecting but worth a shot. I've checked but not found anywhere that can flash the card to give me Dx7, so looks like I need to get a new card (cheap).

Cheers

Jye

What app are you trying to run and what flavour of TNT2 card do you have. Max Payne is a DirectX 8 game which runs fine on our TNT2 based PC's as do all the 3DMark 2001 DirectX8 benchmarks such as vertex shaders, pixel shaders and point sprites. Make of that what you like

Jye

Oh, and so does Fifa 2003, a DX 8.1 game

Nimbus

Ulead Cool 3D Production Studio...

I want to create some fancy graphics and titles for the intro to my DVDs

Jye

Found this review which says that Ulead COOL 3D Studio works OK with a TNT2, I know this isnt the newer Production Studio though but perhaps you could use the older version if all you have is the trial of Production Studio. I'll DL the Production Studio trial from Uleads webby and see how I fare with our TNT2 machines


Ulead COOL 3D Studio
Digital Media Test & Research Centre,

The recommended system requirements for this COOL application are definitely high, but our test machine seemed to work quite well (Intel Celeron 466MHz with 128 MB RAM and Riva TNT2 with 32 MB video RAM). We used a low-end machine on purpose to see just how efficient and quick the program was.


http://www.zdnetindia.com/reviews/so...ies/77835.html

Nimbus

Thanks Jye,

I'll have to try out that version as well (runing the trial of Studio Pro at the mo). The specs don't say anything about APG requierments so I'm assuming this is what was used in the review you posted. It may still be able to do what I need with this version.

Cheers

Jye

Right Nimbus, I installed the version you're having trouble with, Cool 3D Production Studio, and, it works fine on our TNT2 M64 based machine, I've been playing about with all the effects, movies etc.

Sorry I know this isnt much help but now I really doubt that its your GFX card or DX thats giving you the problem. I dont think a lack of Transform & Lighting hardware support (this being the major diff of DX7 over 6) would affect any apps like this, games yes but unless the app needed T & L then I doubt it

Are there any newer motherboard, AGP or chipset drivers available for your PC that might help? What MOBO are you using?

Nimbus

Already investigated Mobo bios updates but there's nothing available (well, there is but I may as well get a new Mobo for the price they want). It's an American Megatrends mobo. Not sure of the excact number.

I've already updated the AGP drives to the latests nVidia ones. What are chipset drives? Is this the same thing? I can't think of anything else I can update software wise...

Green Room

American Megatrends makes the bios, but who makes the actual mobo, i.e. Abit, Asus, Gigabyte etc. Does look like your snookerd though m8, soz :/ Chipset drivers are for your mobo's northbridge/southbridge, may be VIA or summat.

Nimbus

Not sure who actually makes the mobo. It's a Time PC we bought years ago. I'll have a look and see if I can find out.

FYI. The error message is "Could not create Direct 3D component" When I run the Direct 3D tests with Dxdiag it all works fine. I've installed DirectX9 now but still no joy.

Jye. I think my card might be TNT 32mb one. Not sure but seem to remember seeing this somewhere...

I'll probably upgrade my card anyway. Found a GeForce FX500 128DDR for about £45 so may go for that. It supports DirectX9.

Jye

Oh well, it was worth a try Nimbus

Nimbus

Yep.Thanks for your help

Jye

NP m8