Hey gyus, new directx it seems that it can increase your gaming performance but is still a beta version you try if want, maybe you already know but anyway i'm to give ya a hand check it out:

Latest Version of Multimedia API Introduces Powerful New Graphics Language

REDMOND, Wash. -- May 30, 2002 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of beta version 1 of the Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 API, the latest version of Microsoft’s suite of multimedia application programming interfaces. Beta 1 features Microsoft’s innovative new high-level shader language (HLSL), a powerful new programming model that offers the easiest-to-use graphics creation toolset for developers.

"DirectX 9.0 offers unparalleled advances in graphics technology," said Ted Hase, director of Windows® Third-Party Gaming and Entertainment at Microsoft. "Microsoft always has been a pioneer in the development of best-of-breed technologies and tools that facilitate the development of great gaming content. Developers will discover that the new capabilities built into DirectX 9.0 make it significantly easier to create content that demonstrates richness, robustness and totally immersive depth."

HLSL is based on the C programming language and introduces a developer-friendly programming environment that delivers simplicity and flexibility across the full range of 3-D graphics, from art creation to effects programming. HLSL is seamlessly integrated into and complemented by enhancements to Microsoft’s current developer toolset to give developers even more power from an easier-to-use solution. In addition, HLSL is compatible with DirectX-compliant graphics processing units (GPUs), allowing developers to define a similar visual effect for the widest range of graphics hardware.

DirectX 9.0 offers the following new benefits for developers:

High-level shader language
library that supports patch meshes and traditional polygonal meshes
Improved real-time animation capabilities that allow separate animations on the same mesh to be blended
Enhanced low-level graphics programmability with new programmable vertex and pixel shader 2.0 models in the Direct3D® API
Full integration, including debugging, of new programmable shader models with the Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET development system
Enhanced DirectShow® video rendering hardware acceleration
A new version of DirectMusic® Producer, enabling support for DirectMusic enhancements such as low-latency playback
New wizards for creating DirectX Media Objects (DMOs) for audio effects and DirectMusic tools for MIDI processing
Improved DirectPlay® performance for multiplayer games
Availability of DirectPlay for Pocket PC 2002
Availability

Microsoft DirectX 9.0 beta 1 is now available at no charge to registered DirectX beta sites (connect-time fees may apply). The final release of the DirectX 9.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) and DirectX 9.0 runtime is scheduled for fall 2002. :D

Download Here -
http://www.softnews.ro/public/cat/13/1/4/13-1-4-6.shtml
http://www.downloadpro.de/download.php?SID=494&DID=1

Thanks but no thanks. I don't like beta programs especially the ones from Micro$oft.

Agreed...sounds like good news but I want to hear some reviews from end users out there before I risk it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

-Sazerac

Thanks but no thanks, I don't feel like doing a format c: this weekend ;)

To be honest i wont try it neither [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] , the beta word hurts my ears, but you know just giving some updated news... be [img]graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[ 12-05-2002, 10:27 AM: Message edited by: Volguuz RageWaar ]

There won't be any performance increase until developers create software specifically written with the new stuff in DirectX 9. Therefore there is no point in using it until some new games come out which actually use it.

Vaskez has it to rights.

DX9 performace increases will be substantial - but not for games designed for earilier versions. And sine this is a beta Ill lay money that the new shader language conflicts with the DX8 version - IE it will be hellishly unstable with non-DX9 games.

On the plus side, with a high-end GF4 or GfFX, the benefits of DX9 should be awesome.

[ 12-05-2002, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: andrewas ]

avoiding beta till tested is a good plan, and avoiding putting on newest version of direct X is a good idea a year after it comes out cos thats when games really start supporting it properly. Anyhows seriously graphics on directx 6 can look great so who needs the glitzy bits 9 will provide, avoid where possible [img]smile.gif[/img] also on another note avoid updated drivers for geforce cards, it causes more problems than the 25 percent performance gain is worth.