directX or OpenGL for GTX 285 2GB on Win7-64?

[3dCoatWannabe]

I'm installing 3DCoat for the 1st time on Win7-64.

The installation program gives me two choices at the end [directX (faster) or OpenGL).

It mentions these choices are also available from the start menu, but I only see one choice for 3D-Coat(GL)-64.

I don't see anything about installation in the pdf.

If I try to run the DirectX, it says d3dx9_38.dll is missing (so I'd need to install the directX9, right - I don't want to mess anything up, and kind of expected it would be there in Win7)?

If I try to run OpenGL, is says cudart.dll missing (so I'd need to run the two installs from nVidia)

But - I'm a bit unsure which I should run with my card.

Thanks!

[philnolan3d]

You need to update DirectX. 3DC requires at least Direct X 9.0c in order to run the DX version. I think there's a link in the installer window, but if not this should do the trick:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/aboutGFW/pages/directx.aspx

Also this link is for DX 9.0c if the latest version doesn't work with your video card or something.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en

As for the CUDA problem, does your card support Cuda? Here's a list of supported cards:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/cuda_learn_products.html

If so you should download the Cuda Toolkit and driver.

[3dCoatWannabe]

You need to update DirectX. 3DC requires at least Direct X 9.0c in order to run the DX version. I think there's a link in the installer window, but if not this should do the trick:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/aboutGFW/pages/directx.aspx

Also this link is for DX 9.0c if the latest version doesn't work with your video card or something.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en

As for the CUDA problem, does your card support Cuda? Here's a list of supported cards:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/cuda_learn_products.html

If so you should download the Cuda Toolkit and driver.

Phil - the GTX 285 does support Cuda.

1. If I run Cuda, do I need to install DirectX? (Win7 is not on the list of supported for that 2008 directx update).

2. As my card does support Cuda (and OpenGL 2.1), should I just run in OpenGL mode - or is that always slower than directX (my card supports DirectX 10)?

Thanks!

[philnolan3d]

Phil - the GTX 285 does support Cuda.

1. If I run Cuda, do I need to install DirectX? (Win7 is not on the list of supported for that 2008 directx update).

2. As my card does support Cuda (and OpenGL 2.1), should I just run in OpenGL mode - or is that always slower than directX (my card supports DirectX 10)?

Good to have the CUDA support, Direct X is not required for CUDA (since you can use CUDA with OGL as well) But why not keep your system updated as much as possible? DirectX isn't always faster, I think you just have to try both and see which one you like more. Way back when the DX version first came out I switched to it because the GL version had a couple of display problems for me I think. Of course that was a long time ago in CG terms and the display issue may not even be there anymore.

[3dCoatWannabe]

Phil - I did find a DirectX v 9.27.1734 that lists Windows 7.

But, you are saying that the new DirectX 11 would be the better way to go?

The download from 3dCoat is directX 9.c. A technote from 3d-coat on this would be helpful - as it is a bit confusing.

Thanks!

[philnolan3d]

The download from 3dCoat is directX 9.c. A technote from 3d-coat on this would be helpful - as it is a bit confusing.

I think the link from 3DC is to 9.0c because that's the very minimum you need, anything above that will also work. I say just keep your computer updated as much as you can and you have nothing to worry about.