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    Intel GMA 950

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Gofishus, Dec 24, 2006.

  1. Gofishus

    Gofishus Notebook Consultant

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    Is it DirectX 9.0c compatible?
    ON the intel website:

    Microsoft* DirectX* 9 Vertex Shader 3.0 and Transform and Lighting supported in software through highly optimized Processor Specific Geometry Pipeline (PSGP)

    Does this mean it supports vertex shader 3.0 and T&L?
     
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yeah, it might, but it still sucks.

    And you have no chance of playing any modern 3d games decently on it.
     
  3. ltcommander_data

    ltcommander_data Notebook Deity

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    No the GMA 950 is not 9.0c compatible. Not really anyways.

    The vertex shaders and T&L are emulated in software so it is relatively easy for Intel to just update the software to support the latest features. That is why the GMA 950 claims SM3.0 support for vertex shaders.

    However, the GMA 950 has pixel shaders in hardware and to update that takes a physical redesign. In this case Intel didn't do that and the GMA 950 PS only support SM2.0 like the GMA 900.

    I'm pretty sure that PS with SM2.0 and VS with SM3.0 doesn't equal DX9.0c support since a game running the DX9.0c code path would be expecting SM3.0 support throughout. So that basically means that the GMA 950 will be operating in DX9.0 or SM2.0 mode.

    The GMA 950 doesn't have the power to take advantage of the new effects the DX9.0c provides anyways so it's hardly an earth shattering loss. SM3.0 does provide speed benefits over SM2.0 running the same effects which would be beneficial, but when developers are coding for SM3.0 they are generally using it for new effects, not just for the speed benefits.
     
  4. geovoul87

    geovoul87 Newbie

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    could you send me the name of the software that intel emulates pixel shader 3.0.Can i download it from the official website of intel?please help
     
  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The software is in the Intel driver...that you already have. Software emulation of features can only allow games to run that normally cannot...it is not going to improve performance.
     
  6. XxLblinkxX

    XxLblinkxX Notebook Deity

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    i kinda am sad with my GMA 950... my webcam cant be used decently cuz of it (i think) :S ...... and some games

    p.s why is my rep square RED ????
     
  7. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    Because I will it so.
     
  8. Beatsiz

    Beatsiz Life Enthusiast

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    Its red because you have... no rep

    And... I have gma950 and my webcam works perfectly... gma950 supports Aero so... webcam should be no problem at all..

    If your webcam has lag... check in the settings under "USB BANDWITH" or so... it goes up to 8.. just put it on auto or on 8..