Direct X 9.0 requirements for FoF?

[JRBIGG]

Will FoF require Direct X 9.0??? I just found out my Dell (which I just purchased only 13 months ago) has what is known as an integrated "chip set" and it will not support Direct X above 9.0. Apparently, upgrading is not an option so I am out of luck. I run COG fine, but if FoF requires Direct X 9.0, I am going to have to get a new computer.

[JudgeDredd]

A bit confused m8. First you ask if FoF will require Directx 9, then you say your Dell will not support Directx ABOVE 9, then say if FoF requires DirectX 9, then you'll have to get a new PC.

It's the middle bit that's throwing me really. Does you dell support Directx 9? What is your current version of DirectX (goto Start->Run and type in DXDIAG.EXE)?

It's just a bit confusing because DX10 is round the corner, and you are saying your Dell doesn't support ABOVE DX10. FoF will only require 9. I find it hard to believe your Dell does not support DX9...so you need to report back with what version you have installed.

[JRBIGG]

My "integrated chipset"  is an Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller.  I guess I don't have a traditonal type of video card like a ATI Radeon but a chip in the motherboard.  Dell tells me I can not upgrade the chip and I have no slots to add a real video card.  I am told by Dell that the Intel chip will not support Direct x 9.0.  I just found out this issue when I  purchased Caesar IV which requires 9.0 and it does not work.  I have a pretty robust system beyond the card... 2.87Ghz P4 and 1G of RAM. 

[Jonathan Palfrey]

If you don't have expansion slots, I suppose that means you have a laptop. Bad news. I was obliged to buy a laptop recently for work purposes, but I wasn't pleased because desktop computers are better and cheaper. Fortunately, my (Dell) laptop has a Radeon X1400 graphics adaptor, which I hope will be adequate.

[JRBIGG]

Actually it is a desktop Dimension 3000.  The Dell helpdesk people tell me that I can't upgrade to a newer video card since the original was a chip and not an actual card.  I just had to replace the motherboard last month! I guess this is not the correct forum to discuss hardware issues, but to make a long story short...I ordered a new computer today for my Xmas gift.  Hopefully FoF will be the first thing I load up!

[Jonathan Palfrey]

The Dimension 3000 doesn't seem to be on sale any more so I can't check it out, but I imagine it has expansion slots. I suppose Dell ought to know, but it seems very odd if you can't just put a graphics adapter in one of those slots. It's normally possible.

[JudgeDredd]

Strange that Dell supply a computer with no expansion slots....presumably he means no PCI-E or AGP slots, which could well be the case.

When are people going to learn to stay the **** away from these Cowboys. ?? World is another one. Stear clear. Admittedly it's not always Dells fault...specifying/determining what you want a system for is paramount to making the right choice. Even then, it's a minefield.

Problem is, alot of the time, people go for cheap. I don't know how many people at my work walk into the IT department every month with "My computer is running sloooow". "Where did you get it?" ..."Oh, it was one of those bargains from x,y or z (enter own budget company here)."

Bloody winds me up. The only way to make sure you get the system you want is to buy your own components and build it. It really isn't as difficult as some people think. I know not everyone can do it, but STAY AWAY FROM CHEAP.....it's cheap for a reason!!

[Marc von Martial]

ORIGINAL: JRBIGG

Will FoF require Direct X 9.0??? I just found out my Dell (which I just purchased only 13 months ago) has what is known as an integrated "chip set" and it will not support Direct X above 9.0. Apparently, upgrading is not an option so I am out of luck. I run COG fine, but if FoF requires Direct X 9.0, I am going to have to get a new computer.

The chipset supports DirectX 9, just not all of its advanced feature like for example latest Shader Model 3.0, HDR etc.

Since FOF does not need such advanced DirectX 9 features you should be save. But check the system specs when the game is released.

[goodwoodrw]

I guess the moral of the story is Don't buy Dell buy generic and save money, as well as being able to upgrade your machine over a longer period of time[:)] sorry but there is a couple of things I dislike in this industry, one is companies that sell software that's buggy and a year or so later patch their mistakes and sell it as an upgrade, and 2 companies that sell hardware thats not compatible to anything else, can't be upgraded or is obscelete a few months later

[ericbabe]

FOF only requires DirectX 7.0.

[Reiryc]

ORIGINAL: JRBIGG

Actually it is a desktop Dimension 3000.  The Dell helpdesk people tell me that I can't upgrade to a newer video card since the original was a chip and not an actual card.  I just had to replace the motherboard last month! I guess this is not the correct forum to discuss hardware issues, but to make a long story short...I ordered a new computer today for my Xmas gift.  Hopefully FoF will be the first thing I load up!

Do you know what motherboard you have? (make and model number)?