[sam2545]

How can i tell what video card i have?

[alex]

You could open up the case and have a nosey.

You could click 'start' then 'run' then type: dxdiag. Click 'ok' then click on the 'display' tab.

You could click 'start' right click on 'my computer' then click properties. Select the 'hardware' tab, on the list where it says 'display adaptor' just click the addition sign (+).

You could also click 'start' then click 'control panel' then click 'appearance and themes' then select 'display'.

[JoFo]

Following on from Sam's post - how can I tell whether my video card is DirectX 9 compatible?
I can't tell from the DirectX Diagnosis...

I've just bought a computer game that had DirectX 9 compatible video card as one of the requirements, which I thought that mine was, yet when I try to load the game, I get the error message:
"Your video card does not support pixel shaders", and it then shuts down.

Have I just wasted my money?

[alex]

It's more than likely a DX9 card, but may not support a particular revison of pixel shading.

Whats the card model?

[JoFo]

It is an Intel 82865G - I've just done some digging, and although the Intel website says that it "is compatible with versions of Microsoft* DirectX* up to 9.0.", the game (Rise&Fall) has a read-me that you can only access once you have installed the game, that says that "The Intel 810/815 and 845/865 chipsets do not meet the minimum requirements to run the program. The program requires a card that supports hardware T&L (Transform and Lighting), and these Intel chipsets do not have the required DirectX functionality necessary to run the game."

Very hacked off with Midway - obviously now that I've opened the game, I can't take it back to the shops, even though my computer and system was compatible with the requirements as stated on the back of the pack.

[alex]

Originally Posted by JoFo

It is an Intel 82865G - I've just done some digging, and although the Intel website says that it "is compatible with versions of Microsoft* DirectX* up to 9.0.", the game (Rise&Fall) has a read-me that you can only access once you have installed the game, that says that "The Intel 810/815 and 845/865 chipsets do not meet the minimum requirements to run the program. The program requires a card that supports hardware T&L (Transform and Lighting), and these Intel chipsets do not have the required DirectX functionality necessary to run the game."

Very hacked off with Midway - obviously now that I've opened the game, I can't take it back to the shops, even though my computer and system was compatible with the requirements as stated on the back of the pack.

From what you've put above Jo, you dont have dedicated card but rather an integrated graphics chipset on the motherboard.

Midway are also doing what every other game maker does and quoting the absolute minimum spec needed to run the game, so increasing sales.

Yup, looks like you need shader model 3.0. Have you looked at updating the driver for the chipset? Unless you've already got the latest.

[JoFo]

Originally Posted by alex

From what you've put above Jo, you dont have dedicated card but rather an integrated graphics chipset on the motherboard.

Ah - I see - that probably sounds right (bought the computer from Dell 2 years or so ago, and, apart from replacing the hard drive when it went fritz, I haven't actually added anything to it)

Originally Posted by alex

Have you looked at updating the driver for the chipset? Unless you've already got the latest.

Giving it a go, but from the text on the Midway site, I'm not going to hold out much hope.

<ETA - nope - Windows says I have the most up to date drivers for the device...>

Ah well - possibly a new video card then (although I resent buying a video card to play a £8 game....) - how much would a new card be likely to cost?

[alex]

To play that game?

A 6600 series card will do fine, 'bout 40 quid (ish)

[JoFo]

Hmmm... Shall have to think about it - £40 to play an £8 game sounds a tad expensive... (saving for our wedding, so all expenditure is closely monitored!) Might keep the game for a while, though, and see if I get any others that need the video card upgrading...
Thanks for your help! :o

[alex]

No problem JoFo.

Anytime. :)