graphics issue on NVIDIA Geforce 9400 GT Windows Vista playing 1st gen games

[raptorman]

Hi gents:

 

I assume this has been covered before...However, I have recently run into to graphics anomalies on WoE (XP version). ALL GAMES (CP VERSION) ARE BEING PLAYED ON VISTA. I first started seeing problems with the sky on WoV (XP); the clouds and horizon sky has a very faint checkerboard pattern to them. SF (XP) was OK for the longest time without any similar looking graphics problems. I then began to see similar problems to the sky and some aircraft in WoE (XP). Now, SF (XP) crashes as soon as I hit the "FLY" button. Is this a simple, now I am not compatible with new drivers issue (so says all of my CP installed games?)

 

let me know if you know what could be up...time to convert to SF Projects 2? :)

 

Raptorman

Edited April 21, 2010 by raptorman

[+FastCargo]

Actually, if this has been a gradual increase with no changes from you...it could be your graphics card is going...

 

FC

[raptorman]

Actually, if this has been a gradual increase with no changes from you...it could be your graphics card is going...

 

FC

 

FC:

 

Brand new card! I have updated drivers where applicable etc., so perhaps I should go to a previous restore point and try it out? Maybe a direct X issue? My direct x diag tool days I have Direct X 11. Isn't everybody running 9.0c or something like that? Should I be too?

 

I am not that comp. savvy... I am confused...

 

Thanks for your suggestion!

[+FastCargo]

WOE uses DirectX 9.0c...it won't use DirectX 11 at all. Reinstall DirectX 9.0c.

 

FC

[+MigBuster]

Also if you have just stuck a new card in - check that the Power Supply in your computer meets the minimum spec for the card - about 300W:

 

 

http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_9400gt_us.html

[ezlead]

Check your video card drivers.

NVIDIA put out some bad ones a while back.

196.75 were bad. There might be others.

[raptorman]

WOE uses DirectX 9.0c...it won't use DirectX 11 at all. Reinstall DirectX 9.0c.

 

FC

 

Hi FC:

 

Uhh, there seems to be no option for uninstalling Directx; says it is a crucial component to Windows. Is it only doable through a restore point?

 

Please advise.

 

Cheers

[+FastCargo]

You don't uninstall DirectX 11, you install DirectX 9.0c. They don't conflict.

 

FC

[raptorman]

You don't uninstall DirectX 11, you install DirectX 9.0c. They don't conflict.

 

FC

Embarrassed here (did I spell that right). You can have both versions installed? The application will choose which one?

 

Thanks F Cargo

[+FastCargo]

Yes...I have Win 7 with DX9/10/11 all on this machine and they all play nice.

 

I run all the SF1 and SF2 series and there are no problems.

 

FC

[raptorman]

Yes...I have Win 7 with DX9/10/11 all on this machine and they all play nice.

 

I run all the SF1 and SF2 series and there are no problems.

 

FC

 

Hello again:

Just installed 9.0c and the Directx tool still says version Directx 11. All graphics are OK except the clouds and the lower horizon still have the anomaly - a slight checker-boarding. Some new aircraft I have installed have the same checker-boarding on their skins.

 

Any other advice. Thanks by the way!

Edited April 23, 2010 by raptorman

[+FastCargo]

The DirectX tool will only show the latest DirectX (I think)...what matters is that the game engine is using it.

 

Sounds like it is. What about your NVIDIA drivers...do you have the latest ones downloaded from the NVIDIA website that support your card?

 

FC

[+MigBuster]

checker boarding? any screenshots?

[raptorman]

Mig et al.: here is a screenie.

 

Note the "checkerboarding" on the aircraft and the horizon and the clouds. Unlimited setting on object and texture....

 

Ideas?

Edited April 23, 2010 by raptorman

[+FastCargo]

Oh...heck...that's easy.

 

Make sure you're running in 32 bit. You see it in the Option panel for resolutions like: 1920x1200x16 instead should be 1920x1200x32 (as an example).

 

FC

[+FastCargo]

In game, main menu. Or click on the upper left corner icon in the game.

 

FC

[raptorman]

Thanks FC - that did it! To a layman, what does the difference in 32 vs 16 bit make?

[+FastCargo]

Far as I know, it just increases the number of colors available for the sim to use...usually better effects, blending, etc.

 

FC