Windows 7 will come with DirectX 11, Vista support

Sean Ridgeley - Friday, November 21, 2008 10:28am (PST) 0 Favourite (0)

Microsoft's Ben Basaric clarifies

Contary to what Product Marketing Manager for Windows Ben Basaric had to say earlier in the week, it is now confirmed DirectX 11 (the latest API collection) will be built into Windows 7, Microsoft's next operating system (OS). More than that, X11 will also be available for Windows Vista users, though it's not clear if it will be released when that OS' Service Pack 2 hits (before 7).

One of the APIs, Direct 3D 11, has been revealed to include GPGPU, tessellation and improved multi-threading support, the latter meaning better gaming for those who use multi-core processors. Tessellation and Shader Model 5.0 will require hardware which supports the new API, but for the stubborn and/or cheap folk, parts of Direct3D 11 will be supported on 9/10/10.1-class hardware.

PTaylor of Aces Studio notes this means "Microsoft has not "forgotten" PC gaming; which some critics seem to think. Which is a very good thing."

If you care to check out the progress on Windows 7 and/or DirectX 11, be sure to head over to the Engineering Windows 7 blog -- it's good readin'.

Source: PCGH

Alternate Source: PTaylor's WebLog

Sections: Video Cards, OS & Software, PC Games, Technology

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kspiess Nov 21, 08

DX11 for DX3 is what I've always been saying. (Deus Ex 3.)

Edit: You know what, I forgot DX3 is going to be a console game as well, so scrap that idea.
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Jarhead255 Nov 21, 08

Cool. Maybe once I get a job I can get a PC that can play games just like my Xbox. Maybe even look as good, too. XD
Staff

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chautemoc Nov 21, 08

Uh, better ?
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THM Nov 21, 08

Price really matter???? Too expensive or rip-off prices???
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p_o_d_2_2 Nov 21, 08

Is this a big deal or are game companies just going to ignore it like DX10?
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kspiess Nov 21, 08

^^^ That's the big question. At least MS isn't shooting themselves in the foot this time around by locking DX11 only to the new version of Windows.

But I think even the most optimistic predictions would have to place any DX11 games a long way off... especially with the big economic collapse and such, people aren't going to be racing to the stores just to buy Dx11 cards just on principle.
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Shadow of Death Nov 21, 08

Meh, I dunno. This is supposed to come in 2009?

I'm planning to build a custom PC late 2008 or early 2009. I don't want to wait for this >_<

I wonder if Vista Home Premium can be easily upgraded to this new Windows 7, without it costing an arm and a leg?

Doubtful though....
Staff

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chautemoc Nov 21, 08

7 Beta comes 2009 (early I think), final release 2010, at least that's the current standing.

If I'm not mistaken upgrading it's supposed to be much easier this time..the sources have more info.
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Bill Gates03 Nov 22, 08

Remember, there are some major parts of DX11 that will run on current DX10 cards, namely improved multi-threading support I believe.

So, the people that want the very latest shaders (who cares THAT much lol), will go out and buy the new cards.

This just means that we can finally buy a 4870X2 for CHEAP!
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Guest Nov 24, 08

@kspiess
Ms never shooted themself in the foot.Display stack architecture is totally different from xp to vista.it`s called evolution. It would have been very hard and stypid to make dx10 to xp.Display stack and drivermodel are tweaked for 7 . In vista they made new foundation and in 7 they have tweked it. Read from tehnical documents form ms bloggers before you post.