MS Directx 8.1 vs 9.0a ?

jimmyhaha

Platinum Member
Jan 7, 2001
2,851
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I am using 8.1 right now comes with win2k, never use 9.0a b4.

I am going to install directx on a friends' pc running win2k & notice the size difference.

8.1 ~ 7.5Mb
9.0a ~ > 30Mb

Question.

1. Why is 9.0 is SO MUCH larger than 8.1 ?
2. What extra feature does 9.0a offer, I can't find any comparision chart ?
3. Is 9.0a stable ?
4. My friend = not a gamer, stability is the priority.

pls advice, thanks in advance.
 

XZeroII

Lifer
Jun 30, 2001
12,572
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It doesn't matter. Unless the friend is a game developer, if a game needs to use DX9, it will install it. DX9 is different because it introduces managed code and such. However, you don't need to worry about anything like that.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
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Mmmmmm... I do love the look of HD Videos with DX9 :D
 

WhiteKnight77

Senior member
Mar 10, 2003
472
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I am running DX9 (tho I am a gamer) and have no problems with it. One thing though is to get DX9a instead. I am not sure why it is larger, but DxDiag reports much more than in previous versions.
 

Tret

Golden Member
Feb 6, 2003
1,846
0
76
I have to use directx 9.0a because the new ati catalyst drivers are required to have it.