MS Directx 8.1 vs 9.0a ?

[jimmyhaha]

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.

 

[brunswickite]

this is like ONtopic

 

[XZeroII]

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]

Mmmmmm... I do love the look of HD Videos with DX9 😀

 

[WhiteKnight77]

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.

 

[jimmyhaha]

looks like WMP9 won't work unless u have dx9.0 install

 

[DJFuji]

Originally posted by: brunswickite
this is like ONtopic

LOL.

 

[Tret]

I have to use directx 9.0a because the new ati catalyst drivers are required to have it.