I'm definitely not a computer expert, so forgive me if this is a silly question, but what benefits will the introduction of DX10 bring over DX9? I'm looking to build a computer for the first time, and I get confliciting advice as to whether or not to buy a good graphics card now....., or buy something inexpensive now and wait for DX10.

I don't play too many games, but I do some video editing and CAD on my computer as well as use it for photographic editing.

I'm looking to build using an Intel 6600 CPU, but I need some advice on the choosing a video card. I now have an Nvidia 6800 Ultra AGP in and old P4 computer, and it's been good. But I've also had good luck with ATI video cards in the past.

Any help would be appreciated.

My rather simple understanding is that you will be able to experience with dx10 enabled pc games, the same graphics quality as xbox and playstation games use, as they use dx10.

Buy whatever you need.
No current games are programmed for DX10.
By the time there are games out for DX10 your current card will be out of date.

Well, first of all, DX10 is a Vista only feature (and an optional one as well) and Vista has been delayed once again, so if I were you I wouldn't set any acquisitions based on its availability. Also, as games aren't your focus, you shouldn't worry much about it. For the applicatins you use, I think a medium priced video card will cut the deal (if you have a vivo one it would add more value for you).

On the main differences of DX10 and DX9, they are completely different. In DX10, MS changed the previous architecture of DirectX, mostly on how shaders and other stuff work.

Wherever you got this information from is nuts, ps2 and xbox graphics are horrible when compared to pc graphics, also it would be impossible for machines that came out as early as 4 years ago to use a graphics API that isn't even finished yet. Not trying to sound mean but if your going to post that kind of information, some research is required.

Maybe he meant XBox360 and Playstation 3?

yes i think so.

mean marine on his first mission lol

I know the XBox360 doesn't use DX10, but I'm not sure about the PS3. I don't think it does either though, but I could be wrong.

I think what you meant to say was that the DX10 API includes the unified shader units that are included in the XBOX360's graphics component. DX10 has not been released yet and when it is, everyone without vista will get DX9.0d.

You can be pretty damn sure that the Playstation 3 will not use DX10 - I don't know how the hell you made that jump.

ok I admit it. I just made it up.

Hahaha. Good stuff.

Acualy it does, after all it uses ATI's R600 GPU, just think before you post.

What I hear is that DirectX 10 will have one new shader unit that will be able to add more depth to games. Since we have vertex and pixel shaders right now, they will add another shader in order to add more depth to games once again. Now, this is what i hear, if it will actually be implemented is up to the Microsoft Gods to decide. But for your puposes, no, DX10 has no use outside of gaming or anything graphic intensive. Stick with a mid-range card with HDMI capability and you should be good for quite a while.

Acualy it does, after all it uses ATI's R600 GPU, just think before you post.
Actually, it doesn't.

"the Xbox 360 GPU only meets it own Xbox 360 API specifications. While of course some lessons learned in DX9 and upcoming DX10 were applied, the GPU of the Xbox 360 is very much its own and comparing it directly to anything in the PC world is simply “not right” according to Mr. Feldstein"

http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=Nzcx

Just think before you post.

Gaming was about 3rd on my list of priorities for my recent machine. I chose the nvidia 7600 GS for about $90 after rebate. It meets my needs and then some.

For me i dont mind playing games a few years old, so I currently am playing Far Cry, Deus Ex, and SW:KOTOR at max settings....and this thing doesnt even hiccup. Add to that the fact im running dual monitors for a Photoshop CS2 setup, and I'm in heaven.

Can I brag about 3d frame rates? No...Do i care even a little? Not a bit.

You could probably overclock that thing pretty nicely. $90 is a good deal too.

I prefer the older games as well - medieval total war, combat mission, heroes of might and magic3, even mordor, to name but a few. They all run beautifully on my athlon 3500+ and gt7800 (overclocked). Not only that but the AI is awesome.

I'm really looking forward to medieval2:total war and maddox's battle of britain when they are out end of this year, and civ4 (when i can get it bundled with expansion pack) - they will be the real tests.

Yay a normal person!
Shame your benchmark scores will be 1% lower than hugeepenisdude's

Yay a normal person!
Shame your benchmark scores will be 1% lower than hugeepenisdude's

Oh no....terrible news! Did you really have to tell him? I think he might have a heart attack!

10>9, at least in R.

So... I guess DX10 wins...

Ok, let's be serious. DX10 doesn't exist, and who knows what DX10 cards will be like, how much they will cost, and what advantage will there be to have one. Of course they'll be better. But then again, the next generation of video cards will ALWAYS be "revolutionary", DX35 or whatsoever.

So please don't restrain from buying a PC now, it'll be outdated in 3 years, of course, but so will be the dark fate of any DX10 PC.

Yes, you won't be able to turn on DX10-related eye-candy next year. But again, DX10 or not, that's what would happen anyway.