Direct3D - Driver Compatibility Query

[David_Jones]

Hi All,

I have an older Win98SE machine that is using an SIS530 chipset.

I ran DirectX diagnostics (v9) yesterday, and when I got to the Direct3D tests it tells me that:

"This driver is not certified my Microsoft nor does it work with DirectX."

The driver is called sis530v.drv and is version 4.12.0001.1081.

I found this discussion on [whisper] another board:

http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=cac...n&ie=UTF-8</a>

I have used the google link, since the direct link is blocked at the board now (pah!) I have also saved the page inside the attached zip file in case Google clears it cache out.

My query:

Is my only option the one discussed there, namely to 'go back' to DX7a? If so, am I better staying with DX9 and 'forgoing' the Direct3D functionality? I don't much want to use that uninstaller or re-install Win98 from scratch.

What other options might I have?

Thanks!

David.

[GaryRouth]

. . . and SiS wonders why they can't get more market share. Their last certified driver for the 530 is from 2000 (repackaged a few times - but look at the file dates) and is only certified for DirectX 7.

Unless you get a game or program that actually needs DX9, you might be fine as is. I believe what you can't do is use the DX8 or DX9 flavors of 3D. But a plain-vanilla DX7 3D might do just fine.

You can't do a whole lot of gaming with a 530 onboard anyway, so it's rather a rhetorical question. I've fixed up some old systems with the 530 chipsets for the local schools - they are nice for the elementary "edutainment" programs. Such programs run the same on the 530 as they would with the latest Ati or nVidia gpu. Mostly 2D.
. . . Gary

[David_Jones]

Hi Gary,

Originally posted by GaryRouth I've fixed up some old systems with the 530 chipsets for the local schools - they are nice for the elementary "edutainment" programs. Such programs run the same on the 530 as they would with the latest Ati or nVidia gpu. Mostly 2D. . . . Gary

For the sake of brevity, I did not mention that this PC will be used almost exclusively for my four year old's games, so it looks like I don't have an issue anyway.

Thanks for your help,

David.

[GaryRouth]

Sounds like you're in good shape. I've got a couple of little folks myself. My now five-year old ran "Arthur's Reading Race" and "Stellaluna" (Broderbund) over and over and over very happily [and still does] = on both her old Diamond Riva128 and mom's SiS 530.

When they get old enough for "Barbie Secret Agent" though, dang = it starts to cry out for serious 3D hardware. [. . . but that title starts with 8 year olds . . . ]
. . . Gary

[David_Jones]

Originally posted by GaryRouth When they get old enough for "Barbie Secret Agent" though, dang = it starts to cry out for serious 3D hardware. [. . . but that title starts with 8 year olds . . . ] . . . Gary

Looks like I've got a few years to save up!

David.