24-bit z-buffer enable/disable

Discussion in 'RivaTuner Advanced Discussion forum' started by Neeyik, Aug 9, 2001.

  1. Neeyik

    Neeyik Guest

    Ok - this setting is beginning to annoy me now!<br>
    <br>
    Does it "actually" disable an application from using a 24-bit z-buffer on the video card or not? When I disable it, and then reboot, 3DMark 2001 can still run using a 24-bit buffer...<br>
    <br>
    Can somebody PLEASE explain what it's really doing before Mr Stress Piggy on top of my monitor gets another thumping!<br>
    <br>
    <br>
     
  2. Kakaru2

    Kakaru2 Master Guru

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    GPU:
    Gigabyte 8800GTX 768MB
    Not that i'd be the best specialist in 3dMark but what makes u think that because it says it runs w 24z is actually doing it? Maybe what that option really means is that 3dmark is trying to use a 24 bit z-buffer but is not performing a check to see if the videocard really supports it.<br>
    <br>
    Anyway, here is the how-to for checking.<br>
    1. Set your desktop at ***x***x32 bit. That means in English to set your desktop at 32 bit, whatever resolution u prefer.<br>
    2. Reboot.<br>
    3. Now I hope you have SiSoft Sandra. If not, here's the link:<br> <A HREF="http://www.sisoftsoftware.demon.co.uk/sandra" TARGET=_blank>http://www.sisoftsoftware.demon.co.uk/sandra</A> or<br> <A HREF="http://www.sisoftsoftware.co.uk/sandra" TARGET=_blank>http://www.sisoftsoftware.co.uk/sandra</A><br>
    It's a great little utility. I have it installed all the time.<br>
    3. Go into RivaTuner Direct3d page and check the option(24 bit bla-bla-bla).<br>
    4. Now fire up the Sandra. Go to the "Create a report wizard". Check only "direct x Information". Press next. Uncheck all. Press next. Uncheck all. Press next. Uncheck all. Press next. (3 times) Now check "Save it to disk". Press Next. Now be careful to check first option, standard text format AND TO UNCHECK the last option "compress report .cab". Press Next. Name the file "24 bit z ON.txt". Save it.<br>
    5. Close Sandra. !Important!<br>
    6. Say "woof" <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"><br>
    7. Go into RivaTuner Direct3d page and UNcheck the option(24 bit bla-bla-bla).<br>
    8.Fire up the Sandra again. Go to the "Create a report wizard". Check only "direct x Information". Press next. Uncheck all. Press next. Uncheck all. Press next. Uncheck all. Press Next.(3 times) Check "Save it to disk". Press Next. Now be careful to check first option, standard text format AND TO UNCHECK the last option "compress report .cab". Press Next. Name the file "24 bit z OFF.txt". Save it.<br>
    9. Say "woof woof" <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"><br>
    10. Go to "My Documents". Open the first file.("24 bit z ON.txt") <br>
    In the first or second screen you'll see an entry: <br>
    Max. Z-Buffer Depth: It should say 24-bit.<br>
    11. Now open the second file.("24 bit z OFF.txt") Check the entry:<br>
    Max. Z-Buffer Depth: It should say 16-bit.<br>
    <br>
    NOW, i assume you have a GeForce3. Alexey aka Unwinder mentioned clearly that in the next months he will not have one, not to mention his honeymoon. If you find that at step 11 it still says 24-bit please post again and when he will be back i will tell him to gray the option for GF3s.<br>
    Anyway if that turns true you don't have to bother how to set the option, as options unsupported by drivers do nothing (Eg the fake entry alternate z-buffer).<br>
    <br>
    <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"><br>
    Ok? Happy now? Anything else? <br>
    If you are grateful for my help buy me please a 90-60-90 blonde sexy android girl. Please don't send in any real girl as this kind is known for its exagerate demands.<br>
    <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"><br>
    (Spent 1 h writing this u Payne -hey wait, it was a joke, a joke, I was just kiddin' Max, Plz, plz, MAAAAX NOOOooooh. <br>
    Klick.)<br>
    <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif">
     
  3. Neeyik

    Neeyik Guest

    Ok. I tried out the Sandra thing and the reports were identical with both the 24-bit z-buffer on and off. That was using a Gainward GeForce3, 12.90 Detonators, DirectX 8.0a, WinME and Win2k.<br>
    <br>
    It worked on earlier drivers - we tested out on some 7.xx ones - but not any of the other 12.xx series.<br>
    <br>
    I'll give that a look for you.<br>
    <br>
     
  4. Unwinder

    Unwinder Ancient Guru Staff Member

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    " This option doesn't have an effect on DirectX 8 applications (e.g. 3DMark 2001) if Detonator 10.xx or higher is installed on your system. However it still works with DirectX 7 applications (e.g. 3DMark 2000). "<br>
    <br>
    I've just cuted it from RivaTuner's context help system (it will be integrated in RC7). <br>
    <br>
    P.S. Sorry for delayed answer - I've been to busy last month. <IMG SRC="smileys/wink.gif">
     

  5. Neeyik

    Neeyik Guest

    Aha! That explains everything now - thanks for the info <IMG SRC="smileys/wave.gif"> <br>
    <br>
     

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