DirectX Compute Shader/DirectCompute

While it should be easier to get DirectX ComputeShader working than OpenCL in Windows, as it is part of DirectX, it may actually be more complicated:

  • Windows 11, 10, 8.x, 7 are set. Windows Vista requires the Platform Update for DirectX 11 to be installed via Windows Update
  • Windows 8.1 and 8 include a later DirectX run-time (44) than the latest published DirectX but require the very latest version of Sandra; for older versions install the older run-time as per below.
  • For ALL operating systems, including Windows Vista, 7 you need the latest DirectX run-time! Download DirectX End-User Runtimes or the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer version. Trust us on this, it needs the run-time DirectX updates, it does not work with "just" the built-in drivers.
  • DX11.1/SM5.1 or DX11/SM5.0 video card: You are set, Compute Shader should just work. (e.g. ATI 5000 series; nVidia 400 series; Intel 4000 series or later)
  • DX10.1/SM4.1 or DX10/SM4.0 video card: Use the very latest drivers and check Video Adapter module to see if Compute Shader is reported as supported. (e.g. nVidia 200, 9X/8X series; ATI 4000 series).
  • DX9 or older video card: Sorry, no chance, please upgrade.