AutoCAD 2016: How to Use DirectX 11?

[nrz13]

I wanted to test out the new "High quality geometry" setting in AutoCAD 2016, which my graphics card supports.  However, AutoCAD 2016 is using DirectX 9 and I assume this is why the option is grayed out for me.

Windows reports that I'm using DirectX 11.  AutoCAD 2015 reports that I'm using DirectX 11.  How do I make AutoCAD 2016 use it?  (see my reference images below).  Thanks!

By the way, I know I'm not using the Autodesk-certified driver.  After going through driver woes with 2015, this is what we've settled on working with Autodesk and AMD.  The certified hardware website is not accurate.

[nestly2]

Pretty sure I've used the info at the bottom of this page to toggle back an forth in the past.  It only mentions using "Dx9" to lower the DX, but I think I made it go the other way by using "Dx11"  (the machine was DX11 capable)

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-...

[nrz13]

Thanks for the tip.  I saw that article when I was trying to find a solution... I just didn't think to put in DX11 instead! 

That got AutoCAD 2016 to report that it's using DX11, but the option is still grayed out for me.  I'll report the case through the Subscription Center (ahem, I mean Autodesk Account).

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> but the option is still grayed out for me

I guess because of the issues Autodesk had with AutoCAD 2015 in DirectX11 that they built in more testing during initalization process to the DirectX-interface, and so if a test fails the feature will not be used just to prevent what happened last year.

I would try different drivers (also the recommended one) and if you don't get this option activated I would report it to Autodesk. But at least I guess you have one feature less, but you have got more stability therefor. (my personal opinion, I don't know if my thoughts are correct, it's just what I would have done after the experience of 2015 graphics).

- alfred -

[nrz13]

I was tempted to install the "certified" driver and re-open that can of worms, but after working with Autodesk and AMD last time around, the "certified" driver for my card isn't really the one I should be using and I really doubt that's the problem in this case.  It seems Autodesk doesn't really do actual testing when evaluating their certified cards on the Certified Hardware page.

In any case, I already submitted a ticket yesterday, so we'll see what they say this time.

As a side note, my home computer is running a GeForce, which is unsupported and I don't expect to be able to run all the features, but AutoCAD 2016 also reported using DX9 on that computer (it's a DX11 card) and the work-around that nestly2 pointed to didn't work on that computer (Windows 8.1) to get AutoCAD 2016 to use DX11.

[nestly2]

Keep us updated on what you find...  I'm interested to know whether AutoCAD actually detects the card's capabilities, or whether it just reads a value from a text/xml file.

In the past, AutoCAD simply read from a locally stored static file named AdskHwCertificationDatabase.xml  to determine whether a card/driver was "Certified" or not.  I got tired of seeing 3DCONFIG reporting my brand new FirePro as not "Certified" so I just edited the .xml.  Of course, this didn't actually change anything, but it made me feel better 

[nrz13]

I also wondered the same thing when I plugged in that "fix" yesterday.  I'll report my results back here.

[nrz13]

Just a quick note – my support case # is still unassigned at this point (just did Standard severity level).  I'll be on vacation Monday and Tuesday, so hopefully I'll have more to report on this by the end of Wednesday.

[chenchri]

Hi nrz13, 

Thanks for your interest for High Quality Geometry feature. 

The feature is disabled for certain AMD driver due to the driver issue encounter by many users:

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/AutoCAD...

I suggest you install the driver we tested here:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert/card?siteID=123112&catID=18254205&id=18844534&product=1...

Then Dx11 and High Quality Geometry feature should be enabled by default.  (Reset AutoCAD setting to default from start menu in case the driver update isn't picked up by AutoCAD graphics config.)

[nrz13]

Christopher:

Thank you for your response.  I find it interesting that the Autodesk article you link to suggests this:


Causes:
You may need to update your video card driver.

Solution:
Try these measures to avoid the crash:
Update the video card driver
Go to www.amd.com to download and install the latest official driver for your video card.


While the driver you link to is an old one.  I am currently running the latest official driver for my video card, which I downloaded from www.amd.com,
version 14.502.1019.0.

I'm still trying to get this issue resolved through my Autodesk Account support ticket.  They are apparently testing the newest driver with the program and just had me send over my Tuner Log this morning.

[Anonymous]

Is there any update on this?

I don't understand why Autocad 2016 doesn't allow me to use "Smooth line display".

With Autocad 2015 it worked perfectly, using DirectX 11.

Autocad 2016 on the other hand, uses gdi12.hdi and crashes when I try to activate Hardware Acceleration. Please see my screenshots from both Autocad versions.

My AMD video drivers are up to date according to the HP Support Assistant.

Thank you for your advice.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Autocad 2016 on the other hand, uses gdi12.hdi and crashes when I try to activate Hardware Acceleration

In that case update (or downgrade) your graphic card driver as it seems to have conflicts.

- alfred -