Understanding DirectX Version Discrepancies With Intel HD Graphics 620 and AMD Radeon R5 M330
The confusion you experience regarding DirectX versions likely stems from the interaction of multiple graphics components in your system. Here, we break down the reasons for the discrepancy you observe and offer actionable steps to resolve it.
Discrepancy Between DirectX Versions
When you see DirectX 12 in DxDiag but DirectX 9 in Radeon software, it's important to understand that this is not unusual and can be explained by how different graphics components in your system handle DirectX. The two tools are not always in sync and are designed to provide different types of system information.
DxDiag Showing DirectX 12
This indicates that your system supports DirectX 12, which is a feature of Windows 10 and later. The Intel HD Graphics 620 and your operating system are likely supporting this version.Radeon Software Showing DirectX 9
This could mean that the AMD Radeon R5 M330 is using an older version of DirectX for certain applications or games that may not require or utilize the capabilities of DirectX 12. Some older games or applications may default to using DirectX 9.Reasons for the Difference
Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics
Your system has both integrated Intel HD Graphics and a dedicated AMD Radeon GPU. Different applications may choose to run on different GPUs, which can lead to varying DirectX versions being reported. For example, an application might default to using DirectX 9 on the Intel Graphics 620, while using DirectX 12 on the AMD Radeon R5 M330.
Driver Support
The AMD drivers may not fully support DirectX 12 or may be configured to use an older version for compatibility reasons. It's important to ensure you have the latest drivers installed for both your Intel and AMD GPUs to avoid such discrepancies and improve compatibility.
What to Do
Check Drivers
Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for both your Intel and AMD GPUs. This can often resolve discrepancies and improve compatibility. You can visit the official Intel and AMD websites to download the latest drivers for your hardware.
Game/Application Settings
Check the settings of the specific game or application you are using to see which GPU it is utilizing and what DirectX version it supports. Some applications provide options to specify the graphics backend (such as DirectX version) in their settings.
Performance Settings
You may want to adjust your graphics settings in the Radeon software to prioritize performance or compatibility based on your needs. For example, you can change the API settings in Radeon Software to force DirectX 12 if the application supports it.
Conclusion
Your AMD Radeon R5 M330 supports DirectX 12, but sometimes you may need to enable or install something to ensure it is activated. Your system's Windows capability supports DirectX 12, but your graphics component may not fully support it, leading to max DirectX 9 support.
By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your system is optimized for the best performance and compatibility with your graphics hardware.