Computer Tests - Diagnostic Test - DirectX

The most basic full system test is to run the DirectX Diagnostics utility, DXDIAG. Click on Start -> Run and enter dxdiag into prompt box.

The DirectX Diagnostic utility executes and displays the System tab. Notice the version of DirectX is shown circled in blue near the bottom of the screen, which is DirectX 9.0c in my case. It's important to know this for running the Overall System Performance Test since some versions of the Futuremark benchmark require a particular version of DirectX.

Click on the Direct Files tab. This tab shows the files installed for DirectX. The "Notes" pane should include the statement "No problems found".

Click on the Display tab. The middle pane labeled DirectX Features should show that DirectDraw Acceleration, Direct3D Acceleration and AGP Texture Acceleration are all Enabled. There are two tests that can be run under this tab, each with their own button in the middle pane. The buttons are labeled "Test DirectDraw" and "Test Direct3D". Run each test and verify you get the results described by DXDIAG. The "Notes" pane should include the statement "No problems found".

Click on the Sound tab. The middle pane labeled DirectX Features should show that Hardware Sound Acceleration Level is set to Full Acceleration. There is one test that can be run under this tab, but the test has numerous parts to it. The test is run by pushing the button labeled "Test DirectSound" in the middle pane. Run the test and verify you get the results described by DXDIAG. The "Notes" pane should include the statement "No problems found".

Click on the Music tab. There is one test that can be run under this tab. The test is run by pushing the button labeled "Test DirectMusic" in the middle pane. Run the test and verify you hear the music. The "Notes" pane should include the statement "No problems found".

Click on the Input tab. The "Notes" pane should include the statement "No problems found".

Clicking on the "Exit" button exits DXDIAG.

Next: Computer Assembly - Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance Test

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

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