3D-Analyze is a tool that can be used to simulate graphics functions on older graphics cards to enable them to run program that would otherwise fail due to a lack of hardware support. A significant example of this is the program's ability to simulate Transform and Lighting (T&L) support, which has rapidly become accepted as a standard in today's modern game.

An example of use would be a user with a DirectX 7.0 compatible video card trying to emulate Pixel Shader version 1.1 to run a game that requires that feature.

Problems with emulation

Unfortunately, as hardware support is not available when the feature is emulated, this can lead to graphical anomalies inside games, for example doors, lights or textures may not be shown correctly as a result. Also, it is unlikely that an older video card would be able to run the program satisfactorily because the power of graphics cards normally increases alongside features, and thus an older card is likely to struggle to render scenes at an acceptable frame rate.

The recommended solution to problems such as these is to replace the graphics card with one which has the appropriate features, as software emulation is only a short-term solution.

However, if one's processor is powerful enough, 3d-analyze allows you to emulate features of most modern 3d graphics cards via software. In theory a powerful enough processor should be able to run the game satisfactorily if one's graphics card is lacking.

External Links

Official website