Checking Your AutoCAD Graphics

(Today I have a guest post from Randy Young, the Graphics System Software Quality Assurance Engineering lead for the AutoCAD Team.)

Every year AutoCAD configurations get more complex. For example, one large jump in complexity happened in AutoCAD 2007 when we introduced Hardware acceleration.  As new features are introduced – such as the new Advance Material Effect, and Smooth line display in AutoCAD 2011 – we become more and more dependent on the support of our hardware partners.  Prior to AutoCAD 2007 we only had a dependency on the operating system, but since then we have also become more dependent on graphics cards and drivers.   Each new level of dependency brings new potential for interoperability issues.  To cut down on the complexity of these dependencies and improve user experience we have created a hardware certification program within the AutoCAD team that is located at this site:

Graphics Hardware List

Reason:

As we find drivers that have issues such as the ones in this posting, we have begun blocking hardware acceleration for them to protect users from losing productivity or, worse yet, unsaved data. 

Process:

To check if you have the latest certified driver you can either go to the AutoCAD certified hardware web page, and/or you can check in-product.

To check in-product see the steps below:

Note: You must be an administrator for Microsoft® Windows Vista® & Windows 7 operating systems, and have User Account Control (UAC) disabled.

1. Type “3DCONFIG” at the command line and hit “Enter”.

2. Click the “Check for Updates” button (Highlighted in blue in the image below)

Note: This button checks for updated versions of the graphics card and driver database that is used for performance tuning.

3. If there is an available update it will ask you if you want to replace it by clicking “Yes”. (Highlighted in blue in the image below)


4. After it is updated you will get a message that says “Your Performance Tuner File is Up to date”, then click “View Tuner Log” button. (Highlighted in blue in the image below.)


5. The View Tune Log will show you if you hardware is certified, it will also show you your current application driver, an example is shown below. If your current driver says anything other than Software or AcadDM10.hdi, i.e., nvgl10.hdi, please see these links (Link1 & Link2) and switch your driver back to the Autodesk Driver.

6. If your system shows you do not have the latest certified graphics card driver, you need to go to the certification site to download the latest version. To download the latest version click the little blue arrow next to the corresponding driver for you hardware and operating system.

By keeping your system up to date with the latest driver you will avoid losing both productivity and potentially unsaved work.  If you have any questions see the FAQ site and if you have any issue not on the FAQ please feel free to send us a message at the feedback link. 

Good luck on your next project,
Randy Young
AutoCAD Test Development

Comments

[Ian C]

Even the latest Diver (11.9703)from Autodesks Support site does not fix all the problems found with the Nvidia professional graphics cards. and the Nvidia proformance divers still can't be used since they cause other problems. And why is that Nvidias web site is always 4 driver versions ahead of Autodesks web site but of those drivers none have been Autodesk certifide?

[Randall Young]

Hello Ian C,

I am not sure I know what problems your are talking about here when you say "Even the latest Diver (11.9703)from Autodesks Support site does not fix all the problems found with the Nvidia professional graphics cards". Currently there are no known issues with this version of the driver, on the Autodesk side.

We are also working with Nvidia to impove the quality of their performance driver.

Nvidia releases new drivers about every two months. To protect our customers we do not always move to the newest driver. We only move when there is a driver we know is fully working and does not cause any regressions. This is an example of why we are not on the latest version http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15178992&linkID=9240617

If you have more questions feel free to send me an email at Randall.Young AT Autodesk DOT com

[Greg Bates]

I agree with Randall, running out and downloading the newest drivers right away has caused headaches for our customers in the past.

Our recommendation has always been to follow the guides on the Autodesk website - let someone else have the issue so you don't have to! Thanks for the guest blog post.

Greg Bates
Managed Design Inc
www.ManagedDesignInc.com