Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  1025

Message: Your video card is unable to provide optimum 3D performance.

The information in this article applies to:
  • Chief Architect X5
  • Chief Architect X4
  • All Home Designer programs
DESCRIPTION

When I try to create a 3D view, a warning message tells me,

 

"Your video card is unable to provide optimum 3D performance. Image quality will be reduced.  Image quality can be permanently reduced by turning off the "Use Enhanced Lighting" option in the render preferences."

 

What does this mean, and what should I do about it?


CAUSE

This warning message will display when you try to create a 3D view and your computer's video card does not meet the program's Minimum System Requirement of OpenGL 2.1 or higher.  When this is the case, the quality of 3D views - and particularly, the quality of lighting in 3D - will not be optimal and some Rendering Techniques may not work.


RESOLUTION

You may be able to resolve the issue by updating your video card drivers.  To get the latest drivers available, visit your video card manufacturer's web site and search for drivers for your particular video card and operating system.

 

Please note that some computer manufacturers will void your warranty if you install drivers that they did not provide.  Particularly if you are using a newer laptop, check with your computer's manufacturer for updated drivers.

 

If installing the latest drivers does not resolve the issue, then it is likely that your computer's video card is too old to support OpenGL 2.1.


Last updated on: Dec 10, 2012


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