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How Do I Turn on My Pixel Shader?

Your video card allows you to enable pixel shaders in graphics-intense software like computer games. Each card is compatible with a different version of the pixel shader, with newer cards able to use newer versions. Pixel shaders allow for a greater amount of detail on the surface of textures in your applications. These surfaces can include anything from characters' faces to floors and walls. Depending on the game, you can choose to enable certain versions of the pixel shader to increase or decrease quality.

Instructions

- 1
  Launch your game. Depending on the game, you may also have the option to launch a game settings configuration utility without launching the actual game. Launch this utility instead of possible, as some games only allow you to make graphical changes through this application.
- 2
  Open the video options menu. You may also have to open advanced display settings for the application to display pixel shader information.
- 3
  Click the option or drop-down box that says "Pixel Shader" or "Shader." The exact location and label will vary by game. Enable advanced enabled.
- 4
  Select your preferred pixel shader version from the list of available versions. Older games will likely only offer older versions of the pixel shader, while newer games will offer new ones. Availability will also vary based on your operating system, video card and video card drivers. For example, and older game might offer "Pixel Shader 1.1" and "Pixel Shader 2.0," where a new game as of July 2011 might offer "Pixel Shader 5.0." Selecting a newer version will provide higher-quality graphics, while older versions provide lower-quality graphics. Pick the newest that's compatible with your computer..
- 5
  Click "Apply" or "Accept" or "OK." Depending on the game, you may have to restart the program for the changes to take effect.

Computer Games