Metro 2033

Metro 2033

In its video settings Metro 2033 gives you the opportunity of choosing between DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and DirectX 11. To evaluate what one mode gives in comparison to another, here are the screenshots of our performance readings.

One important point to note: readings of frames per second were carried out with 3D activated. The reason for this is simple. When it wasn't activated, there were major visual bugs that stopped the user from using the game. The DOF (depth of field) option was disactivated for DX11.

Lamp



If you want to see each image in large format, click on DX9, DX10 or DX11.

The most obvious difference comes with DX10. Handling of light is an element to focus on to see this. Between the second and the third image (DX10 - DX11), progress is more subtle. During the game, there's a blurry movement (not visible on the screenshot) in DX11. This is a visual effect the appreciation of which is down to the individual. Next, the sides of objects are rounder. Take the head of the lamp and follow its curves. In DX11, they are simply more curved. This is the tessellation effect.

Soldier


If you want to see each image in large format, click on DX9, DX10 or  DX11.

Note, the colour of the image in the middle has nothing to do with image quality. It's just a variation in the light from the lamp that lights the scene. Remarks on visual quality are the same as on the previous image. To see the impact of tessellation look at the soldier's back. It's much rounder in DX11.

Frames per second measured with Fraps

Here are the results measured with Fraps and an Nvidia GTX 480 graphics card (with 3D activated).

Metro 2033 frames/second	Direct3D 9	Direct3D 10	Direct3D 11
Minimum	24	16	14
Maximum	42	30	27
Average	31	23	20
Total frames per second	936	693	502

The drop in performance between DX10 and DX11 is significant. Of course you do get a better visual result but at what price! If your configuration can handle the load of DX11, best to go for it. Otherwise you can fall back on DX10 without shedding too many tears.