Microsoft has detailed the new Direct3D Feature level 12.2 in a detailed blog post along with some FAQs. In Microsoft Direct X, the Direct3D is an API that is used to render three-dimensional graphics in applications where performance is important, such as games. The Direct3D API uses hardware acceleration if it is available on the graphics card. It allows hardware acceleration of the entire 3D rendering pipeline or even only partial acceleration, depending upon the usage scenario.
In Direct3D, feature levels define strict sets of features required by certain versions of the Direct3D API and runtime, as well as additional optional feature levels available within the same API version. Feature Level 12.2 is the latest version. It includes all the capabilities of the ones before it and many new ones.
The Direct3D feature level 12.2 features support for DirectX raytracing, Mesh shaders, Variable rate shading, Sampler feedback, and many more. Feature levels allow streamlining of application code while encouraging the adoption of new hardware capabilities. They are a convenient way for applications to make sense of generational improvements to GPUs which occur over time.
As far as compatibility is concerned, Feature level 12.2 is supported on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2000 and NVIDIA Quadro RTX GPUs. It will also be supported on the upcoming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000 series Ampere series GPUs. AMD’s upcoming RDNA 2 architecture-based GPUs will include full feature level 12.2 support too.
Intel’s roadmap includes discrete GPUs that will empower developers to take full advantage of Feature Level 12.2. Intel’s Discrete GPU will be RTX capable which will use the Feature level 12.2. Microsoft is also collaborating with Qualcomm to bring the benefits of DirectX feature level 12.2 to Snapdragon platforms.
As far as previous generations of AMD and NVIDIA graphic cards are concerned, they may need a driver update from the manufacture to benefit from feature level 12.2. When the driver talks to the Direct3D 12 runtime, it tells the runtime what feature level it is. A driver needs to explicitly report support for feature level 12.2, the runtime will not automatically infer to it. A graphics hardware manufacturer may ship an updated driver which reports it.
The Feature Level 12.2 certainly brings new capabilities and exciting new possibilities for game and application developers.
