OpenGL vs. Normal: Which one?

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Which one is better for what kinds of computers? Not sure which one to use.

 

I am also slightly ignorant as to the difference. I think OpenGl has something to do with graphics rendering 2d and 3d objects, but I don't know which one would be the better choice for which circumstances.

 

[a copy/paste from a similar thread I responded to]

The simple explanation: The standard version uses DirectX, which is generally faster. OpenGL is cross platform, and worth trying if you have trouble with the normal (DirectX) version.

DirectX is Microsoft's interface for handling graphics and sound. Microsoft poured a huge amount of money into optimizing it and to get others to optimize for it (like NVIDIA and ATI)... they often lend talent to big game studios to solve issues they have. It only works on windows and most windows games use it. It is generally a little (not a lot) faster than OpenGL (on windows) and supports a few more advanced features that most games don't use.

OpenGL is managed by a non-profit group with the intent of making it work on everything. Some brilliant talent is involved and while it isn't quite as fast or feature rich, it avoids being tied to the whims of a corporation like Microsoft. There are no doubt situations where OpenGL will run a little faster, but those aren't particularly common.

Do note that even though DirectX is generally considered faster, it is not by a huge margin and much more depends on what is going on in the game's implementation. If Starbound has some flaw or inefficiency its DirectX implementation that doesn't exist in the OpenGL implementation, then the OpenGL may run significantly faster. All bets are off if you move off of windows. It is likely that a game running OpenGL on linux can run faster than DirectX on windows.... windows has a lot going on that isn't good for gaming. Not many big titles are brought off of the windows platform (excepting PS3/4) so there aren't a lot of points of comparison. Some of the big titles need features only DirectX has, but most don't. According to Valve, the source engine runs a good bit faster on linux/OpenGL vs DirectX/Win7...about 20% faster, which is rather impressive.

The uncertainly over the circumstances of DirectX outperforming or underperming compared to OpenGL creates a lot of conflict where fanboys on either side have a go at each other.

It stands to reason that Starbound on linux might be your best bet if your hardware isn't cutting it on windows. Getting a dual boot setup for linux isn't particularly difficult and there are plenty of guides available for that. Having to reboot is annoying though and not many will like using linux beyond the odd game here and there. Valve's linux based OS might change things.

The best advice I've seen on the issue is, "Try them both and use the one that works best for you"

 

Was about to say this myself. Just experiment.

Tons of thread on this. My performance is similar on both, but I prefer the standard client by a small margin.

 

[quote="ArchGaden, post: 1558332, member: 166668"


The best advice I've seen on the issue is, "Try them both and use the one that works best for you"[/quote]

definatly best advice i have tried using both and most of the time i cant see a difference but occasionaly the open gl one seems to stutter a little on my system its not much and it does not happen often enough or badly enough to stop me playing that session but i do tend to lean towards direct x for this game

 

Yep. Try both - Use the fastest one. Keep switching between updates to see if either has changed.