Graphics Card performance - Autocad 2009 3d modelling

I have recently built a new pc and I am using Autocad Architecture 2009 (x64).

-Windows XP x64

-intel q6600 2.4Ghz @3.0Ghz

-8GB RAM

-ATI Radeon HD3870 @FireGL v7700

etc...

I have "softmodded" my HD3870 to a FireGL v7700, which happens to be a certified graphics card listed on the autodesk website. (this mod seems to be very common/popular on Guru3D)

I would like to know the best settings to get the most out of my graphics card, openGL or direct3D?

...also; I am confused as autocad still tells me that the card is not certified. I have applied the xml certification database update so something seems wrong. Does this matter?

Here is my 'TUNE LOG' (set at default settings) :

Performance Tuner Results Log

Version: 17.2.0.4

Date of Last Tune: 9/6/2008

Machine Configuration

---------------------

Processor Speed : 3.0 GHz

RAM : 8190 MB

3D Device

---------

Name : ATI FireGL V7700

Manufacturer : ATI

Chip set : FireGL V7700

Memory : 512.0 MB

Driver : 6.14.0010.6764

Your machine contains a 3D Device that is not certified.

As more graphics cards and 3D display drivers are tested, they are added to a list on the Autodesk website.

You can check for updates and download the latest certification list at any time. Run the 3DCONFIG command and click the Check for Updates button.

Current application driver: Software

Current Effect Status:

----------------------

Enhanced 3D Performance: Not recommended and on

Smooth line display: Not available

Gooch shader: Software emulation in use

Per-pixel lighting: Not available

Full-shadow display: Not available

Texture compression: Not available

Available application drivers and effect support:

-------------------------------------------------

Software driver

Effect support:

Enhanced 3D Performance: Not applicable

Smooth line display: Not applicable

Gooch shader: Software emulation only

Per-pixel lighting: Not applicable

Full-shadow display: Not applicable

Texture compression: Not applicable

OpenGL driver: Not Certified

Effect support:

Enhanced 3D Performance: Available

Smooth line display: Not available

Gooch shader: Available

Per-pixel lighting: Not applicable

Full-shadow display: Available

Texture compression: Available

Direct3D driver: Not Certified

Effect support:

Enhanced 3D Performance: Available

Smooth line display: Not applicable

Gooch shader: Available

Per-pixel lighting: Available

Full-shadow display: Available

Texture compression: Available

I have been using a low end onboard nvidia graphics card on my work computer, and i can't say i notice a great difference in performance between the two.(although i am working with a 40MB+ file)

I'm very new to autocad so my 3d work isn't complex. I plan to start learning 3DSmax when i get the chance, but on a glance I have noticed that the performance is alot better when orbitting.

Any help will be appreciated, thanks

AutoDesk says the future is DirectX. But for the immediate "future" I'd stick with OpenGL.

Ok thankyou, any answers on the certification database?

3ds max and autocad set the default settings to direct 3d; so maybe i should keep it on direct3d then?

Direct3D and OpenGL are listed as "not certified". What gives? You get a gaming card?

On newegg.com I have read reviews where a lot of your low to medium end workstation level graphics cards don't do a whole buncha good, most people say they aren't getting any better frame rates than a gaming card. You really have to get up in price for the performance increase.

Just a thought....

Direct3D and OpenGL are listed as "not certified". What gives? You get a gaming card?

..but the card is certified on the autodesk website. It is a gaming card but it has been softmodded to a v7700. Autocad 2009 recognises it as a v7700 so i can't see why it isn't "certified".

the actual v7700 retails around £500