DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which Is Better for Gaming?

howtogeek.com:

The version of DirectX you choose to use when gaming on a PC can make a significant difference in performance. But just because DirectX 12 is newer, does that mean it’s always the best choice? Let’s look at the differences between DirectX 11 and 12, and explore which version is better for gaming.

What Is DirectX? DirectX 11 vs. 12: What is the Difference? Is DX 11 or DX 12 Better for Gaming? Which DirectX Should I Use? Frequently Asked Questions

DirectX is a collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) created by Microsoft and included as part of the Windows OS. The API suite includes Direct3D, DirectPlay, DirectSound, DirectDraw, and several others. It was designed to help game developers ensure their software works with as many different hardware configurations as possible.

Instead of being required to provide individual drivers for multiple graphics, video, and sound hardware components, game developers can concentrate on programming for DirectX compatibility and know that their software will work. No matter if the end-user has, for example, a Radeon RX 7900 rather than a Geforce RTX 3060.

This standardization of the interface between software and hardware is the key to the boom in PC gaming over the last 20+ years. Although other API suites are available, including Vulkan and OpenGL, almost every successful game of the past two decades uses or supports DirectX.

The main, and perhaps the most important difference between DX 11 and DX 12 is the level at which they interact with your hardware.

DirectX 12 uses low-level APIs, which operate in a software layer close to the hardware. That means it has more direct control over the GPU and can work more efficiently. DirectX 11 is a high-level API, which means that