Is is possible to detect whether linear sampling is supported for:
a.) float16/32 textures
b.) Percentage closer filtering(PCF) for shadow comparisons
For example, the Ati X800 can sample them only with GL_NEAREST, and will report an error when trying GL_LINEAR. ATI X3850 can sample them correctly with GL_LINEAR.
Is there a specific extension or texture state to query the capability?
I’m stuck with the old catalyst 8.8 driver(closed box legacy product), so no GL3.0 for the 3850 yet.
Otherwise yes, checking GL3.0 would be the best way.
(I use the 8K texture size to indirectly determine DX10 hardware support. There is no pre-DX10 card which can handle 8K textures i think)
I would strongly suggest not developing on such a machine. Your users are going to have to use up-to-date drivers anyway to avoid crashing. It’s best if your development environment mirrors what your users will have.
Closed box=shipped product with a “hidden” PC which has to run only one program, with no regular keyboard/mouse input.
Driver update must happen automated without user interaction, multiscreen setup have to been restored, program has to verfied on driver, on error it’s a dead brick, etc.
I did it once and it worked, but (knowing how much work it was) i will avoid it as long as possible;)