Intel® GPA Tip: on XP, cannot use "Analyze Application..." option when Frame Analyzer is running

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September 13, 2011 11:00 PM PDT


NOTE: Intel GPA no longer supports the Microsoft Windows XP* OS; for more information on supported platforms, and to download the latest release, see the Intel GPA Home Page.




Problem :
When using Intel® GPA on Microsoft Windows XP*, you may receive an error message "Failed creating the Direct3D device" when attempting to use the "Analyze Application..." menu item from within the Intel GPA Monitor.

Environment :
This problem occurs in the following situation:
  • you are using Intel GPA on Microsoft Windows XP*
  • the Intel GPA Frame Analyzer application is already running
  • you attempt to analyze another application using the Intel GPA Monitor "Analyze Application..." option
Root Cause :
This issue occurs because of limitations in the Windows XP* graphics display driver model. On Windows XP* the display driver model does not allow for efficient GPU scheduling, so after running Intel GPA Frame Analyzer subsequent graphics application launches may fail.

However, on Windows Vista* and Windows7* these operating systems use the WDDM driver model, which allows for more efficient GPU resource utilization between multiple applications. Therefore, users can run instrumented applications together with the Intel GPA Frame Analyzer.

Resolution :
At this time, you have two choices:
  1. close Intel GPA Frame Analyzer before starting another analysis
  2. use Intel GPA on Microsoft Windows 7*
If you still have any problems using this feature, please let us know in the Intel GPA Support Forums. Also, use the Support Forums to comment on ways we can improve the product -- we would love to hear from you!


* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.