This iteration of DirectX includes graphics in full color, video support, rich audio streaming and the ability to run 3D graphics with the proper polygons and pixel shaders. Graphics processing, pixel shader, multi-threading NVIDIA and AMD (or ATI) graphics cards are fully capable of utilizing these options with DirectCompute 11. These newer technologies take some of the load off of the CPU for processing power and pass them on to the graphics card for more realistic-looking graphics rendering. Whether it's from platforms like Steam or for games that have been purchased on other platforms or in hard copy format, DirectX 11 is necessary to take advantage of the graphics processing technology required to run them.
Microsoft DirectX 11 is a group of technologies that integrate into Windows and adds the capabilities required to run many of the most popular PC gaming titles on Windows.