DirectStorage is a Microsoft low-level storage API that helps games improve loading time and texture. If a game can use this API, it will eliminate the data streaming overhead, making games faster as there will be no need to use any other method. It will help both the game developers and gamers for a better experience. That said, while the API is powerful, it was now allowed to use until now.
DirectStorage API now available on PC
Microsoft DirectX Developer Blog has announced the availability of DirectStorage API for Windows PC. It will be available to developers, and they can download it from Microsoft. Similarly, if your game supports the DirectStorage API, you should install the games on the NVMe SSD as a gamer. It will maximize the IO performance and deliver the complete experience of DirectStorage.
Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 has an advantage because of the latest storage optimization built into the OS. The gaming section should soon announce which games will start supporting it.
Suppose you are wondering how DirectStorage improves gaming performance. Then here are some facts. Direct Storage uses its GPU depressions techniques. So instead of using the CPU for that, GPU is used, which delivers better performance. Modern SSDs deliver a faster experience compared to HDD. Compared to Windows 11, Windows 10 uses legacy storage stacks which makes it slower compared to Windows 11.
One of the places where Microsoft has been using the DirectStorage API is Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. You need to have an NVMe with PCIe 3.0 or above, 1 TB of SSD, DirectX 12 supported GPU when it comes to PC.
DirectX Developer team is also planning to make the GPU decompression available in the coming days. It will give developers more control over resources and how hardware is leveraged.
