Microsoft DirectX 8.0 (C++)

Reference Device

Microsoft® Direct3D® supports an additional device type called a reference device or reference rasterizer. Unlike a software device, the reference rasterizer supports every Direct3D feature. Because these features are implemented for accuracy, rather than speed, and are implemented in software, the results are not very fast. The reference rasterizer does make use of special CPU instructions whenever it can, but it is not intended for retail applications. Use the reference rasterizer only for feature testing or demonstration purposes.

To create a reference device from C++, call the IDirect3D8::CreateDevice method, and pass the D3DDEVTYPE_REF constant as the device type. For details, see Creating a Device.