The outgoing Shader Model 5.0, which is featured on DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, relies on FXC, an offline shader compiler, to both compile and optimize HLSL shader code, supporting HLSL v1.4 to v5.1 code.
When you take a shader assembly program and compile it, if it can be fit into a lower-spec shader model, then it will be. Shader Model 6.0 provides a more optimized pathway for shader code to make its way to the metal (GPU, hardware). So why make things more complicated and/or expensive than they need to be? If SM2 fits what you need, then use SM2. If you need a rusty pipe surface shader, you likely don't need 65,500 instructions and 16 texture lookups to make it work - it will be fine in SM2.
Just like, the reality being you don't need SM3 or SM4 to do a whole slew of shaders. The reality is, you don't need steel for a generic house. I've been looking around and heard that having directx 9.0 runs shader model 2.0 but mines 9.0c which is meant to be able to run shader model 3.0 That's basically my first inqu. So why do people make modern houses out of wood and brick? Steel is FAR stronger, doesn't get eaten by termites, and won't rust (if you get stainless). Basically my PC refuses to play my installed version of The Sims three due to my graphics card not being 'good enough'. Steel is modern, much more so than crappy old wood and brick. You know about steel, right? I'm talking about steel metal - cold, strong, heavy. Let's change the subject for just a moment: Click to expand.I don't think you understand.
