I'm using ATI 3d card, is it also need to install DirectX to run for 3d game?

CATALYST control center is it need to update the newest will be improve the 3d card performance?

I'm using Ati Radeon 9800 pro.

you need:

directx9c
latest driver (catalyst)

Not to forget Microsoft Dot Net (.Net) if you want to install Cat Control Center.

thanks everyone i go update, cus i play 1 game ( titan quest ) quite lag for that game ...

i thinking what 3d card didnt need directx to help you play game.......
my own answer is "NO"
how we can play game without directx?

for the second question...
if you use 3dmark to check ur system performance between old driver and new driver, you will see the different
newer driver can help you improve performance, reduce laggy
not only Catalyst, even the Nvidia driver also will improve performance!
but the Catalyst (or can say as ATi 3d card) will improve more...
(becoz of this, some ppl said that Catalyst playing "cheat" in driver)

although the result like that, i still prefer Nvidia, coz the Nvidia 3d card aledi better than ATi 3d card that in same standard.
but different ppl have different view, maybe they will think im wrong in here...