Intel plans another big graphics driver improvement in February

One thing to look ahead to: Intel has had a tough time coming into the devoted PC graphics card enviornment. Its first GPU collection struggled to achieve the market when the corporate stated it will, and preliminary impressions revealed extreme flaws. Nonetheless, Intel has finished loads to repair a few of these deficiencies and stays decided to enhance its devoted graphics choices.

Nameless sources inform PC Video games {Hardware} that Intel is making ready to launch one other important driver replace for its Arc graphics playing cards in February. Vital adjustments may additionally quickly come for the corporate’s graphics management software program.

The replace ought to drastically enhance Arc Alchemist’s efficiency for video games utilizing all graphics APIs. The patch follows a December replace that improved the GPU line’s huge drawback with DirectX 9 (DX9) titles.

One in all Arc Alchemist’s essential weaknesses is that it would not natively assist DX9 as a result of Intel wanted to focus its improvement efforts on DX12. Video games began transitioning from DX9 to DX11 over a decade in the past, however among the hottest titles, like Counter-Strike: International Offensive, nonetheless use DX9. Alchemist GPUs initially ran these video games far worse than comparable playing cards, however the December drivers made up a lot of the distinction.

The February drivers may restore the deficit additional whereas additionally bettering DX11, DX12, and Vulkan efficiency. The replace can even introduce new options, however PCGH sources didn’t cite any examples.

These new options may embrace an overhaul for the way Arc customers management graphics and schedule updates. Intel hasn’t publicly revealed the brand new software program, however Linus Tech Ideas and Albert Thomas of Toms {Hardware} verify that Intel instructed them it exists.

Intel Arc’s present graphics management methodology, Arc Management, has confronted heavy criticism, primarily as a result of it is an overlay missing an adjustable window moderately than standalone software program. Linus says the alternative app will consolidate Arc Controls’ options right into a single pane, whereas Thomas stated it will satisfy customers who do not just like the overlay.

A lately leaked roadmap reveals Workforce Blue’s plans to refresh the Alchemist lineup later this yr earlier than launching its successor – Battlemage – in 2024. Whereas Alchemist solely consists of entry-level and midrange GPUs, Battlemage may embrace Intel’s first enthusiast-level card. The collection is anticipated to enhance ray tracing, reminiscence, and machine studying.