One thing to sit up for: Intel has had a tough time coming into the devoted PC graphics card area. Its first GPU sequence struggled to achieve the market when the corporate mentioned it could, and preliminary impressions revealed extreme flaws. Nevertheless, Intel has performed so much 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 getting ready to launch one other vital driver replace for its Arc graphics playing cards in February. Important modifications may also 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 large drawback with DirectX 9 (DX9) titles.
Certainly one of Arc Alchemist’s predominant weaknesses is that it does not natively help DX9 as a result of Intel wanted to focus its growth efforts on DX12. Video games began transitioning from DX9 to DX11 over a decade in the past, however a number of 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 might restore the deficit additional whereas additionally bettering DX11, DX12, and Vulkan efficiency. The replace may also introduce new options, however PCGH sources didn’t cite any examples.
These new options might embody an overhaul for a way Arc customers management graphics and schedule updates. Intel hasn’t publicly revealed the brand new software program, however Linus Tech Suggestions and Albert Thomas of Toms {Hardware} verify that Intel informed them it exists.
Intel Arc’s present graphics management technique, Arc Management, has confronted heavy criticism, primarily as a result of it is an overlay missing an adjustable window somewhat than standalone software program. Linus says the substitute app will consolidate Arc Controls’ options right into a single pane, whereas Thomas mentioned it could fulfill customers who do not just like the overlay.
A not too long ago leaked roadmap reveals Staff 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 would possibly embody Intel’s first enthusiast-level card. The sequence is anticipated to enhance ray tracing, reminiscence, and machine studying.