In a major stride forward for gaming enthusiasts, Intel has unveiled a substantial driver update for its Arc A-series GPUs, delivering a significant boost in performance for a range of DirectX 12 (DX12) and DirectX 11 (DX11) titles. This update marks a substantial leap in graphics capabilities, with some titles experiencing a remarkable 119% increase in performance.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution, a classic in the gaming world, stands out as the star of this update, showcasing a staggering 119% improvement in performance at 1080p high settings. This notable leap underscores Intel’s commitment to providing cutting-edge graphics solutions.
The list of performance enhancements is impressive, with Forza Motorsport (1440p High) receiving a 19% boost, and Resident Evil 4 (1080p High RT) witnessing a commendable 27% increase. The Last Of Us Part 1 (1080p Ultra) also experiences a 12% uptick in performance, further solidifying the impact of this driver update on a diverse range of gaming experiences.
War Thunder (1080p Max) enjoys a 9% increase, while Payday 3 (1080p Ultra) sees an impressive 37% surge in performance. Naraka: Bladepoint (1080p Highest) witnesses a 5% rise, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (1080p Ultra) benefits from a significant 32% improvement. Final Fantasy XIV Online (1080p Ultra) receives a 7% boost, and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition (1080p Ultra) sees an outstanding 42% increase. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (1080p Ultra) stands as a true testament to the update’s prowess, boasting a remarkable 88% surge in performance.
The improvements continue with Total War: Warhammer 2 (1080p Ultra) and Tomb Raider (1080p Ultra), both experiencing a 10% uplift. Mad Max (1080p Very High) witnesses a 6% increase, and Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (1080p Ultra) enjoys a commendable 14% boost.
The real standout, however, is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (1080p Extra), which showcases an astonishing 90% surge in performance. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (1080p Very High) follows closely with an 8% improvement, while BeamNG.drive (1080p High) experiences a 10% lift.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (1080p Ultra High) sees a substantial 22% rise, and Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition (1080p Ultra) receives a 9% gain. Finally, Deus Ex: Human Revolution leads the pack with its exceptional 119% performance uplift at 1080p high settings.
While these gains are undoubtedly impressive, it’s important to note that they may not be universal. Players who do not engage with any of the 20 listed games may not observe significant changes from their previous drivers.
This latest update builds upon Intel’s ongoing efforts to optimize games for DirectX 11. Each game is meticulously tested for stability and performance by Intel’s dedicated drivers team, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
In comparison to the previous major update, which brought an average 19% performance improvement across 11 titles, this latest release has nearly doubled the number of optimized games. The overall average performance improvement stands at an impressive 29%, with game-specific enhancements ranging from 5% to an astonishing 119%.
Intel’s Arc A-series graphics cards, particularly the Arc A750, are making waves in the market due to their competitive pricing. Some models are even contenders for the title of best graphics card, depending on current market prices. The A750, in particular, can frequently be found for just $200, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
While there is still room for further improvement in the drivers, as evidenced by the continued gains in older titles, Intel’s latest update has undeniably elevated their GPUs to a new level of viability for gamers seeking high-performance graphics solutions.