Microsoft Expands Advanced Shader Delivery to NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm GPUs

Microsoft is expanding its Advanced Shader Delivery technology to NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm hardware later this month. This update matters because it brings shader preloading to a much wider range of PCs, potentially reducing stutter and speeding up game launches for users who do not own AMD graphics cards. Buyers with older NVIDIA GPUs or new Intel and Qualcomm chips can expect faster entry times in supported titles.

NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm GPUs gain shader preloading support

The technology works by preloading shader data to minimize or eliminate compilation during gameplay. Microsoft confirmed it is expanding GPU hardware support to all vendors, a move that extends the feature beyond its previous AMD-only scope. This shift allows more gamers to experience smoother performance without waiting for shaders to compile in real time.

• Supported GPU Generations: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 Series
• Supported Intel GPUs: Intel Arc B-Series (Battlemage) discrete cards (B570, B580) and integrated Arc graphics in Core Ultra Series 2 and Ultra Series 3 processors
• Supported Mobile Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series
• Performance Improvement: 95% quicker to get into the game for the first time than playing without ASD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 Series graphics cards are now included in the support list. Intel Arc B-Series discrete cards, specifically the B570 and B580, are also supported. The update covers integrated Arc graphics found in Core Ultra Series 2 and Ultra Series 3 processors. Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series mobile processors are gaining compatibility as well.

Gears of War: E-Day and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are confirmed to support the technology on PC. Microsoft states that these games load 95% quicker for the first time compared to playing without Advanced Shader Delivery. The company notes that the process takes only a few seconds in Gears of War: E-Day. Additional titles are expected to receive support, though specific names have not been released.

We covered the last Advanced Shader Delivery update when it focused on AMD GPUs and Forza Horizon 6. That previous rollout demonstrated similar load time reductions on compatible hardware. This new expansion ensures that the performance benefits are available to a broader segment of the PC gaming market.

Source: TweakTown