Latest Intel Graphics driver supports automatic game optimization

Martin Brinkmann
Feb 14, 2018
Updated • Feb 26, 2018
Hardware
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10

Intel's latest graphics driver for Windows supports the automatic configuration of game settings to improve the gaming experience on machines with integrated Intel graphics adapters.

The new feature is available as a beta version right now with limited game support. You do need the Intel Graphics Driver for Windows version 15.68.3.4944 or later, and also supported hardware.

The automated configuration of games is supported on Intel Graphics on 6th generation Core processors or higher including Intel Core processors with Radeon RX Vega M graphics.

Intel is introducing a new feature with the ability to automatically configure game settings for Intel Graphics on 6th Gen Core Processors or higher (including systems with 8th Gen Core Processors with Radeon RX Vega M Graphics). Look for the ‘Gaming icon’ in the Graphics Control Panel. This feature is still in beta so game availability and functionality is limited.

Intel HD Graphics Gaming

intel hd graphics gaming

You find the new "gaming" option when you open the Intel Graphics Settings after installation of the latest driver. You can do so with a right-click on the desktop and the selection of Intel Graphics Settings from the context menu.

You receive a prompt the first time you click on "gaming". Intel explains that the feature will "access the game configuration file and make modifications to the original game settings" when you enable the functionality.

The list of support games includes classics as well as some of the latest smash hits. To name a few: Dota 2, Destiny 2, Dark Souls III, Overwatch, World of Tanks, or League of Legends, Call of Duty WWII, Grand Theft Auto V.

Gaming lists detected games and options to optimize them. Selecting optimize modifies settings for the best game experience on the machine. There is also a restore option to restore the default settings and another option to view the current settings.

I tried to get Gaming to work on a PC with an Intel Core i7-6700K processor but could not. While Gaming was an option after installation of the latest graphics driver, no game was listed even though I installed Dota 2 from Steam to test the functionality. A reboot did not resolve this either unfortunately.

Update: Intel contacted me about the issue. A company representative stated that games are detected directly after installation of the new driver and then in 24-hour intervals. This explains why Dota 2 was not listed because I installed the game after I ran the driver update. I can confirm that the game is listed now by the application. Intel plans to address this issue in the future.

Gaming is listed as a beta feature; I guess issues like the one experienced on the test system are to be expected.

Intel notes that the new driver includes other improvements:

  • Enhanced performance of graphics workloads for 6th Gen Core processors or higher with intelligent power management under maximum load.
  • Improved performance in video encoding for all codecs.
  • Power saving optimizations during video playback and UHD gaming is now available on all 7th Gen Core processors and higher.

Closing Words

While I prefer to adjust game settings manually as my preferences may not always align with those applied by automated systems, from Nvidia for instance, I can see this as a powerful option for gamers who need assistance when it comes to configuring games for the best gaming experience.

Now You: Do you play games on your PC? Do you tweak them for optimal performance?

Summary
Latest Intel Graphics driver supports automatic game optimization
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Latest Intel Graphics driver supports automatic game optimization
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Intel's latest graphics driver for Windows supports the automatic configuration of game settings to improve the gaming experience on machines with integrated Intel graphics adapters.
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Comments

  1. INTC said on November 6, 2018 at 1:26 pm
    Reply
  2. INTC said on October 2, 2018 at 9:32 pm
    Reply

    https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28180/Intel-Graphics-Driver-for-Windows-10

    Intel 25.20.100.6323 driver for Windows 10 October 2018.

  3. INTC said on August 10, 2018 at 12:13 pm
    Reply
  4. TelV said on February 15, 2018 at 2:13 pm
    Reply

    No good to me unfortunately since my CPU doesn’t feature in the list. Also it appears to be only valid for Windows 10. I’m using 8.1

    That said, I’m happy with the nVidia GT750M (I have an Optimus system which has both Intel 4600 and nVidia graphics) in my machine which can run Crysis without too many hiccups.

  5. ULBoom said on February 15, 2018 at 4:59 am
    Reply

    Time will tell if it really does something for casual gamers or ends up deprecated. Can’t see much use for this in a machine that supports a dedicated graphics card; you’d want Intel Graphics to get out of the way, mostly. Can’t really see any differences when I fiddle with the existing IG settings (anisotropic filtering, CMAA, etc) but you can turn everything purple if you want. That works.

    That guy with the headset may have some issues.

  6. seeprime said on February 14, 2018 at 10:21 pm
    Reply

    According to a report on TechSpot, that compared Intel Graphics to AMD’s Ryzen with Vega Graphics, Intel’s UHD Graphics 630 just isn’t good enough by itself, unless you can tolerate frame rates in the teens for some games. At least a GeForce 1030 is needed to equal AMD”s new Ryzen with Vega chips. Intel is pulling a PR stunt to distract people from real world results that show that their IGP is not game-worthy. Here’s the link: https://www.techspot.com/review/1574-amd-ryzen-5-2400g-and-ryzen-3-2200g/

  7. Tomm said on February 14, 2018 at 10:18 pm
    Reply

    So, what does “Gaming” tab includes? settings to disable this useless feature?

    Could anyone share screenshots?

    And weird earlier version .4901 were also for Gemini Lake, but this isn’t :/

  8. Microfix said on February 14, 2018 at 9:05 pm
    Reply

    Given intels recent track record, I’ll just stick with nvidia for another 18 years or so when it comes to graphics cards. Remember the 3DFX cards, they Rocked! and nvidia aquired the company which is integral to their older and current technology.
    Nvidia is by all means no saint with their telemetry but, still number one choice for PC’s and laptops for me.

  9. Dave said on February 14, 2018 at 4:24 pm
    Reply

    I am a Gamer/Power user and I build my own PC’s.

    Yes I spend time tweaking game and GPU settings to get the best performance out some of my games. Most I just max out all the settings and nothing more is needed but a few will overwhelm my system if setup this way, ROTR for example.

    I’ve tried GForce Experience, the NVidia software this Intel software is cloning, and it does work but it applies “safe” settings that will work well across the largest number of different systems instead of pushing ones particular mix of hardware to it’s full potential.

    It’s a great tool for people who don’t know what all the different graphics settings do but at a cost, your sending Nvidia, or Intel in this case, detailed data about every program, not just games, you have on your PC.

    If you’ve no clue how to best set those pesky graphics settings in your favorite game, and don’t care about privacy, these tools are for you.

  10. Paul's Dad. said on February 14, 2018 at 3:51 pm
    Reply

    That ad picture of the dude in the headset makes me want to get some intel graphics so hard right now…

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