Intel Fixes GPU Overhead Issues: Major Driver Improvements Boost Arc Performance

Intel has successfully addressed significant CPU overhead issues that were hampering the performance of its Arc graphics cards, particularly the budget-friendly Arc B580. Through a series of targeted driver updates, the company has managed to substantially improve performance when these GPUs are paired with older processors, making them much more viable options for gamers looking to upgrade existing systems.

The CPU Overhead Problem

When Intel launched its Arc B580 graphics card, it was positioned as an impressive budget-oriented GPU offering 12GB of VRAM at an attractive $249 price point. However, early testing revealed a significant issue: the card performed poorly when paired with older CPUs, even relatively recent ones like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (released in 2022).

The problem manifested as substantial performance losses compared to competing AMD and NVIDIA GPUs when used with the same processors. In some cases, the Arc B580 could lose up to 30% of its potential performance due to CPU overhead bottlenecks. This was particularly concerning given that budget GPUs are often purchased as drop-in upgrades for older systems, where CPU compatibility is crucial.

Hardware Unboxed first brought this issue to wider attention, demonstrating that Intel's Arc GPUs were more prone to performance degradation with older CPUs than competing products from AMD and NVIDIA. The data didn't make sense from a hardware perspective, as similar-class GPUs from other manufacturers showed less impact from the same CPU limitations.

Intel's Response: Targeted Driver Updates

After acknowledging the issue, Intel's driver team went to work implementing game-specific optimizations through regular driver updates. The breakthrough came with driver version 32.0.101.7028, released in August 2025. Interestingly, Intel didn't prominently highlight these CPU overhead fixes in the driver release notes, leading many to overlook the significant improvements.

The fixes were implemented on a game-by-game basis rather than as a universal solution. This approach meant that not all games benefited immediately, but it allowed Intel to systematically address the most problematic titles first.

Performance Improvements

The results of Intel's driver optimizations have been impressive. Testing by Hardware Unboxed showed dramatic performance improvements in several key titles:

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered:

• 1% low performance increased by 43.7%
• Average frame rates increased by 35.6%
• Performance now matches the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT when paired with a Ryzen 5 5600

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty:

• Similar improvements observed
• Arc B580 now shows no performance regression compared to RX 9060 XT with Ryzen 5 2600

Other Benefiting Games:

• Dying Light: The Beast
• Marvel Rivals
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• Borderlands 4

In one notable test, the Arc B580 went from achieving mid-80s FPS on High settings with a Ryzen 5 5600 in Spider-Man Remastered to hitting 118 FPS on Very High settings with the updated drivers. This represents not just improved performance but also the ability to maintain higher quality settings simultaneously.

Current Status and Limitations

While the improvements are substantial, it's important to note that the fixes are not universal. Very old CPUs like the Ryzen 5 2600 still show some performance limitations, though the issue has been minimized to a level that won't significantly impact most users' experiences.

The game-specific nature of the fixes means that some titles may still exhibit CPU overhead issues, but Intel continues to release regular driver updates addressing more games with each release. The company has been quite prolific with driver updates, sometimes releasing multiple versions per month, which has helped accelerate the optimization process.

What This Means for Consumers

These driver improvements significantly enhance the value proposition of Intel's Arc B580 and other Arc-series GPUs. The B580's combination of 12GB VRAM at $249 makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers, and the resolution of CPU overhead issues removes a major barrier to adoption.

For gamers with older systems looking to upgrade their graphics card, the Arc B580 is now a much more viable option. The performance improvements mean that users don't necessarily need to upgrade their entire system to get good gaming performance.

Technical Details of the Fix

The CPU overhead issue was primarily related to how efficiently Intel's drivers could communicate between the CPU and GPU. The problem occurred because data packets were staying on the CPU too long before being sent to the GPU, creating bottlenecks that limited performance, especially in CPU-bound scenarios.

Intel's driver optimizations focused on streamlining this communication process, reducing the time data spent on the CPU and improving the efficiency of the rendering pipeline. These improvements were particularly beneficial in DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games, where the driver's role in managing the CPU-GPU relationship is most critical.

Looking Forward

Intel's success in addressing these CPU overhead issues demonstrates the company's commitment to improving its GPU drivers and overall graphics card performance. While it took approximately five months from the initial problem identification to implement meaningful fixes, the results show that Intel can overcome what many initially believed might be hardware limitations.

The company's aggressive driver update schedule suggests that further optimizations are likely on the way, potentially addressing remaining issues with older CPUs and expanding the list of optimized games. This ongoing improvement process is crucial for Intel as it continues to establish itself in the competitive GPU market.

Conclusion

Intel's successful resolution of CPU overhead issues through targeted driver updates represents a significant milestone for the company's Arc graphics cards. The substantial performance improvements—up to 35-43% in some titles—make these GPUs much more competitive in the budget segment.

For consumers, this means better value and more options when upgrading older systems. For Intel, it demonstrates the company's ability to identify and address software-level performance issues, building confidence in their long-term prospects in the GPU market.

As Intel continues to refine its drivers and expand its game optimization efforts, Arc GPUs are becoming increasingly viable alternatives to established competitors from AMD and NVIDIA, particularly in the budget and mid-range segments where price-to-performance ratios matter most.