Nvidia Launches Auto Shader Compilation to Reduce Game Load Times

Nvidia released a beta update to its App featuring Auto Shader Compilation (ASC) to address slow shader compilation after driver updates.

“PC gamers who are tired of waiting for their games to “compile shaders” during some load times may want to dig into the latest beta version of the Nvidia App”

Ars Technica

ASC precompiles shaders in the background while the PC is idle to reduce runtime stuttering and load times.

Ars Technica

The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled and manually triggered via the Nvidia App.

The goal is to provide smoother gaming experiences and faster game launch times.

Users can allocate disk space for shader caching and regulate CPU resource use during compilation.

ASC applies only to shader recompilation after driver updates, not the initial shader build when installing new games.

JustGeek

The feature is designed for DirectX 12 games and uses a separate cache storage.

Manual compilation triggering is available for immediate shader building.

ASC rebuilds shaders locally but does not download precompiled shaders, unlike Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery system.

“Imagine launching your favorite game without that interminable loading bar that ruins immersion from the very first seconds”

Le Cri du Troll

Nvidia is collaborating with Microsoft to bring ASD to GeForce RTX users in the future.

Intel has introduced a similar feature, indicating a wider industry trend.

ASC reduces lengthy and immersion-breaking shader compilation at game launch, enhancing game fluidity.

It handles shader recompilation after driver updates during idle time, minimizing runtime stuttering.

TechPowerUp

The feature benefits gamers who keep their drivers updated and want smoother gameplay.

ASC is beta software requiring recent GeForce drivers and is user-configurable via the Nvidia App.