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New Beta Feature Speeds Up Game Loading
Nvidia released a beta update to its App featuring Auto Shader Compilation (ASC) to address slow shader compilation after driver updates.
“Nvidia's new Auto Shader Compilation system promises to 'reduc[e] the frequency of game runtime compilation after driver updates'.”
ASC precompiles shaders in the background while the PC is idle to reduce runtime stuttering and load times.
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.
Technical Details and User Control
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.
The feature is designed for DirectX 12 games and uses a separate cache storage.
Manual compilation triggering is available for immediate shader building.
Comparison With Similar Technologies
ASC rebuilds shaders locally but does not download precompiled shaders, unlike Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery system.
“This makes ASC different from Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery which lets gamers download fully compiled shaders.”
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.
Wider Context and User Impact
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.
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.