Intel has released a new driver for its Arc and Iris graphics solutions, bringing the latest game support, bug fixes, and an unexpected system performance boost. The Intel GPU driver version 32.0.101.6987 is WHQL-certified, meaning it has cleared Microsoft’s quality checks, and thus recommended for installation.
According to Windows Latest, the 32.0.101.6987 driver makes Windows 11 feel snappier. The outlet reports that multiple tests have shown that the new update does make the animations feel a bit smoother in Windows 11 version 24H2. The update has reportedly also boosted the FPU (Floating-Point Unit) performance by up to 5%. Neither of these positive changes was listed by Intel, so they may vary from system to system. While Windows Latest didn’t test if similar improvements can be seen in Windows 10, when it comes to smoothness, this old OS has pretty fast animations already.
Another nice change coming with this update is the possibility to override GPU memory controls. From what we understand, this feature allows you to manually set the amount of system RAM you want to allocate as video memory to the GPU, instead of relying on Windows’ automatic detection. This could boost performance in VRAM-heavy games or when playing at higher resolutions, but going too far may impact other aspects of the system. Note that this feature will likely be exclusive to modern CPUs with integrated graphics.
For its part, Intel indicates that the 32.0.101.6987 driver improves the power management of mobile Core Ultra 200V series (Arrow Lake-H) CPUs, which should result in longer battery life. The brand is also claiming up to 6% average fps uplift at 1080p with path tracing in Doom: The Dark Ages on Arc B-series GPUs. Likewise, users should see better stability and performance in Battlefield 6’s ongoing Beta and Mafia: The Old Country – launching today.
Overall, these are some nice changes that are worth updating your drivers for. We especially appreciate the unexpected FPU and snappiness improvements, which hopefully concern all Intel-based machines.
The Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6987 can be downloaded (949.8MB) via the driver control panel or the Intel website. The full list of changes goes as follows:
Highlights:
- Intel Graphics Software now supports Shared GPU Memory Override control for Built-in Intel Arc GPUs in select Intel Core Ultra Processors (series 1 and 2) in Windows 10 and Windows 11 host systems.
Intel Core Ultra Series 2 with built-in Intel Arc GPUs:
- Power management optimisation for Intel Core Ultra 200V series (codename Arrow Lake-H) devices for improved performance and frame pacing with lower power modes.
Gaming Highlights:
Intel Game On Driver support on Intel Arc B-series, A-series Graphics GPUs and Intel Core Ultra with built-in Intel Arc GPUs for:
- Battlefield 6 Open Beta
- Mafia: The Old Country
Game performance improvements on Intel Arc B-series Graphics GPUs versus Intel 32.0.101.6913 software driver for:
- DOOM: The Dark Ages (Vulkan)
- Up to 6% average FPS uplift at 1080p with path tracing
Fixed Issues:
Intel Arc B-Series Graphics Products:
- Naraka Bladepoint (DX11) may experience an application freeze with Graphics Enhancement setting set to Intel XeSS.
