Intel has rolled out two new Arc Graphics driver updates, versions 32.0.101.6987 and 32.0.101.6989, bringing a mix of new features, performance improvements, and stability refinements for both integrated and discrete Intel GPUs.
Shared GPU Memory Override
The highlight of driver version 32.0.101.6987 is the introduction of Shared GPU Memory Override, a first for Intel’s integrated graphics. Available on select Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 1 and 2), the feature allows users to manually adjust how much system RAM is allocated as GPU memory.
- By default, 57% of system RAM can be used by the iGPU, but the new tool lets users raise this to as much as 87%, depending on total system memory.
- The adjustment is made through Intel Graphics Software, requiring a reboot to take effect.
- This gives enthusiasts more control over VRAM allocation for demanding graphics workloads, though Intel notes that excessive allocation may reduce memory available for the CPU and system tasks.
Performance & Game Optimizations
Alongside the memory control feature, Intel reports performance uplifts of up to 6% in titles such as Battlefield 6 Open Beta, Mafia: The Old Country, and DOOM: The Dark Ages at 1080p with path tracing enabled on Arc B-series GPUs. Other improvements include better floating-point throughput, smoother Windows 11 animations, and fixes for freezes in Naraka Bladepoint when Intel XeSS is enabled.
Stability & Refinements
The follow-up 32.0.101.6989 release, published shortly after, focuses on bug fixes and additional optimizations:
- Resolved crash issues reported on Arc A-series GPUs.
- Refined power management for Core Ultra 200V series processors (Arrow Lake-H), helping to improve laptop efficiency and battery life.
- Maintains full hardware support for Intel Arc A- and B-series discrete GPUs, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and Intel Core Ultra platforms with integrated Arc graphics.
Supported Hardware & Platforms
Both drivers support a wide range of Intel hardware, including:
- Intel Arc B-series (Battlemage) and A-series (Alchemist) GPUs
- Intel Iris Xe graphics (including DG1)
- Intel Core Ultra processors (Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake)
- 11th Gen through 14th Gen Intel Core processors (Rocket Lake, Alder Lake, Raptor Lake)
Availability
The drivers are available for Windows 10 (64-bit, 21H2/22H2) and Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2, 24H2).
- Version 32.0.101.6987: Introduces Shared GPU Memory Override and performance boosts.
- Version 32.0.101.6989: Builds on 6987 with stability and power management fixes.
Both drivers can be downloaded from Intel’s official support site. Intel recommends that corporate users rely on OEM-provided drivers, while enthusiasts can opt for the generic Intel driver for the latest updates.
