NVIDIA Introduces Auto Shader Compilation Beta to Reduce Driver Update Stutter

NVIDIA Targets Stutter Reduction with New Auto Shader Compilation Beta

NVIDIA has released a new beta feature known as Auto Shader Compilation (ASC) within the NVIDIA App. Designed to mitigate performance hiccups often associated with graphics driver updates, this tool proactively rebuilds DirectX 12 shaders while the system is idle.

How It Works

The feature requires users to be running GeForce Game Ready Driver 595.97 WHQL or a newer version. While currently disabled by default, users can activate the functionality by navigating to the Graphics menu, selecting Global Settings, and modifying the Shader Cache options. A manual "Compile Now" button has also been added to the Shader Cache screen, allowing users to force a rebuild immediately rather than waiting for the PC to enter an idle state.

Scope and Limitations

NVIDIA has clarified the specific use case for ASC, noting that it does not compile shaders for games installed for the first time. Users will still experience initial shader generation within the game itself. Instead, ASC focuses strictly on recompiling shaders following a driver update, preventing the need for on-the-fly compilation during gameplay sessions.

Industry Context

This implementation differs from Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD), a system that enables gamers to download pre-compiled shaders tailored to their hardware. NVIDIA confirmed earlier this month that it is collaborating with Microsoft to bring ASD support to GeForce RTX users later this year. The introduction of ASC follows a similar move by Intel, which released a comparable feature earlier this month.