Intel Arc Control with overlay is going away
The GPU maker is working on updated software for its GPUs.
The Arc Control software which is now embedded into graphics drivers for all Arc Alchemist GPUs and Iris Xe integrated graphics (although it’s optional), will soon receive a well overdue update. As stated by Linus Sebastian, the update will affect how the software is displayed. It would no longer be (just) an overlay, which was the primary reason why the software was so hard to use.
Intel refuses to provide an exact timeline or any other detail, but they heard you [Luke] and everyone. They know the overlay sucks, it’s going away. We are getting a non-overlay single app that will have everything consolidated into one pane.
— Linus Sebastian, Linus Tech Tips
Intel has already provided some early information to reviewers. It was stated by Albert Thomas (AdoredTV/Tom’s Hardware) that it is not accurate to say that ‘overlay’ is going away completely. The solution that is being worked on would satisfy users who prefer the overlay display method and those who don’t, without going into further details:
Thus far no one is saying when such an update should be released. PC Games Hardware, who were first to mention an updated driver was being worked on, revealed in a printed version of their magazine that the update is slated for February.
As we have heard from well-informed circles, a major driver update is also planned for this February, which should improve performance in all APIs and also bring new features. Intel has already released a few driver updates over the past few months, which primarily address the rightly criticized performance under DirectX 9. […] As soon as the “miracle driver” appears, you can of course look forward to a test (promptly on PCGH.de).
— PC Games Hardware (printed magazine, translated)
Linus Tech Tips’ video is a 4th part of their Intel Arc GPU experience series. They share the good and bad things they encountered while using Arc GPUs for more than a month. It is definitely worth a watch for those considering Intel GPUs.
Source: PC Games Hardware, Linus Tech Tips:
