Intel Releases Arc Graphics Driver 101.8724 WHQL with Enhanced Hardware and Game Support

Intel has rolled out its latest Arc GPU graphics driver, version 101.8724 WHQL, introducing expanded support for new hardware and recently launched games. This update closely follows the debut of Intel’s Core Series 3 “Wildcat Lake” processors, which feature up to six CPU cores and two integrated Xe3 GPU cores. These new processors are expected to appear in over 70 upcoming laptop models, and the updated Arc GPU driver ensures full gaming compatibility for these devices.

Key Features of the Intel Arc Graphics Driver 101.8724 WHQL

  • Hardware Support: Launch driver for Intel Core Series 3 processors with integrated Intel GPUs (codename Wildcat Lake).
  • Game Ready: Added support for the new title Pragmata, ensuring optimal performance from day one.
  • Bug Fixes: Addressed several persistent issues from previous driver versions, improving stability and user experience.

Resolved Issues in This Release

  • Crimson Desert (DirectX 12): Flickering corruption on plants during gameplay has been fixed for Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Arc B-Series GPUs.
  • No Man’s Sky (Vulkan): Terrain corruption issues during gameplay have been resolved for Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Series 2 with built-in Arc GPUs.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: Application crashes when exporting HEVC codec-based media on Windows OS 26200.7840 or later have been addressed for Intel Core Ultra Series 3.

Known Issues to Be Aware Of

  • Intel Core Series 3 with integrated GPUs: Fortnite (DX12) may cause a system crash on launch.
  • Intel Core Ultra Series 3 with Arc GPUs: The Finals (DX12) and Mafia: The Old Country (DX12) may experience intermittent application crashes.
  • Intel Arc B-Series Graphics: Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (DX12) may show intermittent corruption on water surfaces, and Dune: Awakening (DX12) may display flickering artifacts. PugetBench for Davinci Resolve Studio may crash intermittently; increasing the timeout slider to 1500 seconds or higher is recommended.
  • Intel Arc A-Series Graphics: Crimson Desert (DX12) may show corruption when using upscaling. PugetBench for Davinci Resolve Studio may also experience intermittent crashes; adjusting the timeout slider is advised.
  • Intel Core Ultra Series 1 and 2 with Arc GPUs: Battlefield 6 (DX12) and Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (DX12) may exhibit intermittent graphical corruption on certain maps or water surfaces, particularly on some notebooks.
  • Intel Graphics Software: Using the “reset all settings” option in Windows 10 may cause an intermittent crash. Resetting settings from individual pages avoids this issue. Additionally, rearranging metrics in the select metrics window may cause a one-time crash, and the performance page may not always hide graphs or function as expected when adding new metrics.

Summary

The Intel Arc Graphics Driver 101.8724 WHQL update delivers essential support for the latest Intel hardware and new game releases, while also addressing several longstanding bugs. Users can expect improved stability and compatibility, particularly with the new Core Series 3 “Wildcat Lake” processors and supported gaming titles. However, some known issues remain, and users are encouraged to review the list above for potential workarounds.