Intel has officially started shipping the "0x129" microcode update for its 13th and 14th generation "Raptor Lake" and "Raptor Lake Refresh" processors. This critical update is currently being pushed to all OEM/ODM partners to address the stability issues that Intel's processors have been facing. According to Intel, this microcode update fixes "incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage." Intel's analysis shows that the root cause of stability problems is caused by too high voltage during operation of the processor. These increases to voltage cause degradation that increases the minimum voltage required for stable operation. Intel calls this "Vmin"—it's a theoretical construct, not an actual voltage, think "speed for an airplane required to fly". The latest 0x129 microcode patch will limit the processor's voltage to no higher than 1.55 V, which should avoid further degradation. Overclocking is still supported, enthusiasts will have to disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS to push the processor beyond the 1.55 V threshold. The company's internal testing shows that the new default settings with limited voltages with standard run-to-run variations show minimal performance impact, with only a single game (Hitman 3: Dartmoor) showing degradation. For a full statement from Intel, see the quote below.

Intel Graphics today released the latest version of Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.4499 beta adds optimization for F1 23, Aliens: Dark Descent, Forever Skies, and Counter Strike 2. There are major performance uplifts to be had. Counter Strike 2 sees up to 8% uplift at 1440p with high settings, and up to 10% at 1080p with Very High settings. F1 23 players can expect up to 33% uplift at 1080p with Ultra High settings and RT on, and an 18% uplift with RT off; and a 27% uplift at 1440p with high settings. Intel also updated its Destiny 2 optimization, with a neat 11% uplift to be had at 1080p with the highest settings. An error or black screen seen on applications embedding WebView2 frames, has been fixed.

DOWNLOAD: Intel GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4499 Beta

Intel released the Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4382 Beta. Thesse come with performance optimization for "Diablo IV," "Street Fighter 6," and improvements for its previous optimization for "Total War: Warhammer III" (D3D11 mode) Mirror of Madness benchmark, with up to 4% improved framerates to be had at 1080p with Ultra settings. Among the issues fixed with this release include random Vulkan API applications experiencing crashes; an application crash of "The Last of Us Part 1," an application crash with Unreal Engine 5.2 Editor, and lower than expected performance in the Battle Hub benchmark of "Street Fighter 6." Grab the driver from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4832 beta

Intel Graphics today released the latest version of the Arc GPU Graphics drivers. Version 101.4311 beta comes with GameOn optimization for "Dead Island 2," "Total War: Warhammer III - Mirror of Madness," "Minecraft Legends," and "Boundary." It also introduces major post-optimizations for "Dead Space" (Remake), with up to 55% performance uplifts seen at 1080p, and up to 63% seen at 1440p, when tested with the Arc A750. F1 22 sees 6-7% uplifts at 1440p, and 17% at 1080p. "Dying Light 2: Stay Human" sees 6-7% uplifts between 1080p and 1440p; "DiRT 5" gets 8% at 1080p and 4% at 1440p. "Deathloop" gets 4% at 1080p, and 6% at 1440p.

Among the issues fixed with this release include an application crash with Microsoft Flight Simulator (DirectX 11 mode); color corruption on the water edges seen in "Sea of Thieves," lower than expected performance with Bright Memory Infinite Ray Tracing Benchmark, and color corruption with Optical Flow seen in Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4311 beta

The Creative Assembly Ltd., part of SEGA Europe Ltd., today announced a third development location in Newcastle, UK. This new studio sits alongside the studio's headquarters in Sussex, UK and their European studio in Sofia, Bulgaria, across which there are over 850 permanent employees.

The newly established Creative Assembly (CA) North is home to a growing flexible working team developing a project in collaboration with the studio's Sussex team. While the project is yet to be announced it promises to give players an unforgettable experience. CA North is also home to a newly formed team focused on continuous improvement. This team is dedicated to collaborating across Creative Assembly with the goal of sustained continuous improvement in tools, workflows and development experience.