TL;DR
Microsoft’s new Advanced Shader Delivery significantly cuts game load times, enabling Forza Horizon 6 to start in just 4 seconds on compatible hardware. This technology is limited to RDNA 3+ GPUs and currently available via the Xbox PC app and Microsoft Store.
Microsoft has revealed that Forza Horizon 6 now boots in just four seconds on supported hardware, a dramatic reduction from the previous 90-second load time, thanks to its new Advanced Shader Delivery technology.
Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) decouples shaders from drivers and stores them in a cloud-based Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). When a game is downloaded via the Xbox PC app or Microsoft Store, ASD detects the user’s configuration and pre-downloads the necessary shaders, enabling instant game launch.
On a system with an AMD RX 7600 GPU and Ryzen 7 5800 CPU, Microsoft reported a 95% reduction in load times for Forza Horizon 6, with the game now loading in approximately four seconds compared to nearly a minute and a half previously. This feature is currently limited to RDNA 3 and later GPUs and requires the Xbox Insider Hub app for activation, as it is still in preview.
Why It Matters
This advancement could reshape PC gaming load times, traditionally hindered by shader compilation delays, aligning PC performance closer to consoles. It also highlights a shift towards cloud-based shader management, potentially reducing hardware disparities in game launch performance.
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Chipset: AMD RX 7600
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Background
Microsoft announced ASD last year for Xbox ROG Ally handheld devices, initially targeting precompiled shaders for faster load times. The technology has since expanded to Windows 11 PCs, with AMD collaborating closely to develop support for RDNA 3 GPUs. Other GPU vendors like Nvidia and Intel are developing similar solutions, with Nvidia’s ‘Auto Shader Compilation’ and Intel’s ‘Precompiled Shader Distribution’ offering comparable features. The technology’s adoption is currently limited to a subset of supported hardware and marketplaces, with broader rollout expected later this year.
“The reduction in load times with ASD is a game-changer, bringing PC game start times closer to those of consoles.”
— Hassam Nasir, hardware enthusiast
“Advanced Shader Delivery leverages cloud technology to precompile shaders, enabling near-instant game launches on supported hardware.”
— Microsoft spokesperson
XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 Graphics Card with 8GB GDDR6 HDMI 3xDP, AMD RDNA 3 RX-76PSWFTFY
Chipset: AMD RX 7600
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear when broader hardware support will be available, or how the technology will perform across different game titles and configurations outside the initial supported set. Details about long-term stability and compatibility are still emerging.
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What’s Next
Microsoft plans to expand ASD support to more GPUs and titles throughout 2024, with broader availability expected as the technology matures. Updates on integration with other marketplaces and full support for non-RDNA 3 GPUs are anticipated later this year.
precompiled shader database
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Key Questions
Will all GPUs support Advanced Shader Delivery?
Currently, ASD is limited to RDNA 3 and later GPUs, with support for other architectures expected to be announced later in 2024.
Is ASD available for all games on Windows 11?
Support is limited to games downloaded via the Xbox PC app or Microsoft Store that are included in the initial rollout. Compatibility for other titles and stores is still being developed.
Do I need to be part of the Xbox Insider Program?
Yes, enabling ASD currently requires participation in the Xbox Insiders program and the use of the Xbox Insiders Hub app.
Will Nvidia and Intel GPUs get similar features?
Yes. Nvidia offers ‘Auto Shader Compilation’ through its app, and Intel has announced ‘Precompiled Shader Distribution’; both are expected to be available later in 2024.
When will ASD support be available on more hardware and marketplaces?
Microsoft has indicated that broader support is planned for later this year, with updates to expand compatibility and marketplace integration.
