Intel has changed how it delivers graphics driver updates to modern and older processors. In this move, they've decided to transition their 6th through 10th generation processors to a " legacy " support model, where updates will only be released when a serious security vulnerability is discovered.
Under the new model, Intel will only provide security vulnerability patches for processors from the Skylake to Comet Lake families. This means that these processors will no longer receive support updates for gaming at launch. The change applies to all SKUs in the range, including Core, Atom, Celeron, and Xeon series chips. Intel will deploy software updates quarterly or as needed to address critical issues or security vulnerabilities.
Intel drops support for old iGPUS
Intel's 11th-generation Rocket Lake processors and later will be the only ones to continue enjoying day-zero compatibility with new games. With this, Intel expects to release regular updates on a standard monthly basis.
The Intel graphics driver will now include two drivers in the same package. It will contain driver files for Intel 10th Generation and earlier processors and driver files for 11th Generation and later chips. The installation remains the same: the executable is downloaded and executed. The executable automatically chooses the right driver for your system, so you don't have to think about which one to install.
While many may be surprised that Intel is dropping support for CPUs that are only two years old, the idea is that those who play current games won't use their CPU's integrated graphics , as they are quite outdated; instead, they'll use a dedicated graphics card, even if it's even older. According to the latest Steam hardware survey, less than 2% of Steam users play using Intel's UHD graphics, which are the ones that will no longer receive support. Intel's new graphics driver model shouldn't affect most consumers, as security updates will continue to be provided.
The list of affected processors is as follows:
- 10th Generation Intel Core Processors with Intel Iris Plus Series Graphics Ice Lake.
- 10th Gen Intel Core Processors with Intel UHD Series Graphics Comet Lake.
- 9th generation Intel Core processors, related Pentium or Celeron processors, and Intel Xeon processors, with Intel UHD Graphics 630 series Coffee Lake.
- 8th generation Intel Core processors, related Pentium or Celeron processors, and Intel Xeon processors, with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 and Intel UHD Graphics 610, 620, 630, P630 series Kaby Lake and Coffee Lake
- Intel Pentium and Celeron series processor family Gemini Lake.
- 7th Generation Intel Core processors, related Pentium and Celeron processors and Intel Xeon processors, with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, 650 and Intel HD Graphics 610, 615, 620, 630, P630 Kaby Lake series.
- 6th generation Intel Core, Intel Core M, and Pentium processors with Intel Iris Graphics 540, Intel Iris Graphics 550, Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580, and Intel HD Graphics 510, 515, 520, 530 series Skylake.
- Intel Pentium processor family and Intel Celeron series processor family Jasper Lake.
- Intel Core Processor with Intel Hybrid Technology Series Lakefield.
- Intel Atom, Pentium and Celeron series processor family Elkhart lake.
Source: Tom's Hardware
