Feature Request: Implement Driver-Level Spatial Upscaling (Alternative to AMD RSR / NVIDIA NIS)

[birdie-github]

Hello Intel Community and Driver Team,

I am writing to formally request the implementation of a universal, driver-level spatial upscaling and sharpening solution in Intel Arc Control, similar to AMD's Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) or NVIDIA's Image Scaling (NIS).

While Intel’s XeSS is an outstanding temporal upscaler, it requires native developer implementation. For thousands of legacy games, indie titles, or emulation layers, XeSS is simply not an option. Having a driver-level fallback would bridge this gap perfectly.

Why Existing GPU Scaling/Retro Scaling Options Aren't Sufficient

Currently, Intel Arc Control provides standard GPU scaling (Stretching/Centering) and Retro Scaling (Integer Scaling). While useful, they are entirely inadequate for modern 3D titles running at sub-native resolutions:

• Blurry Interpolation: Traditional GPU display scaling uses simple bilinear or bicubic filtering to stretch lower resolutions (e.g., 1080p to a 1440p or 4K panel). This results in a muddy, washed-out image devoid of edge clarity.

• Limitations of Integer Scaling: While Retro Scaling keeps pixels sharp, it only works cleanly at perfect integer multiples (like 1080p to 4K). If you try to scale a non-integer resolution, or use it on a modern 3D title, the result is heavily aliased and jagged rather than smooth.

• Lack of Driver-Level Contrast Adaptive Sharpening: There is currently no robust, universal sharpening filter built directly into the scaling pipeline to compensate for the blur introduced by lower render resolutions.

The Benefits of a Driver-Level Spatial Upscaler

Implementing an "Intel Super Resolution" (ISR) feature would leverage a high-quality spatial upscaling algorithm combined with a directional, edge-aware sharpening pass right at the driver layer.

• Universal Compatibility: It would instantly work on 100% of games. Users would simply lower their in-game resolution, and the driver would handle upscaling it to the monitor's native resolution.

• Massive Performance Boosts: This is crucial for budget or mid-range Arc GPUs trying to drive high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K monitors in demanding, unpatched titles.

• Competitive Parity: Both major competitors offer this as a foundational driver feature. Adding a spatial upscaler would make Arc Control a more mature, feature-complete ecosystem for gamers moving over from other platforms.

We appreciate the rapid pace of Intel's driver optimizations over the past few years. Adding a universal spatial upscaler would be a massive quality-of-life victory for the community.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Technical Considerations For Your Reference

To ensure your argument is bulletproof if developers reply, keep these core distinctions in mind:

Feature	How It Works	Best Used For	Drawbacks
Standard GPU Scaling	Primitive interpolation (Bilinear/Bicubic)	Basic desktop resizing	Very blurry in modern 3D games.
Integer / Retro Scaling	Multiplies pixels cleanly ($1 \rightarrow 4$ pixels)	2D pixel art, emulation	Terrible for 3D games; requires exact integer resolution ratios.
Spatial Upscaling (RSR/NIS)	Edge-aware filtering + sharpening pass	Any 3D game lacking native upscalers	Upscales the UI/HUD text along with the 3D geometry.

[LohithG · Accepted solution]

Hi birdie-github ,

Thank you for taking the time to share this detailed feature request and for providing comprehensive technical context to support your suggestion.

We have documented your feedback and routed it to the appropriate team for review and consideration. Community feedback like yours is valuable and helps us better understand the features and enhancements that matter most to our users.

Please note that while we can submit your suggestion internally, we are unable to provide updates regarding the status, evaluation, or potential implementation of feature requests. As such, no further information will be available on this request.

With this guidance provided, I will go ahead and close this thread from my end.

Thank you again for your contribution to the Intel Community and for helping us improve the Intel Arc experience.

Best regards,

LohithG.

Intel Customer Support