OpenGL regression after updating to 15.36.3.64.3907

[HSöde1]

Hi!

I just updated to the latest Intel HD drivers 15.36.3.64.3907, and while mostly I've seen performance increases and overall less glitches (at least with D3D), I just found a clear regression with OpenGL support.

An open source program called Dolphin (found at https://dolphin-emu.org https://dolphin-emu.org) supports both D3D and OpenGL backends on Windows systems. While D3D runs fine for me, I've tested the OpenGL support every now and then. And OpenGL worked just fine with previous stable drivers (May 2014). Now with latest drivers I don't get any video output when OpenGL is selected, only audio plays fine (i.e. program itself is running fine). Just a black screen.

The program is mainly used for emulation, but it runs also "homebrew" programs/games that can be found at wiibrew.org . These free programs can also be used for debugging in this case.

I only tested one other OpenGL based software, which seemed to work, so this isn't a total breakage of OpenGL (it would have been noticed before, I know )

I'm really excited that you've added OpenGL 4.3 support and the drivers are clearly evolving, and setbacks like this are inevitable. This still suggests some kind of incompatibility with the OpenGL drivers, and I would highly appreciate if some of the developers looked into this. Are there any other known incompatibilities that are being worked on..?

[HSöde1]

I decided to look within Dolphin builds, if there would be any hints of what broke the OpenGL backend for Intel HD. I eventually found out, that Dolphin revision 4.0-583 was the one that breaks the backend with results described above.

The revision was the one that introduced buffer_storage (OpenGL 4.4 extension), so this suggests that Intel HD might be handling this incorrectly atm.

OpenGL backend works on AMD and NVIDIA hardware, so the buffer storage code shouldn't be wrong in the software.

[HSöde1]

This was dissected further by the Dolphin developer who originally implemented buffer_storage support to Dolphin. As I'm not a developer/coder, I'm not able to clarify the discussion here, but the GitHub Pull Request to workaround this is found at https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/972 Work around Intel's failings with buffer_storage by Sonicadvance1 · Pull Request # 972 · dolphin-emu/dolphin · GitHub , and the issue tracker is found at https://code.google.com/p/dolphin-emu/issues/detail?id=7622 Issue 7622 - dolphin-emu - OpenGL is broken on Intel HD (newest drivers) since 4.0-583 - Dolphin, a Gamecube / Wii / …

The issue (from the developers perspective) is outlined in the commit note (see GitHub link):

+ // Bug: Intel's Window driver broke buffer_storage with GL_ELEMENT_ARRAY_BUFFER

+ // Affected devices: Intel (Windows)

+ // Started Version: 15.36.3.64.3907 (10.18.10.3907)

+ // Ended Version: -1

+ // Intel implemented buffer_storage in their GL 4.3 driver.

+ // It works for all the buffer types we use except GL_ELEMENT_ARRAY_BUFFER.

+ // Causes complete blackscreen issues.

Hope this helps!

[Allan_J_Intel1]

Thanks for your patience.

I just received some information from the engineering team. We are releasing new drivers that address this matter. I still do not have an estimate for this new release but you can update graphics drivers here: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect?iid=dc_iduu Intel® Driver Update Utility

Allan.

[ROBERT_U_Intel]

Hi Intel Customer

Thanks for pointing out this issue. We have also replicated the issue and are working towards a resolution. I will update this thread as more information becomes available.

Thanks

Robert

[HSöde1]

Well that's great news! Looking forward to those new upcoming drivers

[ROBERT_U_Intel · Accepted solution]

All, this issue has been resolved with the latest Intel HD Graphics driver released today. Please find at the following links.

32-bit: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=24349 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=24349

64-bit: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=24348 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=24348

Regards

Robert

[HSöde1]

Thank you very much! I tested the latest drivers and this issue has indeed been fixed!

Great work and admirable customer support!

[ROBERT_U_Intel]

@Henrik, Awesome!! thanks for reporting back.

Thanks

Robert