QuickSync on Intel Core Ultra 2 series 226v changing target usage from 1 to 2

[Mark62]

I'm using quicksync via 3rd party software (rigaya QSVEnc) website here:- https://github.com/rigaya/QSVEnc

This 3rd party program has been used for many years in the global community for use in QuickSync tasks. I have been using this program for several years and have encoded hundreds of videos in that time. Never seen the target usage changed by the driver like this.

The issue I have is that the "target usage" or "TU" is being changed by the intel graphics driver from 1 to 2 (from "Best" to "Higher") for no obvious reason.  I have never seen this before. Version of graphics driver is latest (32.0.101.8136). Command script is shown below. I have highlighted in bold italics the relevant parts:-

--------------------------- Video encoding ---------------------------

QSVEncC 8.01

C:\StaxRip\Apps\Encoders\QSVEncC\QSVEncC64.exe --avhw --cqp 32:34:35 --qp-offset 2:4:8 --codec hevc --quality best --profile main10 --output-depth 10 --bframes 16 --b-pyramid --b-adapt --i-adapt --adapt-ltr --open-gop --sao none --hevc-gpb --lowlatency --no-tskip --function-mode FF -i "T:\GOT\Game of Thrones - S01E01.mkv" -o "T:\GOT\Game of Thrones - S01E01_temp\Game of Thrones - S01E01_hevc_cqp_ff_new_out.hevc"

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T:\GOT\Game of Thrones - S01E01_temp\Game of Thrones - S01E01_hevc_cqp_ff_new_out.hevc
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
videoPrm.mfx.TargetUsage value changed 1 -> 2 by driver
cop.SingleSeiNalUnit value changed off -> auto by driver
QSVEncC (x64) 8.01 (r3824) by rigaya, Sep 29 2025 12:39:52 (VC 1944/Win)
OS Windows 11 x64 (26200) [UTF-8]
CPU Info Intel Core Ultra 5 226V [4.25GHz] (4P+4E,8C/8T) <Lunarlake>
GPU Info Intel Arc 130V GPU (8GB) (56EU) 100-1850MHz (32.0.101.8136)
Media SDK QuickSyncVideo API v2.15, FF, 1st(i) GPU
Async Depth 1 frames
Hyper Mode off
Buffer Memory d3d11, 35 work buffer
Input Info avqsv: H.265/HEVC, 1920x1080, 24000/1001 fps
AVSync auto
Output H.265/HEVC(yuv420 10bit) main10 @ Level 5 (high tier)
1920x1080p 1:1 23.976fps (24000/1001fps)
Target usage 2 - higher
Encode Mode Constant QP (CQP)
CQP Value I:32 P:34 B:35
QP Limit min: 22, max: 63
Ref frames 6 frames
Bframes 16 frames, B-pyramid: on
Max GOP Length 240 frames
Ext. Features WeightP WeightB GPB QPOffset AdaptiveLTR ctu:64 sao:none

Many thanks for your attention.

[Mark62]

I should add that encoding with AV1 does not have this issue.