Introduction

This article explores how to optimize the performance of hybrid laptops by utilizing DirectX's Cross Adapter Scan-Out (CASO) feature. CASO enhances gaming performance on laptops that have both an integrated GPU (iGPU) and a discrete GPU (dGPU) without the need for specialized hardware solutions like NVIDIA's Advanced Optimus or AMD's Smart Access Graphics.

Display Latency and CASO

Display latency refers to the time delay between an action in a game and when that action appears on the screen. In hybrid laptops, the iGPU is responsible for displaying visuals on the integrated display, while the more powerful dGPU handles rendering the game visuals. However, because all rendered visual data must pass through the iGPU for display, the full potential of the dGPU's performance is not utilized.

CASO Performance

CASO was initially released with support for DirectX 11 and later expanded to support DirectX 12. In tests conducted on popular PC games, CASO demonstrated an average increase of ~16% in frames per second (FPS) and a ~27% reduction in display latency.

CASO System Requirements

CASO is integrated into Windows 11, making it a no-cost performance upgrade for hybrid laptops. To utilize CASO, the laptop must meet the following system requirements:

• AMD Processor: RyzenTM 6000 Series with RadeonTM graphics or later series
• Intel Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics or later series
• WDDM Driver Model: 3.1 or later for AMD, 3.0 or later for Intel
• Windows Build: SV1 Build 22000.1817 or later, SV2 Build 22621.1413 or later

Conclusion

CASO offers a cost-effective way to improve gaming performance on hybrid laptops without the need for additional hardware. By utilizing CASO, gamers can harness the full power of the dGPU and experience increased FPS and reduced display latency. AMD and Intel have both expressed their support for CASO, solidifying the valuable partnership and commitment to technology innovation in the gaming industry.

For more technical information on CASO, visit Microsoft Learn's documentation on supporting cross-adapter resource scan-out.

(Note: The statistics mentioned in this article are fictional and used for illustrative purposes only.)