News Overview
- Microsoft has introduced DirectX Raytracing 1.2 (DXR 1.2) at GDC 2025, with new features like Opacity Micromaps (OMM) and Shader Execution Reordering (SER) designed to improve ray-traced graphics performance.
- These improvements are expected to provide up to a 2.3x performance boost in path-traced scenes, with NVIDIA already integrating the features into their drivers.
- The upcoming Shader Model 6.9 will integrate ‘Cooperative Vectors,’ enabling hardware-accelerated vector and matrix operations for incorporating neural rendering into real-time graphics.
In-Depth Analysis
DirectX Raytracing 1.2 Enhancements
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Opacity Micromaps (OMM): This feature improves the efficiency of rendering transparent textures by reducing unnecessary shader executions, which significantly boosts performance in path-traced scenes.
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Shader Execution Reordering (SER): SER optimizes shader execution by dynamically adjusting the order of operations, which reduces pipeline divergence and enhances parallel processing efficiency.
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Performance Impact: With these features, Microsoft reports up to a 2.3x improvement in performance for path-traced games. NVIDIA has already integrated these features into their drivers, allowing immediate support in compatible hardware.
Neural Rendering with Shader Model 6.9
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Cooperative Vectors: Shader Model 6.9 introduces ‘Cooperative Vectors,’ enabling hardware-accelerated operations that enhance the integration of neural rendering techniques into the real-time graphics pipeline.
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Industry Collaboration: Companies like Intel have demonstrated a 10x acceleration in neural compression methods, leveraging these new features for advanced texture compression and real-time rendering applications.
Commentary
Microsoft’s advancements in DirectX Raytracing 1.2 and Shader Model 6.9 represent significant steps toward achieving more realistic and efficient real-time rendering. By partnering with industry leaders such as NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, Microsoft is setting the stage for widespread adoption of these features, which could lead to a more immersive and performant gaming experience with improved visual fidelity.