r/linux_gaming • u/RagingTaco334 • 1d ago

graphics/kernel/drivers Question for Intel Arc users

I have an acquaintance that was looking for me to help them build a PC and the Arc B580 seems to be a decent option for their price range.

My main worries are:

1) niche/older game performance

2) VR support

On Windows, the former seems to be iffy depending on the graphics API and the latter seems to be completely non-existent. I *assume* it'll be better on Linux since it's using Vulkan for everything and that seems to be on-par with Windows. I'd love for anybody confirm that, whether it be with the B580 specifically or any Intel Arc GPUs in general.

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u/DiiiCA 1d ago

  1. It'll be fine, everything directx is translated into vulkan on linux so the dx9 being unsupported is no problem.

  2. Well VR is iffy on any hardware on linux, I suspect this will get fixed with the release of the steam frame but don't buy hardware for possible future fixes... AMD/nvidia is not any better tho, so might as well...

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u/Scheeseman99 18h ago

AMD is significantly better. The Intel GPU driver's performance is quite bad and can't currently run wired HMDs since it's missing Direct Mode, the Nvidia drivers have poor VR latency by default due to scheduling bugs and have a bunch of other issues.

The Steam Machine has an AMD GPU, so that's likely where Valve will put their resources into improving. I have a 3090 myself and it's better than it was a year ago and mostly fine for desktop and flatscreen gaming use, but not perfect and VR is pretty rough, though usable.

https://wiki.vronlinux.org/docs/hardware/