hardware

SteamOS 3.8.20 beta improves performance for GPUs with limited VRAM

SteamOS 3.8.20 beta includes a RADV driver change that alters how Linux allocates VRAM and the GTT. The update reduces costly evictions from VRAM, improving performance on discrete GPUs with limited dedicated memory. Systems using integrated GPUs are unlikely to see significant gains.

• RADV driver change improves VRAM/GTT allocation
• Reduces VRAM evictions that cause PCIe GTT slowdowns
• Performance boost aimed at discrete GPUs with low VRAM
• iGPU systems likely unaffected; Natalie Vock credited