Microsoft's DirectX Agility SDK 1.620 Out With GPU Crash Dumps and Graphics Improvements

Microsoft has rolled out a major update to its DirectX development tools, which brings new graphics improvements and GPU diagnostics. The DirectX Agility SDK 1.620 retail release introduces DirectX Dump Files, while version 1.722 adds experimental ray-tracing features. Both releases are available to developers now.

DirectX Agility SDK 1.620 brings GPU crash diagnostics to retail

One of the highlights is the DirectX Dump Files, which lets developers capture GPU crashes on players’ PCs and investigate them using PIX. This feature can help developers identify problems without reproducing every crash on their own machines. Microsoft says retail support removes the previous Developer Mode requirement.

The update also introduces Driver Reported Messages and Extended PIX Markers. Together, these tools provide more information about GPU errors and help developers trace problems to specific graphics operations. Hardware support varies by manufacturer and driver version.

Speaking of graphics improvements, Agility SDK 1.620 expands Advanced Shader Delivery. Partial Graphics Programs let developers reuse compiled shader components across pipeline variants. Microsoft says this can reduce shader download sizes and compilation times. The release also adds Fence Barriers Tier 1 and batched asynchronous command APIs. These features give developers more flexibility when managing GPU workloads.

Agility SDK 1.722 previews new ray-tracing capabilities

Meanwhile, Agility SDK 1.722-preview focuses on more advanced graphics workloads. It introduces clustered geometry, partitioned top-level acceleration structures, and indirect acceleration-structure builds. These additions can help engines manage complex scenes without rebuilding unchanged geometry unnecessarily.

The preview also adds GPU Timeline CopyDescriptors for copying ranges between shader-visible descriptor heaps. However, these features remain in preview rather than being part of the retail release. Microsoft also confirmed that Shader Model 6.10 remains in preview for now. The company expects it to reach retail with Agility SDK 1.621 in early December. Developers can download both releases via Microsoft’s official DirectX Agility SDK page.

via: TechPowerUp