https://videocardz.com/newz/intel-arc-gpus-get-performance-boost-for-directx-9-games-csgo-now-up-to-1-8x-faster
 
Today Intel announces a solid performance boost for some DX9 games.
 
Intel Arc A7 GPUs were release to the market less than two months ago. Initially, the architecture had to rely on graphics API translation layers to support older DX9 games. Some very popular e-sports games still use this API, such as CS:GO which is part of Intel Extreme Master tournament. This obviously convinced Intel to focus on DX9 improvements, and not just the latest graphics APIs.
 
What is important to note is that Intel is not removing the DX12/DX9 translation layers just yet. Some games will utilize a native implementation of DX9 API while some will use an older approach. This way Intel can focus on optimizing the drivers for certain games and still deliver the best performance for each title.
 
The DX9 update arrives with the newest Arc GPU 3953 driver and newer. This DirectX9 boost is coming not just to desktop Alchemist GPUs, but also mobile graphics. Intel is claiming up to 1.03 to 1.79x boost for DX9 games, with the most significant performance uplift coming to CS:GO at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Importantly, Intel DX9 update also optimizes 1% percentile of the slowest frames. According to Intel, it has improved by up to 2.3x. This means that the frametimes are now more steady and gameplay should be smoother.
 
It's good that Intel has worked on improving older DX9 gaming. Some consumers still play those older games.