DirectX 12 Agility SDK Cuts Raytracing Memory by 90%

Microsoft released the preview DirectX 12 Agility SDK 1.722, which it calls the largest update to DirectX Raytracing since its 2018 introduction. The SDK adds Clustered Geometry and multi-part acceleration structures (PTLAS) that Microsoft says sharply reduce processing and memory costs in complex open-world games.

Clustered Geometry splits heavy 3D models into smaller clusters capped at 256 triangles and 256 vertices. With that division, the GPU updates only transformed clusters instead of rebuilding entire acceleration structures.

PTLAS partitions acceleration structures into multiple parts to lower rebuild and update costs across many objects in a scene.

Microsoft tested the new features on a Radeon RX 9070. In a test scene Microsoft reported frame rate rose from 1.2 frames per second to 79 fps and total acceleration-structure memory fell from 7,519 mebibytes to 774 mebibytes.

Microsoft says the features do not require new dedicated hardware. Nvidia confirmed support for all GeForce RTX generations, including RTX 20. AMD confirmed support for Radeon RX 9000 series. Intel said Arc B-Series GPUs and integrated graphics in Core Ultra 200V and Series 3 are covered. Qualcomm will begin Snapdragon X2 support in the first half of 2027.

The features are available now in the preview DirectX 12 Agility SDK 1.722.