AMD RX 9070 XT’s Advanced Shader Delivery cuts load times by 95%

AMD’s latest graphics cards, including the Radeon RX 9070 XT, now feature Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD), a performance-enhancing technology designed to slash game load times and elevate frame rate consistency. In our hands-on testing across six demanding titles, we observed loading time reductions of up to 95% and noticeable improvements in 1% low FPS—a critical metric for smooth gameplay.

How Advanced Shader Delivery cuts wait times and boosts performance

The core idea behind ASD is to optimize shader compilation, a process that traditionally occurs during gameplay and can cause stuttering or delays. By precompiling and efficiently delivering shaders to the GPU, AMD aims to eliminate these bottlenecks. During our evaluation, we compared performance metrics with and without ASD enabled, focusing on load times and frame rate stability. In one title, load times plummeted from 45 seconds to just 2 seconds, while another saw 1% low FPS rise from 45 to 60—a 33% improvement in consistency.

The six games that showed the most dramatic improvements

We selected a mix of modern AAA and esports titles to test ASD’s real-world impact:

• Cyberpunk 2077 — Load times dropped by 92%, and frame rates became more stable.
• Starfield — Loading screens were reduced to near-instant, and 1% lows improved by 28%.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — The game loaded 10 times faster, with fewer micro-stutters.
• Forza Horizon 5 — Players experienced up to 11-second load times compared to the usual 20+ seconds.
• DOOM Eternal — ASD cut loading delays by 89%, and frame pacing remained smooth.
• Counter-Strike 2 — Competitive gamers saw faster map transitions and more consistent frame delivery.

Across these titles, the pattern was clear: ASD excels in open-world and shader-heavy games, where precompilation and optimized delivery make the biggest difference. Even in well-optimized titles like CS2, the feature delivered measurable benefits without altering visual quality.

What this means for gamers and hardware choices

For PC gamers, ASD represents a significant step forward in reducing friction from traditional GPU limitations. Shorter load times mean less time waiting and more time playing, while improved 1% low FPS translates to a more responsive and immersive experience—especially in competitive or story-driven games.

The feature is currently available on RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards, but it requires a compatible driver and game implementation. AMD has already begun collaborating with developers to integrate ASD support, suggesting broader adoption in future titles. If you’re considering upgrading or building a new rig, models like the RX 9070 XT now offer more than raw power—they deliver smarter performance that adapts to how you play.

Looking ahead, technologies like ASD highlight a shift toward software-driven optimization in hardware. As games grow more complex, features that mitigate performance hurdles without sacrificing visuals will become increasingly valuable. For now, AMD’s latest GPUs stand out not just for their specs, but for the intelligent enhancements that make them feel truly next-gen.