protonscr

[BUG] Flickering with OpenVR apps on Intel Arc B580 (xe)

steamvropen bug
ValveSoftware/SteamVR-for-Linux#932 · opened 2026-08-14 by 1zun4 · updated 2026-08-23 · 2 comments · github
11zun4 2026-08-14 github

Describe the bug

On an Intel Arc B580, VR display shows the rendered image and a black frame, causing severe flicker. SteamVR's own overlay and dashboard are unaffected and stay stable even while the flickering app runs behind them. The flicker is also visible in the desktop VR View mirror. Reproduces on both the beta and public branches.

To Reproduce

  1. HTC Vive connected to an Arc B580 via DisplayPort -> mini-DisplayPort into the linkbox.
  2. Start SteamVR, where the void and dashboard render cleanly.
  3. Launch any OpenVR app (reproduced in SteamVR Home, Beat Saber, Pavlov VR).
  4. The app image alternates rapidly with black frames. Opening the dashboard on top shows the overlay stable while the app keeps flickering.

Expected behavior

Application frames presented without interleaved black frames.

System Information:

GPU: Intel Arc B580 (BMG G21), xe driver, Mesa 26.1.6 (vulkan-intel 26.1.6). KDE Plasma 6.7.4 / KWin Wayland. HTC Vive (original), 2160x1200 @ 90 Hz. PCIe Gen4 x8, ReBAR on.

Screenshots

Additional context

No effect: "enableLinuxVulkanAsync": false, render resolution at 100%, supersample filtering off, direct mode on and off, single vs. dual monitor, reinstalling SteamVR. Native and Proton apps behave identically.

Monado works on the same hardware. Switching to Monado with OpenComposite removes the flicker entirely - same GPU, kernel, Mesa, headset, cable, session, and apps.

Ccellos51 2026-08-23 github

I'm experiencing an identical issue to this on the Intel Arc A770 with the i195 driver using the Valve Index.

Nothing extracted yet.