Intel's new upscaling technology, XeSS 2, made a splash when it was first announced alongside the Arc B580 graphics card, but shortly thereafter, it faced significant issues that led to a temporary shutdown of its capabilities. Thankfully, with a recent driver update, XeSS 2 has made its return. I put it to the test using the promising Arc B580, which is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the best graphics cards on the market. So, does XeSS 2 hold up against Nvidia's popular DLSS 3? Let's dive in!

Intel's Gambit Against Nvidia: What's XeSS 2 All About?

XeSS 2 is Intel's strategic push to catch up with Nvidia's enticing DLSS 3 technology. While both technologies share the principle of upscaling, XeSS 2 introduces several compelling features, such as a latency reduction component called XeLL—which is activated by default—and frame generation capabilities. Currently, though, frame generation is functional in just one title: F1 2024. However, Intel has promised it will augment support in future games, including Marvel Rivals and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Remarkable Performance Improvements

Let's start with the highlights. XeSS 2 performs admirably in boosting game performance. My tests showed that in the graphically demanding F1 2024, the Arc B580 managed a mere 29 frames per second (fps) at 4K resolution with Ultra High settings, which includes ray tracing. However, when I switched on XeSS 2, the performance skyrocketed to an impressive 95 fps, a whopping threefold increase! Moreover, for a graphics card priced at around $250, such performance is a game-changer for titles that push hardware capabilities to their limits.

When exploring lower resolutions, the gains are even more extraordinary, pushing performance beyond 100 fps. This is particularly notable given the competitive pricing of the Arc B580, making powerful gaming more accessible to the average consumer.

Frame Generation and Upscaling: How Do They Measure Up?

During my tests, I isolated the performance impact of the frame generation versus upscaling. Surprisingly, the overhead when employing frame generation was relatively minimal. For instance, at 1440p resolution, the expected performance with frame generation theoretically peaks at 98 fps, while my actual result ended at 86 fps. This margin indicates an overhead loss of approximately 12 fps—a reasonable trade-off for such an enhancement in playability.

Interestingly, frame generation showed a higher efficiency at lower resolutions, eschewing the usual CPU bottlenecks. Gamers will find that enabling both upscaling and frame generation lets them smoothly hit close to triple-digit frame rates at 1080p.

Image Quality: A Sweet Surprise

While XeSS 2 exhibits outstanding performance upgrades, its image quality also impresses, especially when compared to early iterations of DLSS 3. Minor stuttering was noted, particularly with visual elements like vehicle names onscreen. This suggests that Intel may still need to refine XeSS 2’s masking process to enhance overall smoothness and minimize artifacts.

The Downsides: Bugs and Limited Game Support

However, it's not all smooth sailing. XeSS 2 has its share of frustrating issues. Engaging XeSS often results in game freezing for several seconds—a far cry from the smooth experience users expect from both DLSS and AMD’s FSR. Furthermore, the integration of frame generation has proven to be particularly troublesome, leading to complete crashes in F1 2024 when attempting to toggle its features.

Intel acknowledges these existing bugs and is aiming to polish the XeSS 2 experience, but as it stands, the limited availability to just one title feels like a missed opportunity. A broader launch is essential for Intel to capture any significant market interest, particularly given that AMD has expanded its FSR capabilities over time.

Conclusion: A Bright Future with Some Rough Edges?

In conclusion, Intel's XeSS 2 emerges as a strong contender against Nvidia's DLSS 3, boasting impressive performance boosts and relatively good image quality. Yet, the road ahead is complicated by bug-ridden performance and a scarcity of game titles featuring this technology. My hope is that Intel can rectify these issues and expand support in the near future. After all, with continued development, XeSS 2 has the potential to solidify Intel's place in the competitive graphics landscape. Remember, the battle for graphics supremacy is far from over! Stay tuned for more developments!