Intel’s latest development is set to enhance the capabilities of Meteor Lake chips. Thanks to the newly released XeSS SDK 2.1.1, these chips will now support XeSS Frame Generation without the need for full XMX tensor engines, an innovation that promises to boost gaming performance on devices using Meteor Lake iGPUs.
Unlocking XeSS Frame Generation on Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake iGPUs are now equipped to handle the XeSS Frame Generation feature through the latest XeSS SDK 2.1.1. This update brings new APIs designed to optimize performance. Unlike Discrete Arc GPUs and the Xe2-based iGPUs on Intel Arrow Lake-H and Lunar Lake chips, Meteor Lake lacks dedicated XMX tensor engines. Instead, it utilizes DPAS AI units, also known as XMX-Lite, which is the reason XeSS Frame Generation was not initially supported on Meteor Lake. This advancement allows the chips to use DPAS units for frame generation, even without full tensor hardware.
Enhanced Gaming Performance with XeSS SDK 2.1.1
The Xe-LPG architecture of Meteor Lake iGPUs introduces certain challenges when running Frame Generation, similar to those faced by the Arc A and B series GPUs. However, with the new SDK, developers can utilize lower-precision neural weights, a smaller FG model variant, and DPAS-optimized kernel paths to enable these chips to run Frame Generation. While performance may not match that of Arc GPUs, users can expect increased fluidity in games. Reports suggest that Intel has updated the developer guides, indicating that the XeSS FG should now function with all GPUs that support SM 6.4, including both Intel and non-Intel cards.
The Future of Frame Generation on Integrated Graphics
XeSS Frame Generation, Intel’s technique of inserting artificial frames between real ones, enhances gameplay smoothness. With the recent update, Meteor Lake-based laptops and handhelds can achieve higher frames per second, addressing their usual struggle with maintaining high FPS. As developers integrate the new SDK, they can update games to leverage Frame Generation on Meteor Lake, with full support expected soon through Intel’s upcoming iGPU drivers.