Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus Featuring 4 iGPU Cores: Outperforms Steam Deck and Supports 1080p Gaming on Low Settings

The newly launched Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus CPU may lack a powerful dedicated graphics processor, but it outperforms the Steam Deck and supports gaming at 1080p resolution.

Performance of Intel’s 4Xe Core iGPU in the Core Ultra 250K Plus

Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs are equipped with a 4 Xe core integrated GPU (iGPU), a feature present across all their models, including the newly introduced Core Ultra 200S Plus series. Despite not being the most robust graphics solution, the iGPU showcases commendable capabilities.

Overclocker Alva Jonathan, also known as Lucky_n00b, recently ran tests on the Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus. He discovered that while the 4 Xe cores’ graphics performance is not as robust as what one might find in higher-end 8 or 12-core chips from the Lunar Lake and Panther Lake series, it performs quite well for a desktop setup. Notably, this generation of chips employs the older Xe+ Alchemist architecture, while its successors utilize more advanced Xe2 and Xe3 architectures.

Typically, iGPUs in desktop products are seen as supplementary, primarily serving diagnostic functions or as an auxiliary video output in situations where a dedicated graphics card is not available. However, the iGPU within the Arrow Lake lineup brings some unique features to the table.

Performance comparison in 3DMark Fire Strike — Image Source: Alva Jonathan

The iGPU delivers 1.8 TFLOPs of compute power, generating slightly superior performance compared to the Steam Deck, which is equipped with eight RDNA 2 compute units. Additionally, it stands on par with the AMD Ryzen 5 8500G APU that also includes four RDNA 2 units. Remarkably, this compact iGPU operates efficiently with DDR5-6000 memory, minimizing bandwidth requirements.

Counter-Strike 2 gameplay on Intel Graphics 4 Xe

Genshin Impact performance on Intel Graphics 4 Xe

In terms of gaming, the 4 Xe cores demonstrate potential capabilities: achieving an average of 91 FPS in Counter-Strike 2 at 1080p with low settings and FSR (Balanced), and maintaining 60 FPS with Genshin Impact at similar settings. While Horizon Zero Dawn and Shadow of the Tomb Raider offer average frame rates around 30 FPS, these results show that the iGPU can handle moderate gaming demands effectively.

Death Stranding performance on Intel Graphics — Image Source: Alva Jonathan

Another significant advantage of the iGPU is its AV1 Encoder functionality, available on models featuring an enabled iGPU. This capability allows for 4K 60 FPS encoding without placing a heavy load on a discrete GPU. This feature, along with overclocking potential reaching up to 3 GHz, presents engaging options for users looking to utilize the iGPU effectively.

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