Gaming Performance of Intel's Core Ultra Combines Power and Portability

Impressive Speeds on Non-Gaming Laptops

Intel's advancements in integrated Arc graphics have reached a milestone that allows for impressive gaming experiences. Specifically, on the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5, Battlefield 6 can run at a stunning 190 frames per second at 1080p with high settings, all thanks to the embedded Arc B390 GPU in Intel's Core Ultra X9 388H chip. Remarkably, this performance does not require a dedicated graphics card.

However, there is an important factor contributing to this performance: Intel's XeSS3 AI technology enhances graphics through its upscaling and fourfold frame generation. Playing with a controller linked to a TV, the gameplay felt unexpectedly smooth, devoid of the typical latency found in older generation technologies. It's worth noting that any lag may be more pronounced with a precision gaming mouse with high DPI.

Visual Excellence Beyond Expectations

The game's visuals, including elements like shadows, lighting, and particle effects, are rendered with pristine clarity. Sitting on a couch, it’d be easy to mistake this for a gaming console or an affordable gaming PC at work. Although the resolution wasn't tested beyond 1080p, projections suggest that playing at 1440p might still achieve a formidable 100 frames per second.

A Range of Performance in Core Ultra Chips

It’s important to note that not every Core Ultra 3 model can match this level of gaming prowess. Only the X7 and X9 models are equipped with a more sophisticated array of 12 Xe GPU cores alongside the Arc B390 graphics unit. Other variants in the Core Ultra 3 lineup are limited to the standard set of four Xe cores and basic Intel graphics.

Intel stakes a claim that its B390 graphics outperform the built-in Radeon 890M found in Ryzen HX370 processors by 80 percent. Furthermore, it reportedly achieves a 76 percent performance boost over its own Arc 140T. These improvements aim to rival the performance of the mobile RTX 4050 GPU, suggesting that Intel's integration of these features could significantly transform gaming dynamics.