Quality and Speed – Intel XeSS 1.3 looks better and runs faster
XeSS 1.3 has arrived, and Intel are promising boosted image quality and higher framerates
Intel has just released their new 1.3 update for their XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) upscaling technology. With this update Intel has focused on two things, speed and image quality. With this update, Intel’s XeSS upscaler now runs faster and delivers higher levels of image quality. Both changes will come as great news for XeSS users.
Intel’s XeSS technology is an AI upscaler that can boost the performance of games by allowing gamers to boost the resolution of games using AI. For example, instead of running a game at native 1440p, a game can run at a lower resolution and be upscaled to 1440p using XeSS’ AI algorithm. This can allow gamers to achieve higher framerates without a huge drop in image quality. This can allow gamers to push their GPU hardware further. XeSS can allow gamers to play games at higher framerates or higher graphical settings.
Intel XeSS 1.3 promises higher framerates
Using an Intel ARC A750 GPU, Intel has noted that XeSS 1.3 can run 10% faster than normal versions of XeSS on average. At best, Intel has measured a 28% boost in performance in Diablo IV.
Intel released XeSS 1.2 in August 2023, and it delivered minor performance optimisations and stability improvements. Overall, Intel’s XeSS 1.3 update appears to feature larger performance optimisations and quality improvements.
This new version of XeSS will be useful for all PC gamers. XeSS doesn’t just run on Intel graphics cards. Versions of XeSS can also run on graphics cards from AMD and Intel. That said, XeSS’ best version is designed to run on the AI accelerators of Intel GPUs. XeSS will always look best on Intel hardware.
Below is a showcase of the performance gains offered by XeSS 1.33 on an Intel Core Ultra 155H CPU. This is the CPU that is used in MSI’s Claw Gaming handheld.
Image quality improvements
One of the key improvements that Intel has made to XeSS 1.3 is its use of updated AI models. Though both model optimisations and new training, XeSS can now deliver more detailed reconstruction and deliver higher levels of image quality. Below is an example where older versions of XeSS did not do a great job of upscaling Like a Dragon: Ishin. With version 1.3, XeSS now delivers much better results.
With XeSS 1.3, Intel has also added new XeSS presets for users to utilise. This includes a new “native” preset, an “Ultra Quality Plus” option, and a new “Ultra Performance” option. This gives gamers more scalability options with XeSS, making it more scalable than Nvidia DLSS or AMD FSR.
Intel’s XeSS 1.3 SDK is now available to developers on GitHub. Intel are now working with game developers on both upgrades to existing XeSS games and new XeSS game integrations.
You can join the discussion on Intel’s XeSS 1.3 technology on the OC3D Forums.
