Intel has officially launched XeSS Multi Frame Generation (MFG) across its Arc graphics cards, marking a significant advancement in gaming technology. With the release of driver version 8509, this feature is now available on both the Arc A-series (Alchemist) and the Arc B-series (Battlemage) desktop graphics cards, as well as certain mobile chips. In a recent test by PCGH, the technology was evaluated on the Arc A770 (16GB) and the newer Arc B580 (12GB), the flagship models of their respective generations.
The announcement comes as Intel aims to enhance the gaming experience by significantly increasing frame rates. PCGH’s testing focused on seven modern games at a resolution of 2560×1440 with XeSS set to Quality mode. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in performance, showcasing the potential of XeSS MFG to transform gaming visuals.
Understanding XeSS Multi Frame Generation
Traditionally, frame generation involves inserting one AI-generated frame between two real frames, effectively doubling the displayed frame rate. This is known as 2x frame generation. However, Intel’s MFG technology takes this a step further by inserting up to three generated frames between each real one, allowing for up to 4x MFG. In practical terms, this means the GPU renders one real frame, and AI creates up to three additional frames in between, dramatically increasing the displayed frames per second (FPS).
While this innovation offers substantial performance gains, it does come with a trade-off: increased latency. To mitigate this, Intel requires developers to support XeLL (Xe Low Latency), a technology similar to Nvidia Reflex, which reduces the render queue and helps keep input delay under control.
Benchmark Results: A770 and B580 Performance
PCGH’s tests revealed that the Arc A770 showed impressive scaling across all seven games. With 2x Frame Generation, performance increased between +70% and +81%, depending on the title. Transitioning to 3x MFG pushed gains to around +116% to +156%, while enabling 4x MFG delivered increases between +183% and +219%. For instance, Assassin’s Creed Shadows reached +219% at 4x MFG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hit +218%, and Hogwarts Legacy achieved +204%. This means frame rates nearly tripled compared to native rendering in several games.
The newer Arc B580 performed equally well, and in some cases, slightly better. With 2x Frame Generation, gains ranged from +75% to +88%. At 3x MFG, improvements reached as high as +165%, and with 4x MFG enabled, performance increases climbed between +202% and +230%. F1 25 saw a massive +230% boost, Assassin’s Creed Shadows reached +228%, and Clair Obscur recorded +224%.
Implications and Future Prospects
Intel recommends starting from at least 60 base FPS before enabling frame generation to ensure the best experience. Although latency does increase with higher multipliers, the performance uplift is undeniable. The results from PCGH’s testing suggest that XeSS Multi Frame Generation delivers significant frame rate gains on both the Arc A770 and Arc B580, demonstrating that Intel’s technology remains robust, even on older GPUs.
This development follows a growing trend in the gaming industry to leverage AI and machine learning to enhance gaming experiences. As Intel continues to refine its technology, gamers can expect even more immersive and responsive gameplay. The move represents a bold step forward in Intel’s strategy to compete with other major players in the graphics card market, such as Nvidia and AMD.
Looking ahead, the success of XeSS MFG could influence future developments in gaming technology, pushing other companies to innovate further. As the demand for high-performance gaming continues to rise, Intel’s advancements might set a new standard for what gamers expect from their hardware.
