Intel Lunar Lake Arc 140V iGPU Shines in Cyberpunk 2077 Ray Tracing Test

Intel Lunar Lake Arc 140V iGPU Shines in Cyberpunk 2077 Ray Tracing Test

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Written By Eric Sandler

Intel has long been working to make its mark in the world of high-performance integrated graphics, and with the release of the Intel Core Ultra 200 series Lunar Lake APUs, they seem to have taken a significant leap forward. Equipped with the Arc 130V and Arc 140V iGPUs, these chips are based on Intel’s innovative Xe2 architecture, and early tests are showing that the Arc 140V, in particular, is pushing the boundaries of what integrated GPUs can achieve—especially in graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

In a recent test, the Arc 140V was put through its paces in Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing and XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) enabled, and the results have been nothing short of impressive. Traditionally, ray tracing has been considered a task reserved for high-end discrete GPUs, but Intel’s latest integrated graphics solution is proving capable of handling this cutting-edge technology with surprising competence.

The Arc 140V: Intel’s Most Powerful iGPU Yet

The Arc 140V iGPU is part of Intel’s strategy to elevate integrated graphics to new heights. Built on the Xe2 architecture, it features enhancements in both power efficiency and performance, allowing it to compete with some lower-end discrete GPUs. The Xe2 architecture builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing a range of improvements in compute efficiency, memory bandwidth, and support for the latest graphical technologies, including ray tracing and XeSS.

What makes the Arc 140V stand out is its ability to handle intensive tasks like ray tracing, which simulates how light interacts with objects in real-time, creating incredibly realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. Traditionally, this has been a feature only available on powerful, dedicated GPUs from NVIDIA or AMD. The fact that Intel’s integrated GPU can manage this in Cyberpunk 2077—a game known for pushing even the best gaming rigs to their limits—marks a significant achievement.

Performance in Cyberpunk 2077: The Test

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most graphically intensive games on the market, particularly when ray tracing is enabled. Running this title on an integrated GPU is no small feat, but Intel’s Arc 140V iGPU performed admirably. With ray tracing and XeSS (Intel’s version of AI-powered supersampling) turned on, the Arc 140V delivered a smooth and visually rich experience.

Ray Tracing: The inclusion of ray tracing in the Arc 140V iGPU demonstrates Intel’s commitment to bringing next-gen graphics technology to more accessible hardware. While the iGPU might not offer the ultra-high frame rates of discrete GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX series, the fact that it can render ray-traced environments at all is noteworthy.

XeSS: Intel’s Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology also played a key role in enhancing performance. Much like NVIDIA’s DLSS, XeSS uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution frames to higher resolutions, allowing for better performance without sacrificing much visual fidelity. XeSS works particularly well in graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, helping maintain playable frame rates even when ray tracing is active.

The performance was solid enough to make the game enjoyable at 1080p resolution with medium settings, with ray tracing adding depth and realism to the environments. For an integrated GPU, this is a considerable achievement, especially for gamers or casual users who might not have access to a dedicated GPU.

Intel’s Push into the GPU Market

Intel’s advancements with the Arc 140V iGPU are part of a broader strategy to challenge the dominance of NVIDIA and AMD in the graphics space. Historically, Intel has been the go-to for CPUs but has lagged behind in terms of GPU technology. However, with the development of its Arc series and the adoption of Xe2 architecture, Intel is clearly signaling its intent to play a bigger role in the GPU market, both in the integrated and discrete spaces.

The Arc 140V iGPU could be a game-changer for users who want to enjoy modern games with respectable graphical fidelity without investing in a discrete GPU. By integrating advanced graphical features like ray tracing and AI-powered supersampling directly into its processors, Intel is bringing high-end gaming performance to a broader audience.

A Glimpse into the Future of iGPUs

The performance of the Arc 140V in Cyberpunk 2077 points to a bright future for integrated graphics. As more games continue to adopt ray tracing and AI-based rendering technologies like XeSS, the gap between integrated and discrete GPUs may continue to narrow. For gamers on a budget or those who prefer the convenience of integrated systems, Intel’s latest Lunar Lake APUs could provide a highly capable solution.

While the Arc 140V isn’t quite ready to dethrone high-end discrete GPUs in terms of raw power, it’s certainly a promising step in the right direction. With each iteration of Intel’s graphics architecture, we’re seeing better performance, more features, and a more compelling case for integrated solutions in gaming and high-performance applications.

Conclusion: Intel’s Arc 140V iGPU Impresses

The Intel Arc 140V iGPU is proving to be an impressive piece of hardware, particularly when tested in demanding environments like Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing and XeSS enabled. The performance results showcase how far Intel has come in the GPU space and hint at a future where integrated GPUs can handle even more graphically intensive workloads.

While the Arc 140V may not yet replace dedicated GPUs for hardcore gamers or professional users, it’s a significant step forward. For casual gamers, content creators, and those who want a solid gaming experience without the need for extra hardware, Intel’s latest Lunar Lake APUs could be an ideal solution. The iGPU’s ability to deliver a visually rich experience with cutting-edge technologies like ray tracing signals a shift in what we can expect from integrated graphics in the years to come.

Eric Sandler

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