Intel Graphics 32EU (Arrow Lake): What Two Xe Cores Can Do

Intel Graphics 32EU is the entry-level integrated graphics solution in Arrow Lake desktop processors. It is used in the Core Ultra 5 225 and Core Ultra 5 225T and includes two Xe cores with a maximum frequency of 1.8 GHz. The main limitation of this version is the presence of just two Xe cores, so it should not be expected to deliver high 3D performance. It is sufficient for everyday work, video playback, and light graphics tasks, but not for demanding modern games.

Two Xe Cores and Shared DDR5 Memory

Intel Graphics 32EU operates at frequencies from 300 to 1800 MHz and includes 32 EUs. It has no dedicated video memory-the GPU uses system DDR5.

The Core Ultra 5 225 and 225T use the same version of the integrated graphics. Intel lists two Xe cores, a maximum frequency of 1.8 GHz, and up to 4 TOPS of INT8 compute performance for both processors.

The processors primarily differ in their CPU frequencies and power limits. The Core Ultra 5 225 has a base power of 65 W, while the 225T is rated for 35 W. The maximum frequency of the integrated graphics is the same in both cases.

Real Systems with Intel Graphics 32EU

Geekbench 6 includes results from prebuilt computers based on both processors. In all three systems, the test detects 32 Compute Units and a maximum frequency of 1800 MHz.

The results range from 9124 to 9530 points. The Dell with the Core Ultra 5 225 is approximately 4.4% faster than the Lenovo with the Core Ultra 5 225T, but this cannot be considered a difference between the processors themselves. Integrated graphics performance is affected by the memory configuration, driver, BIOS settings, power consumption, and operating mode of the specific computer.

The results for the 225 and 225T are close, as expected from the same graphics configuration.

1149 Points in 3DMark Time Spy

In the CPUTronic database, Intel Graphics 32EU scores 1149 points in 3DMark Time Spy. Geekbench 6 gives it 9530 points in OpenCL and 10348 points in Vulkan.

The Time Spy result confirms that there is little 3D performance headroom here. The Xe-LPG architecture does not offset the main limitation: just two Xe cores.

In demanding modern games, settings and resolution will have to be lowered, and a discrete graphics card will be needed for comfortable gameplay in most such titles. Older games and less demanding online projects are a more realistic fit, but that does not make Intel Graphics 32EU a gaming iGPU.

There are still too few public tests of the 32EU specifically in Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Battlefield V, and GTA V to create a complete FPS table for three resolutions. Using results from the 48EU, 64EU, or mobile Arc versions instead would be incorrect.

Its Strong Point Is the Media Engine

The GPU supports hardware encoding and decoding for H.264, HEVC, and AV1, as well as Intel Quick Sync Video.

It also supports DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20, HDMI 2.1 FRL, and output to four displays. The maximum resolution via DisplayPort reaches 7680 x 4320 at 60 Hz.

A discrete graphics card is not needed for an office or home PC, video conferencing, or video playback.

Where Intel Graphics 32EU Is Used

The main confirmed processors with this configuration are:

• Intel Core Ultra 5 225
• Intel Core Ultra 5 225T

Both belong to the Arrow Lake-S desktop family. Models with the F suffix do not have integrated graphics.

Conclusion

In real systems, Intel Graphics 32EU scores around 9.1-9.5 thousand points in Geekbench 6 OpenCL and 1149 points in 3DMark Time Spy. That is sufficient for office applications, web browsing, video, and undemanding games. In demanding modern games, two Xe cores quickly become a limitation, so the Core Ultra 5 225 and 225T are best used with a discrete graphics card in a gaming PC.