Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU: Everything You Need to Know About the Integrated GPU
April 2025
Introduction
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU is an integrated graphics solution that continues to be popular in budget laptops and compact PCs. Although discrete graphics cards dominate the high-performance segment, the Iris Xe 96EU offers a balance between energy efficiency and capabilities for everyday tasks. In this article, we’ll explore who this graphics solution is suitable for, how it handles gaming and professional applications, and what to pay attention to when choosing a device based on it.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Architecture: The Iris Xe 96EU is built on the Xe-LP (Low Power) microarchitecture, optimized for mobile and energy-efficient systems. In 2025, Intel continues to utilize the Intel 7 process technology (equivalent to 10nm Enhanced SuperFin), which ensures low heat output.
Unique Features:
- XeSS (Xe Super Sampling): Artificial intelligence enhances image resolution with lower resource costs. In games, this allows for 30-45 FPS at Full HD on medium settings.
- DirectX 12 Ultimate Support: Ray tracing is theoretically possible, but in practice, it is limited due to a lack of computational power.
- Adaptive Sync: Reduces screen tearing when connected to monitors with refresh rates of up to 120Hz.
Lack of DLSS/RTX Alternatives: Unlike NVIDIA, the Iris Xe does not support hardware ray tracing at the level of discrete RTX cards. AMD's FidelityFX is also not adapted for this graphics solution, but XeSS partly compensates for this shortcoming.
2. Memory: Type, Volume, and Impact on Performance
Memory Type: The Iris Xe 96EU utilizes system RAM (DDR4 or DDR5), which is a key limitation. For maximum performance, the following are critically important:
- Dual-channel mode (for example, 2 × 8 GB instead of 1 × 16 GB).
- High frequency: DDR5-5200 provides up to a 20% FPS increase in games compared to DDR4-3200.
Bandwidth:
- With DDR5-5200 in dual-channel — up to 83.2 GB/s.
- With DDR4-3200 — about 51.2 GB/s.
Recommendations: A minimum of 16 GB of RAM, with 2-4 GB allocated for video memory through BIOS settings. This is especially important for gaming and graphic work.
3. Gaming Performance
Iris Xe 96EU is a solution for casual gamers. Here are FPS examples in popular titles (settings: medium, resolution 1080p, DDR5-5200):
- CS2: 60-70 FPS.
- Fortnite (without Ray Tracing): 45-55 FPS (in Performance mode).
- GTA V: 50-60 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: 20-25 FPS (requires lowering to 720p and using XeSS).
Resolutions Above 1080p:
- In 1440p, FPS drops by 30-40%, making only older titles playable comfortably.
- 4K is not recommended even for video playback — insufficient memory bandwidth.
Ray Tracing: Technically supported via DirectX 12, but in reality, it results in FPS dropping below 15 frames. Activating ray tracing isn’t practical.
4. Professional Tasks
Video Editing:
- Hardware acceleration for encoding/decoding using Quick Sync Video (supports H.265, AV1).
- In DaVinci Resolve, rendering 1080p video takes 30% less time compared to CPU-based software.
3D Modeling:
- In Blender, Iris Xe handles simple scenes (up to 500k polygons) but requires a discrete card for complex tasks.
- OpenCL is supported, but performance is 3-4 times lower than that of the NVIDIA GTX 1650.
Scientific Calculations:
- Suitable for basic tasks in MATLAB or Python (NumPy), but CUDA acceleration is not available.
Conclusion: A solution for students and beginners, but not for professional studios.
5. Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP: Depending on the processor (e.g., Core i5-1240P) — 15-28W. The graphics itself rarely consumes more than 10-15W.
Cooling:
- In laptops: passive or compact cooler.
- In mini-PCs (e.g., Intel NUC): active cooling is required.
Case Recommendations: For PCs with Iris Xe, compact Mini-ITX cases are suitable, but at least one exhaust fan is essential. Overheating can lead to CPU and GPU throttling.
6. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Radeon 780M (Ryzen 5 7640U):
- 15-20% faster in games due to RDNA 3 architecture.
- Better optimized for 1440p.
- Laptop prices: starting from $800 compared to $600-750 for models with Iris Xe.
NVIDIA GeForce MX550:
- Performs better in games (by 25-30%) but requires more power (TDP 25W).
- More stable drivers, but system costs are higher ($700-900).
Conclusion: Iris Xe 96EU is the optimal choice for those who value a balance of price and energy efficiency.
7. Practical Tips
Power Supply:
- For PCs: a power supply of 300-400W is sufficient (with allowance for upgrades).
- For laptops: a standard adapter of 65-90W.
Compatibility:
- Only supports Intel processors of the 12th-14th generations (Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, Meteor Lake).
- Must support DDR4/DDR5 in dual-channel mode.
Drivers:
- Regularly update through Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
- Avoid "gamer" builds from third-party websites as they may compromise stability.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Sufficient for office, study, and casual gaming.
- Support for AV1 and HDMI 2.1.
Cons:
- Performance is dependent on RAM speed.
- Not suitable for modern AAA games.
- Lacks full ray tracing capabilities.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is Iris Xe 96EU Suitable For?
This graphics solution is a good option for:
- Students — enough power for studying, streaming video, and easy gaming.
- Office Users — energy efficiency and quiet operation.
- Mini-PC Owners — compactness and support for 4K displays.
Device Cost: Laptops — $600-900, mini-PCs — $400-600.
Alternatives: If you need gaming performance or professional capabilities, consider systems with NVIDIA RTX 2050 or AMD Radeon 780M. However, the convenience comes at a higher price.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU may not be revolutionary, but it is a sensible compromise in the world of integrated graphics. It proves that even without a discrete graphics card, you can remain productive while occasionally indulging your gaming preferences.