Intel’s new Lunar Lake {hardware} is a mirrored image of contemporary chip design.
It’s tempting to name it a “processor” or “CPU” — previous habits die onerous, in spite of everything — nevertheless it’s actually a system-on-a-chip (SoC), each when it comes to structure and philosophy. The CPU cores are joined by built-in GPU cores, a neural processing unit (NPU), and even on-chip RAM. Additionally, in contrast to previous Intel chips, Lunar Lake appears set on putting a steadiness between the three.
That’s keenly felt in Intel’s strategy to Lunar Lake’s built-in graphics (iGPU). Constructing on the success of Intel Core Extremely, Intel’s new processors additionally supply Intel Arc graphics — however this time round, Intel has returned to offering every iGPU a reputation distinctive to its configuration, and the perfect model right here is the Intel Arc 140V with eight Xe Cores and a max frequency of two.05GHz.
In the meantime, Intel’s competitors hasn’t been spinning its wheels. AMD’s newest Ryzen AI processors have their very own built-in graphics updates within the type of the Radeon 880M (succeeding the well-respected Radeon 780M) and the brand new Radeon 890M (which clearly thumped an earlier Intel Arc iteration in our final built-in graphics check).
So, how effectively does the iGPU in Intel’s Lunar Lake chips carry out? Is it a minor enhance over earlier incarnations? Or a significant replace? Spoiler alert: Lunar Lake’s visible chops are ok to allow you to play many trendy video games with out paying additional for a discrete graphics card. Hold studying for our in-depth benchmark check outcomes.
Up to date on November 22, 2024: This text was up to date to incorporate benchmark outcomes from the Asus Zenbook S 14 with Intel Core Extremely 7 258V. Extra testing was performed after preliminary outcomes recommended the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version could be delivering lower-than-typical graphics efficiency for this configuration.
{Hardware} specs for our assessments
Our recreation benchmarks beneath have been performed on two laptops: a Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version with Intel Core Extremely 7 256V processor and an Asus Zenbook S 14 with Intel Core Extremely 7 258V processor.
The Intel Core Extremely 7 processors are high-end Core Extremely 7 chips for slim-and-light laptops, although extra mid-range when it comes to general core rely and efficiency (versus, say, the Intel Core Extremely 9 285K). These chips are frequent decisions for skinny, mild, Intel-powered laptops offered above $1,000. Cheaper laptops might supply them as upgrades.
Whereas neither the Intel Core Extremely 7 256V nor 258V are probably the most highly effective SKUs in Intel’s newest line-up, their iGPU seems to be spectacular on paper. Each are badged as Intel Arc 140V, which is the perfect model of Arc built-in graphics within the Lunar Lake line-up. They’ve eight Intel Xe Cores, the identical quantity as greater Lunar Lake SKUs.
With that out of the way in which, let’s get to the benchmarks.
3DMark
Let’s begin issues off with 3DMark’s Time Spy and Night time Raid assessments. Time Spy is a extra demanding (however nonetheless not particularly punishing) benchmark whereas Night time Raid is a much less demanding benchmark meant for entry-level graphics {hardware}, together with built-in graphics.
Matthew Smith / IDG
The Asus Zenbook S 14’s Arc 140V exhibits sturdy artificial benchmark efficiency, scoring 31,946 in Night time Raid and 4,236 in Time Spy. That’s an enormous enchancment over the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version’s outcomes of 28,193 and three,585, respectively.
Whereas the Zenbook places Intel nearer to competing with AMD’s Radeon 890M, AMD nonetheless maintains a bonus of 39,966 in Night time Raid, although it falls behind in Time Spy. That means we’ll see assorted ends in precise video games, with Asus’ implementation offering stronger efficiency than our preliminary Lenovo check unit.
Onward, to the video games!
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Let’s give a well mannered spherical of applause to Civilization VI. First launched in October 2016, the sport is now eight years previous — and over the course of that journey, it has roughly doubled its lively participant base for the reason that months following its launch (primarily based on publicly obtainable Steam stats).
With Civilization VII due out in 2025, the solar is setting on this title. However, in the meanwhile, it’s nonetheless by far the most well-liked and commercially profitable entry within the Civilization franchise.
It’s additionally a much less demanding recreation that’s playable even when body charges dip beneath 30 FPS, which makes it simple to take pleasure in on mid-range, thin-and-light laptops with built-in graphics.
Matthew Smith / IDG
The Asus Zenbook’s Arc 140V delivers 72.46 FPS common with 43.35 FPS 1% lows. Whereas this matches the Lenovo’s common body fee of 72.6 FPS, the improved 1% low (in comparison with Lenovo’s 55.6 FPS) suggests extra secure efficiency.
Nevertheless, each Intel Arc 140V laptops path considerably behind AMD’s Radeon 890M and Radeon 880M, which common 126.5 and 89.9 FPS, respectively. Even the older Radeon 780M beats Intel’s Arc 140V by a couple of frames per second. That’s an enormous benefit for AMD on this title.
Dota 2
Though not typically mentioned in “mainstream” gaming information, Dota 2 nonetheless usually sits among the many prime three video games on Steam and has a vibrant esports scene. It’s additionally the least demanding recreation used for this check.
Matthew Smith / IDG
Dota 2‘s common body fee sees one other marginal uplift for the Intel Arc 140V. Although it churned out a barely higher common body fee, its benefit comes all the way down to only a handful of frames, which is trivial in a recreation that averages above 100 FPS.
The minimal body fee is extra impactful. The Asus Zenbook S 14 beat a 1% low of 60 FPS, which implies it will possibly typically obtain 60 FPS or higher in even probably the most demanding scenes. Intel Arc 140V beat the 1% lows from the AMD Radeon 880M and 890M laptops by roughly 10 FPS.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version was not as fast, nevertheless, and more-or-less tied its AMD-powered friends.
Last Fantasy XIV
Last Fantasy XIV is a private favourite and stays among the many hottest MMORPGs available on the market.
The newest enlargement, Dawntrail, introduced a graphics replace that noticeably improves texture high quality and polygon rely. That makes it considerably difficult for iGPUs to deal with, although most can ship a median round 30 FPS or higher at Excessive (Laptop computer) element.
Matthew Smith / IDG
These outcomes are the other of what we noticed from Civilization VI. The Intel laptops dominate, with the Asus Zenbook S 14 averaging practically 52 FPS and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version averaging about 45 FPS. Each figures depart AMD’s Radeon 890M and Radeon 880M behind.
Complete Conflict: Warhammer III
Although it sits in the identical grand technique style as Civilization, Artistic Meeting’s Complete Conflict: Warhammer III is way extra demanding. It’s sufficient to problem probably the most succesful iGPUs, even at simply 1080p and the Low element preset. Intel’s Arc 140V is not any exception.
Matthew Smith / IDG
This can be a disappointing outcome for Intel. Whereas the Asus Zenbook S 14 with Intel Arc 140V delivered a small efficiency enhance over the prior technology of Intel Arc, the sport nonetheless can’t present a constant 30 FPS at these settings. The slower Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version is even worse off, because it averaged a tad beneath 30 FPS.
AMD’s Radeon 890M notches a win right here, elevating the minimal body fee above the essential 30 FPS line. The Radeon 880M, then again, finds itself tied with Intel Arc 140V. It’s playable, I suppose, however barely.
Although over 10 years previous at this level, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a recreation that retains on giving. It stays in style and, because of graphical upgrades within the Particular Version, it’s nonetheless considerably demanding for iGPUs when performed at 1080p decision and Excessive element.
Matthew Smith / IDG
These outcomes are good for Intel. Whereas none precisely hit 60 FPS, it’s necessary to notice the sport has a 60 FPS cap. Due to that, it’s the minimal body fee that issues most — and Intel’s Arc 140V beats each the AMD Radeon 890M and Radeon 880M by that metric.
Alternatively, the older Dell Inspiron 14 Plus with Intel Arc delivered efficiency very near the Asus Zenbook S 14 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version with Intel Arc 140V. Skyrim performs effectively on Intel Arc 140V, however Intel’s prior-gen {hardware} is almost pretty much as good.
Cyberpunk 2077
We end off with Cyberpunk 2077, a notoriously demanding recreation that, regardless of a lackluster launch, has roared again to recognition partially because of its visually beautiful and immersive world.
Matthew Smith / IDG
This can be a good outcome for the Intel Arc 140V, which delivers a noticeable enchancment over its predecessor.
Asus’ Zenbook S 14 took a transparent lead over the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version, because the Asus averaged about 48 FPS towards the Lenovo’s 40 FPS. In comparison with the AMD-powered methods, Intel’s Arc 140V appears to edge out the AMD Radeon 880M, nevertheless it falls behind the AMD Radeon 890M.
Nonetheless, it’s necessary to notice the Intel Arc 140V scored each common and minimal body charges above 30 FPS at these settings. Meaning the sport ought to really feel playable on Intel’s Arc 140V — which, given how demanding this recreation might be, is spectacular.
Intel Arc 140V efficiency dialogue
Intel’s Arc 140V is unquestionably superior to the prior-gen Intel Arc providing. How a lot so will depend on the sport, however best-case eventualities see that it will possibly enhance common body charges by as much as 25 p.c.
That will be important in any case, nevertheless it’s particularly necessary for built-in graphics options that always wrestle to hit the 30 FPS goal in trendy titles. An additional 25 p.c can imply the distinction between clearing a minimal body fee of 30 FPS or falling quick a couple of frames — and that’s precisely what occurs in Cyberpunk 2077.
Nevertheless, not each recreation noticed a noticeable efficiency enhance. Civilization VI was no faster on the brand new Intel Arc 140V than it was on an older Dell Inspiron 14 Plus with first-gen Intel Arc. The efficiency uplift was additionally quite marginal in Skyrim and Dota 2. To be honest, although, all these video games have been pleasing on the settings we used for testing.
We additionally noticed a notable distinction in efficiency between the Asus Zenbook S 14 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version. Whereas the previous felt like a good improve over the prior technology, the latter simply barely edged forward.
We’ve additionally tried different laptops with Intel’s Arc 140V, just like the Acer Aspire 14 AI, and we’ve discovered that efficiency leans nearer to the Asus Zenbook S 14 than the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version (thus far). However this goes to point out that, in 2024, you’ll be able to’t rely on a graphics resolution to carry out equally throughout all laptops that use it. You’ll must learn a assessment of the precise laptop computer you wish to purchase.
How does the Intel Arc 140V examine to AMD’s Radeon 880M and Radeon 890M? We’d say the Intel Arc 140V has a common edge over the AMD Radeon 880M however isn’t as fast general because the AMD Radeon 890M. As talked about, it will depend on the particulars of a given laptop computer.
The decision on Intel’s Arc 140V
In abstract, the Intel Arc 140V is an efficient replace over prior Intel Arc built-in graphics. It pushes built-in graphics efficiency in a means that’s at instances significant, particularly in additional demanding video games (like Cyberpunk 2077) that wrestle to supply a gradual 30 FPS. In different video games, like Dota 2, the efficiency enhance is obvious in benchmarks however slim sufficient that it’s onerous to note in actual gameplay.
The true winner in all of this, fact be instructed, is you. Intel Arc and AMD Radeon built-in graphics options are aggressive, and that competitors is forcing each firms to place their finest ft ahead. In truth, Intel Arc 140V and AMD Radeon 880M/Radeon 890M graphics can now ship efficiency that isn’t far behind some laptops with Nvidia GTX 3050 cellular graphics — and due to that, there’s a buffet of modestly priced laptops that may deal with right now’s hottest PC video games.
