According to engadget, Intel’s new Core Ultra X9 388H processor, with its built-in Arc B390 GPU, was able to run Battlefield 6 at up to 190 frames per second. This was achieved at 1080p resolution with high graphics settings on a Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 laptop, with no dedicated graphics card. The performance relied heavily on Intel’s XeSS3 AI upscaling and 4X frame generation technology. The journalist noted the gameplay felt smooth with no noticeable lag, though they used a controller on a TV. Only the top-tier Core Ultra 3 X7 and X9 chips feature this 12-core Arc B390 graphics, with Intel claiming it’s 80% faster than AMD’s Radeon 890M and rivals an Nvidia mobile RTX 4050.
The AI upscaling catch
Here’s the thing: that 190 fps number is a bit of a magic trick. It’s not raw rendering power. It’s being massively assisted by Intel‘s latest XeSS3 upscaling and, more importantly, a 4X frame generation system. Basically, the GPU is creating three AI-generated frames for every one it actually renders. That’s how you get from a much lower native frame rate to that sky-high number. The reporter said it felt smooth, which is promising, but you have to wonder how it would feel in a fast-paced, competitive mouse-and-keyboard scenario where input lag is king. Earlier frame-gen tech often introduced a weird, floaty feeling. If Intel has cracked that code, it’s a huge deal.
What this means for laptops
So, is the dedicated GPU in thin-and-light laptops dead? Not quite. But the goalposts are moving, fast. For years, “integrated graphics” meant you could maybe play Minecraft or a decade-old game. Now, the promise is that a sleek, professional-looking laptop like the IdeaPad Pro 5 can double as a competent 1080p gaming machine when you’re away from your desk. That’s a compelling sell for a ton of people. It blurs the line between productivity and play in a way we haven’t really seen before. The big limitation, of course, is that you need the priciest Core Ultra 3 chips to get this specific B390 GPU. The more common models with basic Intel graphics won’t come close.
The bigger picture for Intel
This feels like a real milestone for Intel’s Arc graphics. Remember the rough launch a few years back? Driver issues, inconsistent performance? They’ve been grinding away, and claiming a 76% boost over their previous Arc 140T is no small feat. Their direct comparison to AMD’s 890M and Nvidia’s RTX 4050 is a clear shot across the bow. They’re not just trying to be “good for integrated graphics” anymore; they’re gunning for the low-end discrete GPU market. If this level of performance and AI-assisted smoothness holds up in wider testing, it could seriously shake up the entry-level gaming and general-purpose workstation laptop segment. For industries that rely on compact, robust computing power without bulky add-ons, advancements like this in integrated solutions are closely watched. It’s a fascinating battleground: raw silicon versus AI software smarts. And right now, Intel is betting big on the latter.
