Intel Arc GPUs have faced challenges on Linux and SteamOS, particularly due to the lack of support for their XMX engines, specialized AI cores designed for tasks like upscaling and frame generation. A new project, XESS XMX Linux, changes this by enabling these engines, leading to substantial performance improvements. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 saw frame rates jump from 55 FPS to 75 FPS at 1440p Ultra settings with XeSS quality enabled, according to ETA Prime.
Explore how this modified driver impacts popular games like Spider-Man 2, The Witcher 3, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with gains ranging from 11% to nearly 29%. Learn how to install and configure the driver on SteamOS or Bazzite, and understand the broader implications for Linux gaming. Whether you’re seeking smoother gameplay or sharper visuals, this deep dive offers actionable insights into maximizing Intel Arc GPU performance.
TL;DR Key Takeaways :
- The XESS XMX Linux project activates the previously unused XMX engines in Intel Arc GPUs, significantly improving frame rates and visual quality on Linux and SteamOS in supported games.
- Cyberpunk 2077 saw a 28.8% FPS increase at 1440p Ultra settings with XeSS quality, rising from 55 FPS to 75 FPS, and enabling XeSS frame generation pushed the frame rate beyond 110 FPS.
- Other games also benefited from the modified driver, with FPS gains of 18% in Forza Horizon 6, 26% in Spider-Man 2, 23% in The Witcher 3, and 11% in Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1440p settings.
- The driver improves visual quality by allowing XeSS to use XMX engines instead of GPU cores, freeing up resources for rendering and enhancing image fidelity and gameplay smoothness.
- Performance gains were observed across various Intel GPUs, including integrated models, making the driver a promising development for Linux gamers, with potential for further optimizations in the future.
Intel Arc GPUs Get a Major Boost on SteamOS with Modified Driver
A new GitHub project, XESS XMX Linux, delivers substantial performance improvements for Intel Arc GPUs on Linux and SteamOS. By activating the GPUs’ previously dormant XMX engines, the modified driver enhances both frame rates and visual quality in supported games. Testing revealed significant gains in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Spider-Man 2, and The Witcher 3.
Unlocking the XMX Engines
The Intel Arc B570, featuring 10 GB of VRAM and AI cores designed for XeSS, has struggled on Linux due to the lack of driver support for its XMX engines. These AI cores are critical for advanced upscaling and frame generation but had remained inactive on Linux and SteamOS. The XESS XMX Linux project addresses this by enabling the XMX engines to handle tasks such as upscaling, frame generation, and multi-frame generation.
Installing the driver involves downloading the latest release from GitHub, extracting the files, and running the install.sh command in a terminal. A system reboot is required to apply the changes. Users can enable the driver for specific games by adding launch commands like XESS=latest in the game’s properties. The driver supports SteamOS and Bazzite on systems equipped with Intel Arc GPUs.
Learn more about Intel Arc GPUs and XeSS with other articles and guides we have written below.
- Intel XeSS XMX Mods Nearly Double SteamOS Handheld FPS
- Intel ARC B570: The $219 Graphics Card Gamers Can’t Ignore
- SteamOS 3.10 on MSI Claw Ex AI Plus Lacks Intel XMX Drivers
- MSI Claw 8 Performace Tweaks : XeSS Pushes Cyberpunk Past 100 on Claw
- Intel Arc B580 Achieves Native SteamOS 3.9 Compatibility
- Intel Arc B580 Brings Local AI to the Desktop for Just $250
- Intel’s ARC B580 GPU: The $249 Gaming Beast You Need to Know About
- Why the Intel Arc Pro B70 Might Be the Ultimate Budget GPU for Local AI
Performance Gains in Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 showed some of the most dramatic improvements with the modified driver. At 1440p Ultra settings with XeSS set to quality, the game initially averaged around 55 FPS. This was due to XeSS operating in DP4A mode, which uses GPU cores instead of the XMX engines, reducing both performance and visual quality.
With the modified driver, the same settings delivered an average of 75 FPS, a 28.8% increase. Additionally, enabling XeSS frame generation, previously unavailable, pushed the frame rate beyond 110 FPS. This feature effectively doubles the frame rate by generating additional frames, providing a significant boost. Although Cyberpunk 2077 lacks native multi-frame generation, it can be activated through launch commands.
Results Across Other Games
The driver also improved performance in other popular titles:
- Forza Horizon 6: At 1440p Ultra settings with XeSS set to quality, the average FPS increased from 73 to 86 FPS, an 18% gain. However, the game does not support XeSS or FSR frame generation.
- Spider-Man 2: At 1440p high settings with XeSS set to quality, FPS rose from 61 to 77 FPS, a 26% improvement.
- The Witcher 3: At 1440p Ultra settings with XeSS set to quality, FPS improved from 66 to 81 FPS, a 23% increase. The remastered version supports XeSS frame generation.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Without scaling, at 1440p high settings, FPS climbed from 72 to 80 FPS, an 11% improvement. Tests were repeated four times to confirm consistency.
These results highlight the driver’s ability to enhance performance not only in XeSS-optimized games but also in titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, which lack such support.
Better Visual Quality with XeSS
Beyond boosting frame rates, the modified driver significantly improves visual quality by allowing XeSS to use the XMX engines instead of GPU cores. Without the driver, DP4A mode impacts both performance and image fidelity. Offloading these tasks to the XMX engines frees GPU cores for rendering, resulting in sharper visuals and smoother gameplay.
Broader Implications for Linux Gaming
The benefits of the XESS XMX Linux driver extend beyond the Arc B570. Performance gains were also observed on integrated GPUs like the B390 and lower-tier models, making it a versatile option for Linux gamers, particularly those using SteamOS or Bazzite.
Although the project is still in its early stages, the results are promising. Typical FPS improvements from driver updates range between 2 to 5 FPS, but this modified driver achieves increases of up to 28.8%. Before its release, average FPS hovered around 58 FPS. Further optimizations could unlock even greater performance gains as the project develops.
The MSI Claw EX was also tested with the modified driver in a separate video, demonstrating its versatility. For Linux gamers with Intel Arc GPUs, the XESS XMX Linux driver represents a significant step forward. By unlocking the hardware’s full potential, it not only boosts frame rates but also enhances the overall gaming experience. Whether playing Cyberpunk 2077, Spider-Man 2, or The Witcher 3, this driver offers a compelling upgrade.
Media Credit: ETA PRIME
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