During the conference. From Intel they have given new details of their XeSS algorithm at the GDC, the conference for video game developers. And thanks to it we have been able to learn new details of its operation, quality levels and performance of this alternative to NVIDIA DLSS for ARC Alchemist graphics cards. What are those news?
The concept of super resolution algorithms is very simple. It is based on generating the frame under a lower resolution (A) and then through several processes, (B) getting an image at the same resolution, but in less time than if we made the graphics card render from the beginning at that resolution. number of pixels on the screen (C). So what you’re looking for is A+B The most popular of these algorithms is NVIDIA’s DLSS, which takes advantage of systolic arrays dubbed Tensor Cores to speed up the execution of certain algorithms. From Intel they have not wanted to be left behind, since they have not only implemented the XMX or Xe Matrix Extensions as a counterpart to the NVIDIA hardware, but also the Xe Super Sampling as a super resolution algorithm, which like that of its rival is also based on deep learning. Through a long presentation held at the GDC the Intel XeSS has been shown for the first time. The first and most notable thing is that it will offer five different quality modes, which will depend on the resolution ratio, by dimension, between the frame generated internally by the graphics card and the output card.New details of Intel XeSS at GDC
Thus, the highest image quality is obtained with a factor of 1.3 times, which translates into a resolution increase of 70% which Intel has called Ultra Quality mode. Instead, at the other extreme we have the Ultra Performance with a factor of 3 times, therefore, with the ability to increase the resolution up to 9 times more. Of course, with a much worse image quality. In total, 5 Intel XeSS modes have been presented at GDC.
Another novelty is that it is an algorithm with temporality, since according to Intel, its Xe Super Sampling replaces the temporary AntiAliasing. Also, contrary to what happens with the NVIDIA DLSS where the times depend on the graphics card. In this case it will be the same for all graphics cards. Of course, it is assumed that the times will not be the same in all resolutions and quality levels.
In addition, we must bear in mind that there are two versions, one using the SIMD units of the graphics card and which will end up being open source and accessible to all GPUs such as AMD FSRs and another variant that will take advantage of the XMX units of the ARC Alchemists. In any case, at the moment we do not know what the list of games on the market that will support Intel XeSS will be, but everything indicates that we will have to wait for the presentation in five days to find out.
