DLSS or XeSS in a Gaming Laptop: Which Upscaler Should You Use?

What are DLSS and XeSS?

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) are upscaling technologies that render a game at a lower resolution and then use AI to reconstruct a higher-resolution image. The goal is to raise performance while keeping image quality close to native resolution. Both are built into the graphics driver or the game engine, and both can be turned on in a game's graphics settings.

DLSS is developed by NVIDIA and is available on GeForce RTX GPUs. The RTX 50 series uses fifth-generation Tensor Cores for DLSS, and the page from NVIDIA states that DLSS 5 introduces 3D-Guided Neural Rendering, which uses AI to infuse game scenes with lifelike lighting and materials. DLSS includes Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction, and Multi Frame Generation, which can generate up to five frames per rendered frame on RTX 50 series GPUs.

XeSS is developed by Intel and is available on Intel Arc GPUs and on select Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics. The Intel page mentions that Intel Core Ultra processors may have an Intel Arc GPU for graphics and AI acceleration, and that they can support game upscaling. XeSS works similarly to DLSS: it renders at a lower resolution and uses AI to upscale, but it is not tied to NVIDIA hardware.

How DLSS and XeSS compare

The main difference is hardware support. DLSS requires an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU, while XeSS works on Intel Arc GPUs and some Intel integrated graphics. If your gaming laptop has an RTX GPU, you can use DLSS. If it has an Intel Arc GPU or an Intel Core Ultra processor with Arc graphics, you can use XeSS. Some games support both, so you can choose based on your hardware.

DLSS has a longer track record and broader adoption in games, and NVIDIA's page highlights DLSS as a key feature of the RTX 50 series. XeSS is newer but is designed to be open and works on multiple vendors' hardware, including Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA GPUs, though the Intel page only mentions Intel Arc and Core Ultra. For a gaming laptop, the choice often comes down to which GPU you have.

Both technologies aim to improve performance without a big hit to image quality. DLSS uses dedicated Tensor Cores on RTX GPUs, while XeSS uses the AI accelerators on Intel Arc GPUs or the NPU on Core Ultra processors. The exact quality and performance will vary by game and settings, but the principle is the same: lower internal resolution, AI upscaling, higher frame rate.

Which GPUs support DLSS and XeSS?

DLSS is exclusive to NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. The RTX 50 series laptops, such as the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070, RTX 5060, and RTX 5050, all support DLSS. The NVIDIA page states that DLSS Multi Frame Generation is available on RTX 50 series GPUs, and that Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction boost FPS by reconstructing high-resolution images from a lower resolution input.

XeSS is supported on Intel Arc GPUs and on Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics. The Intel page says that Intel Core Ultra processors may have an Intel Arc GPU for graphics and AI acceleration, and that they can support game upscaling. This means a gaming laptop with an Intel Core Ultra processor and no discrete GPU can still use XeSS for upscaling.

If you are choosing between laptops, check the GPU. An RTX 50 series GPU gives you DLSS with Multi Frame Generation. An Intel Arc GPU or a Core Ultra with Arc graphics gives you XeSS. Some laptops may have both an Intel CPU and an NVIDIA GPU, in which case you can use DLSS on the NVIDIA GPU.

Image quality and performance

Both DLSS and XeSS are designed to deliver image quality close to native resolution while improving performance. DLSS uses AI to reconstruct high-resolution images from a lower resolution input, and on RTX 50 series it can generate multiple frames per rendered frame. XeSS uses AI upscaling on Intel hardware to achieve a similar effect.

The performance gain depends on the game and the settings. DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction can boost FPS, and Multi Frame Generation can multiply performance further. XeSS also aims to increase frame rates, but the exact improvement will vary. Neither technology is a substitute for a powerful GPU, but they can help a mid-range laptop run more demanding games at higher settings.

For competitive play, a higher frame rate can be more important than absolute image quality. DLSS and XeSS both allow you to lower the internal resolution to gain FPS, then upscale to the display's native resolution. This can be useful on a 144Hz or 240Hz display, where a higher frame rate makes motion look smoother. The gaming laptop refresh rate guide explains more about refresh rates.

What to pick for your play

If your gaming laptop has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU, DLSS is the natural choice. It is widely supported and includes features like Multi Frame Generation on the RTX 50 series. If you are buying a new laptop, look for an RTX 50 series GPU to get the latest DLSS features. The best RTX 5070 gaming laptops and best RTX 5060 gaming laptops guides list models with these GPUs.

If your laptop has an Intel Arc GPU or an Intel Core Ultra processor with Arc graphics, XeSS is the option to use. It provides AI upscaling without needing an NVIDIA GPU. This can be a good choice for a laptop that relies on integrated graphics or a budget Intel Arc discrete GPU. The best gaming laptops guide includes a range of options.

For most gamers, the GPU brand will decide the upscaler. If you are choosing between laptops, consider the GPU first. An RTX 50 series GPU offers DLSS with Multi Frame Generation, which can be a significant advantage in demanding games. An Intel Arc GPU offers XeSS, which is a capable alternative. The best gaming laptops for AAA games guide can help you compare options.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Is DLSS better than XeSS?

DLSS is more widely supported and includes features like Multi Frame Generation on RTX 50 series GPUs. XeSS is a capable alternative on Intel hardware. The best choice depends on your GPU.

Can I use XeSS on an NVIDIA GPU?

XeSS is designed to work on multiple vendors' hardware, but the Intel page only mentions Intel Arc and Core Ultra. On an NVIDIA GPU, DLSS is the intended upscaler.

Does DLSS require an RTX GPU?

Yes, DLSS is exclusive to NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. The RTX 50 series supports the latest DLSS features.

Does XeSS work on integrated graphics?

Yes, XeSS can work on Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics, according to the Intel page.

Which upscaler should I use for competitive gaming?

For competitive gaming, a higher frame rate is often more important. DLSS with Multi Frame Generation on RTX 50 series can multiply performance, which is useful on high refresh rate displays.