Core Ultra 5 250K Plus: iGPU offers 1080p gameplay close to Steam Deck

Tests show that the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus iGPU delivers usable frame rates at 1080p, with comparisons to the Steam Deck and modern GPUs.

Surprising iGPU performance in the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

Overclocker Alva Jonathan, known as Lucky_n00b, released direct tests of the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, showing that its iGPU still delivers usable frame rates at 1080p.

Benchmark results

In the 3DMark Fire Strike synthetic benchmark, the iGPU scored 5,147 points, placing it slightly above the 8 CU RDNA2 GPU present in the Steam Deck and just below the Ryzen 5 8500G with 4 CU RDNA3.

Gaming performance

• Counter Strike 2 91fps at 1080p Low with FSR Balanced
• Genshin Impact 60fps at 1080p Low with FSR 0.8x
• Horizon Zero Dawn 30fps at 1080p Original with FSR Ultra Quality
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider 34fps at 1080p Low

Test conditions and observations

The test was performed with DDR5-6000 memory, different from the recommended DDR5-7200+ for Intel high-performance setups, which suggests that more performance may be on the way.

There is also the possibility of overclocking the iGPU. Furthermore, users often use the iGPU as a temporary solution until a dedicated GPU becomes available, and the tests show that it is possible to play with this intermediate solution.

Comparisons and limitations

Even so, entry-level cards like the Arc A380 or GTX 1650 still outperform the iGPU, but the advantage lies in the convenience of not depending on a dedicated GPU for immediate use, with the iGPU offering AV1 encoding up to 4K 60fps without loading the CPU or dedicated GPU.

Conclusion

In short, saving about £10 by choosing an F-series model without an iGPU might not be worth it for those aiming for more stable gaming. The suite of tests suggests that the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus presents a useful backup option while waiting for a dedicated graphics card.

Fahd Temsamani, Senior Writer at Club386.

Would you use the iGPU as a backup solution or would you invest in a dedicated GPU right away? Tell us in the comments what you would do.

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