An independent developer has released an experimental project that brings Intel's XeSS super resolution and frame generation technologies to Linux via Valve's Proton compatibility layer. This unofficial build enables the use of the GPU's XMX (matrix) units for XeSS processing, bypassing the less performant DP4a fallback typically used by default Wine and Proton versions.
The project aims to deliver 'real Intel XeSS' acceleration, as Intel itself has committed to bringing its XMX-powered XeSS to Linux. However, this developer has provided an immediate solution for users with Intel Arc GPUs and compatible handhelds. The build was tested on a OneXPlayer 3 with an Intel G3 Extreme chip, the same silicon found in devices like the MSI Claw and Acer Predator Atlas 8, and also on a discrete Intel Arc B580 GPU.
Early benchmarks show significant performance gains. In Cyberpunk 2077, switching to XMX processing for upscaling alone yielded a 29% performance boost. When XeSS Frame Generation was also enabled, the performance increase jumped to a substantial 145%. Forza Horizon 5 also saw improvements, with a 16% bump from XMX upscaling and a healthy frame rate increase with frame generation.
Installation is reportedly straightforward: users extract the release archive and run an install command. This should enable patched drivers for all games without requiring special launch options. A key requirement for this implementation is the use of the native Steam client, as the Flatpak version of Steam is not currently supported.
This experimental release offers a compelling stopgap measure for users eager to leverage Intel's XeSS technology on Linux. While an official release from Intel is anticipated, this community effort provides immediate benefits for those with Intel Arc graphics silicon, potentially revitalizing interest in Linux gaming setups, especially considering the relatively affordable pricing of Intel Arc cards like the B580 and B570.