The Best Intel Iris Xe Graphics CPUs in 2025

Welcome, tech enthusiasts! As we roll through June 2025, Intel's integrated graphics solutions, particularly those under the Iris Xe branding and its successors in the Core Ultra series, continue to offer impressive capabilities for a wide range of users. Gone are the days when integrated graphics meant sacrificing performance; today, these CPUs provide excellent visual experiences for daily tasks, multimedia, and even a surprising amount of light gaming.

Intel Iris Xe Graphics, first introduced with 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors, marked a significant leap over previous Intel UHD Graphics. In 2025, its evolution within the newer Core Ultra (Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake) chips brings even more power and efficiency. This article focuses on the best CPUs that feature these integrated graphics, perfect for those building compact systems, looking for efficient laptops, or simply not needing a discrete GPU.

Let's explore the top contenders!

1. Intel Core Ultra 7 265H / 255H (Arrow Lake/Lunar Lake Series)

Why it's a top pick: These are Intel's latest and greatest mobile processors, featuring the most advanced integrated graphics (often referred to under the broader "Intel Arc Graphics" umbrella, which builds upon the Xe architecture). For users prioritizing the best possible integrated graphics performance in a laptop, these are the ones to target in 2025.

Key Features & Performance:

• Integrated Graphics: These CPUs feature enhanced versions of Intel's Xe graphics, often with more Execution Units (EUs) and higher clock speeds than previous generations. They are capable of smooth 1080p gaming in esports titles and playable frame rates in many modern AAA games at lower settings. They also excel at media encoding/decoding and creative tasks.
• Processor Performance: With a hybrid architecture combining performance and efficiency cores, these deliver exceptional multi-core performance for demanding applications while maintaining excellent power efficiency for battery life.
• AI Capabilities: A dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI acceleration significantly boosts performance in AI-driven applications, such as image editing, video effects, and smart productivity features.
• Memory Support: Support for the latest LPDDR5/DDR5 memory standards ensures high bandwidth for both the CPU and integrated GPU, which is crucial for maximizing graphics performance.

Who it's for: Power users, content creators, and casual gamers who need strong CPU performance coupled with the best integrated graphics available in a thin and light laptop form factor.

2. Intel Core Ultra 5 245H / 235H (Arrow Lake/Lunar Lake Series)

Why it's a top pick: These Core Ultra 5 variants offer an excellent balance of performance and value. While they might have slightly fewer EUs or lower clock speeds than their Core Ultra 7 counterparts, they still pack a serious punch for integrated graphics, often at a more accessible price point.

Key Features & Performance:

• Integrated Graphics: Equipped with advanced Xe-based graphics, these CPUs handle daily visual tasks with ease. You can expect smooth 4K video playback, efficient photo editing, and solid performance in popular esports titles like Valorant, CS2, and League of Legends at 1080p medium settings.
• Processor Performance: The Core Ultra 5 CPUs provide ample processing power for everyday computing, multitasking, and even light content creation. Their efficiency cores ensure great battery life in portable devices.
• Value Proposition: Often found in well-specced mid-range laptops, these processors deliver a premium integrated graphics experience without the premium price tag of the Core Ultra 7.

Who it's for: Students, everyday users, and budget-conscious gamers who want strong integrated graphics performance for general use and light gaming without breaking the bank.

3. Intel Core i7-1360P / i7-1370P (13th Gen Raptor Lake-P Series)

Why it's a top pick: While part of the previous generation, 13th Gen P-series processors like the i7-1360P and i7-1370P still offer very capable Iris Xe Graphics (96 EUs) and can be found in excellent value laptops in 2025, especially as newer generations become more prevalent.

Key Features & Performance:

• Integrated Graphics: The Iris Xe Graphics in these chips (typically the 96 EU variant) provides solid performance for tasks beyond basic computing. Think casual gaming, photo editing, and 4K video playback.
• Processor Performance: With a good balance of performance and efficiency cores, these CPUs are excellent for multitasking and productivity. They remain strong performers for general office work, web Browse, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
• Availability & Price: As they are not the absolute latest, you might find laptops with these processors at more competitive prices, offering excellent value for their integrated graphics capabilities.

Who it's for: Users looking for a high-value laptop for productivity and light creative work, who can benefit from strong integrated graphics without needing the very latest generation. Excellent for everyday reliability and efficiency.

4. Intel Core i5-1335U / i5-1340P (13th Gen Raptor Lake-U/P Series)

Why it's a top pick: These Core i5 variants provide a fantastic entry point into Iris Xe Graphics performance. They are typically found in more affordable ultrabooks and mainstream laptops, delivering a great balance of power efficiency and visual capability.

Key Features & Performance:

• Integrated Graphics: While often featuring the 80 EU variant of Iris Xe, these chips still deliver a noticeable improvement over older Intel UHD Graphics. They comfortably handle everyday media consumption, basic photo editing, and less demanding games.
• Processor Performance: Excellent for general computing tasks, web Browse, and office applications. Their lower power consumption makes them ideal for thin and light laptops with long battery life.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Laptops with these CPUs often represent some of the best value in the market for users who need a capable and efficient machine for daily use without a significant budget.

Who it's for: Everyday users, students, and travelers who need a portable and efficient laptop that can handle all essential tasks, including media playback and light creative work, with solid integrated graphics.

5. Intel Core i5-1240P / i7-1260P (12th Gen Alder Lake-P Series)

Why it's a top pick: Even further back in the generational stack, these 12th Gen processors still offer Iris Xe Graphics and are now available in extremely affordable refurbished or clearance laptops. They provide a very competent integrated graphics solution for those on a strict budget.

Key Features & Performance:

• Integrated Graphics: The Iris Xe Graphics here (either 80 EUs or 96 EUs) remains a significant upgrade over pre-Xe integrated solutions. It's perfectly adequate for streaming, Browse, office work, and even some older or lighter games.
• Processor Performance: The hybrid architecture of Alder Lake provides strong multi-threaded performance, making these CPUs great for general computing tasks and even some light productivity.
• Unbeatable Value: If your budget is tight, a laptop with one of these processors can offer an incredible performance-per-dollar ratio, providing modern integrated graphics capabilities at a very low cost.

Who it's for: Students, casual users, and anyone needing a highly affordable laptop with capable integrated graphics for everyday tasks, media consumption, and very light gaming.

Disclaimer: CPU models and their integrated graphics capabilities are subject to ongoing development and market availability. Information is accurate as of June 2025 based on current trends and announced roadmaps. Always verify specifications for specific laptop models before purchase.