As Intel gears up for the launch of its push into the discrete gaming GPU market, information about the first wave of products has started to come out. We already know that the company has created a new brand called Arc for these GPUs, and that at least four generations have been planned and mapped out already. Now expected in early 2022, the first-generation Intel Arc graphics cards, codenamed ‘Alchemist’, will be based on the Xe graphics architecture – more specifically, the Xe HPG implementation, which was adapted specifically for the gaming PC segment. Beyond this, Intel continues its ambitions in the data centre and high-performance computing spaces for AI and machine learning, with higher-end Xe processors that share the same architectural underpinnings, as well as entry-level integrated graphics based on Xe LP.
While the company is still holding a few secrets, it will soon be competing with Nvidia and AMD, which have up until now had a duopoly in the gaming GPU market. This comes at a time when cryptocurrency mining is still resulting in massive stock shortages and price spikes everywhere, and global semiconductor supplies are stretched thin.
Gadgets 360 recently had a chance to participate in a global roundtable conversation, and we asked some questions to Intel’s Raja Koduri, SVP and GM of Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics, as well as Roger Chandler, VP and GM of Client Graphics Products and Solutions, and Jeff McVeigh, VP and GM of Data Centre XPU Products and Solutions. Here are most important takeaways for gamers and enthusiasts about what we can expect as the official Intel Arc launch draws nearer.
How does Intel want to position itself as a major player in the discrete GPU market? How long are you expecting to take to win significant market share from current major players?
Roger Chandler: The way we’re positioning the product is that Intel brings the full platform. There are opportunities to be providing platform value that’s going to be great for users. Intel is not a stranger to graphics. We’ve been in graphics for years, and over the past couple of years we’ve quadrupled the performance of our integrated graphics, so you actually have integrated graphics products that are basically performing at the same level as some entry-level discrete products. As we as we approach the market, we’re not going to be shy, we’re very aggressive, but it’s going to take time. It’s one step at a time, but we’re in it for the long haul. This is a very big bet for us and …….