Intel revealed today its new Arc brand dedicated to new high-performance GPUs that will start shipping in desktops and notebooks in Q1 2022. The first generation of Arc GPUs will be based on Intel’s Xe HPG microarchitecture, and they will support advanced features including hardware-based ray tracing, AI-driven super sampling, and full support for DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Hardest secret we’ve ever kept. Introducing: #IntelArc High Performance Graphics. Welcome to the next chapter in our graphics story! 📖
Learn More: https://t.co/o6MfXmIZ5M pic.twitter.com/tzysk9UBux
— Intel Gaming (@IntelGaming) August 16, 2021
“Today marks a key moment in the graphics journey we started just a few years ago. The launch of the Intel Arc brand and the reveal of future hardware generations signifies Intel’s deep and continued commitment to gamers and creators everywhere. We have teams doing incredible work to ensure we deliver first-class and frictionless experiences when these products are available early next year,” said Roger Chandler, Intel VP and general manager of Client Graphics Products and Solutions.
Intel plans to share more details about upcoming Intel Arc graphics products later this year, and it will be interesting to see if the chipmaker can seriously challenge AMD and Nvidia in the GPU market, especially on laptops. Intel’s upcoming Arc GPUs could help to democratize features like ray-tracing and super-sampling pioneered by Nvidia a couple of years ago, but the competition isn’t resting on its laurels.
Back in June, AMD announced the new AMD Advantage Design Framework, an ambitious partnership with laptop manufacturers aiming to standardize AMD technologies to deliver best-in-class gaming experiences. AMD expects several Advantage gaming laptops to ship later this year, and they will feature AMD FreeSync Premium-certified displays, fast NVME storage, optimal thermal designs, and other premium features.
