Intel announced this week that it has completed and tested its first graphics processor based on the Xe-HPG (DG2) architecture.
Intel DG2, Intel’s next gaming GPU is ready
The company reconfirmed that it is working on a stack of discrete Xe-HPG GPUs to be deployed for mid-range and upper-mid-range video games starting next year.
Meanwhile, Intel began shipping its DG1 discrete GPU based on the Xe-LP architecture for entry-level gaming PCs.
“We’re deploying our state-of-the-art GPU for DG2 customers,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan during a phone call with analysts and investors about the company’s earnings. “Based on our high-performance Xe gaming architecture, this product will bring our discrete graphics capabilities to the enthusiast segment.”
DG1 is Intel’s first discrete GPU in two decades and is based on the same Xe-LP architecture used for the latest embedded GPUs in Tiger Lake processors. Intel is currently shipping its DG1 GPUs and expects to see the first PCs with its discrete graphics inside come to market later this quarter.
Intel’s Xe-HPG GPUs will support RayTracing hardware acceleration among other features.
Intel’s Xe-HPG GPU family will consist of multiple GPUs targeted at mid- to high-end market segments. Intel has not yet revealed how many discrete Xe-HPG graphics chips it plans to bring to market next year. Intel has also not revealed whether it will have a Xe-HPG GPU that will compete at the top end against AMD and Nvidia.
However, Intel is currently launching its Xe-HP data center GPUs, manufactured with the enhanced 10nm SuperFin process technology and with a performance of about 40 TFLOPS (FP32).
There is hope that the DG2 will be a serious competitor to the options of AMD and Intel next year. We will keep you informed.