Discussion about Intel Xe graphics performance and features.
Discussion about Intel Xe graphics performance and features.
It seems Xe will become an iGPU, followed by Intel launching its own dedicated GPU (though I'm not sure if they'll use the same name). But maybe I'm mistaken.
Yes, the low-power DG1 can work as both a dedicated GPU and an integrated GPU.
It is currently envisioned as a flexible, tile-based system. If their strategy works out, they could build anything from compact GPUs to powerful server accelerators. For now, they remain standalone GPUs. If integration with CPUs becomes necessary, adjustments to the design may be required. Ideally, merging their iGPU segment with the XE division would be beneficial, but only if the XE architecture can scale effectively. The iGPU variant of XE would likely occupy just a fraction of a tile. Being tile-based suggests it may sacrifice gaming performance. Creating a tile-based solution will naturally add latency, which is detrimental for games. Unless they develop an intelligent scheduler to minimize die-to-die communication, the single-tile approach could stand out.
They also desire a compact GPU with limited power requirements for their server offerings, still capable of basic tasks. Back then, it was impressive to see some Xeon CPUs include integrated GPUs that could manage simple video processing. Currently, this isn't part of the strategy with XE. The focus is shifting toward machine learning performance, making gaming less relevant. If the design leans heavily on tensor cores, it may only shine in gaming once Nvidia's GameGAN gains traction.
Intel is developing an architecture designed for easy expansion. There are whispers about Gen12 iGPUs built on Tiger Lake (Xe LP) and even large data center cards (Xe HP), aiming to address both your points. Expect a variety of options, ranging from integrated graphics to cards with cores comparable to the 2080Ti. This isn't primarily focused on raw GPU performance, as it's about fixed hardware. It resembles nvdec, which works identically across devices like the 1650 Super and Titan RTX. Xe is intended for general use—whether for gaming or high-performance computing. It seems the primary goal is low-end gaming. There are no signs of additional hardware features such as tensor cores, only some speculation about ray tracing, which remains minimal. Also, GameGAN isn't involved in running games; that might just be a joke, but it's something many won't grasp.