PGC NEWS

Intel is officially entering the discrete graphics card market with its new brand, Intel Arc. This new line will encompass hardware, software, and services, spanning multiple generations of graphics products. The first generation, codenamed Alchemist (formerly DG2), is slated for release in Q1 2022.

Alchemist: The First Generation

Alchemist graphics cards will be available for both laptops and desktops, placing Intel in direct competition with established giants NVIDIA and AMD. While performance details remain under wraps, Intel has teased gameplay footage of PUBG, Psychonauts 2, Metro Exodus, and other titles in its announcement video.

Intel Arc Logo

“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,” said Roger Chandler, Intel’s head of graphics. “We have teams doing incredible work to ensure we deliver first-class and smooth experiences when these products launch next year.”

Feature Highlights

Intel Arc graphics cards will support a range of modern features, including mesh shading, variable rate shading, video upscaling, and real-time ray tracing. Furthermore, Intel is promising an AI-powered intelligent rendering technology, similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS, aimed at delivering smoother gameplay without significant compromises in visual quality.

Beyond Alchemist: Future Generations

While details on the Alchemist architecture and performance are scarce, Intel has revealed codenames for future generations: Battlemage, Celestial, and Druid. More information about these upcoming architectures is expected to be released later in 2021.

A sneak peek at pre-production Intel Arc graphics. Image: Intel Graphics

Intel’s Commitment to Graphics

Intel’s foray into the discrete graphics market is a significant development for the PC gaming landscape. With its resources and expertise, Intel has the potential to disrupt the current duopoly and offer gamers and content creators more choices. The arrival of Intel Arc in Q1 2022 promises to be an exciting time for the industry, and we look forward to seeing how these new graphics cards perform in the real world.

Conclusion

The Intel Arc brand represents Intel’s ambitious entry into the discrete graphics market. With Alchemist launching in Q1 2022, gamers and content creators can anticipate new options for their hardware needs. While specific performance metrics are yet to be revealed, the promised features, including ray tracing and AI-powered upscaling, suggest Intel is aiming to compete directly with the established players. The future generations, codenamed Battlemage, Celestial, and Druid, further highlight Intel’s long-term commitment to this market. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about Intel Arc’s potential to reshape the graphics landscape.