The first generation of discrete GPUs, the Intel Arc series with the codename “Alchemist” will be launched in 2022. It is based on Xe-HPG architecture. Intel first reported that the new series of GPUs will launch in early 2022, but some sources just disclosed that this desktop series’s debut will be postponed till the end of next year. This probably means that Intel is concentrating on mobile Arc GPUs primarily, which will be launched almost at the same time as Alder Lake mobile which is the start of 2022.
The desktop series is stealing the limelight because finally, a third player is joining the competition. The biggest problem of 2021 was the unavailability of the GPUs and not their performance. The introduction of this new series is expected to solve this problem. The interviews do not always provide very good answers but they help to draw some conclusions. An important question regarding this series is whether or not Intel Arc GPUs have any sort of algorithms that would discourage cryptocurrency miners from developing interest in these cards.
[…] As far as like software lockouts and things of that nature, we’re not designing this product or building any features at this point that specifically target miners. As far as actions we’re taking to avoid or lock them out, it’s a product that will be in the market and people will be able to buy it. It’s not a priority for us.
— Roger Chandler
Intel is launching Arc GPUs with customized coolers and specifications for which the company is working with ODMs and OEMs. This has been known for a while now, from the time when these companies started working in collaboration on first-gen Xe projects like DG1. The partner companies have themselves revealed a lot of information off the record, not keeping it a secret.
The Intel Executive, when asked about custom Intel Arc GPUs, responded that the company has already given its reference design to facilitate and speed up the designing procedure of custom designs. They have provided the partner companies with all the relevant and essential information to make their custom models, ahead of time. However, it may take months for the project to get completed.
We’re providing the designs that are needed to remove friction for our partners to really accelerate and differentiate themselves on top of our products. Now whether or not it’s comparable to what’s in the market today, we’re not going to go into those details.
— Roger Chandler
Via Gadgets360