Intel’s future consumer GPUs will be known as Intel Arc. The new Arc brand will encompass both the hardware and software that enable Intel’s high-end discrete GPUs, as well as several hardware generations. The first of them, originally known as DG2, is scheduled to arrive in Q1 2022 under the codename “Alchemist.”
Intel’s Arc-based Alchemist GPUs will be available in both desktops and laptops in early 2022, with Intel intending to compete with both AMD and Nvidia in this space. While we don’t yet know much about the performance of the initial Alchemist GPUs, Intel released a teaser video today showing prototype hardware powering PUBG, Psychonauts 2, Metro Exodus, and other games. Mesh shading, variable rate shading, video upscaling, and real-time ray tracing will be supported by Intel’s Arc GPUs. Most significantly, Intel promises AI-accelerated super sampling, implying that Intel will compete with Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. In June, AMD released its FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) response to DLSS, although it solely uses spatial upscaling rather than AI-based temporal upscaling.
The goal of all of these methods is to upscale games from lower resolutions to give smoother frame rates without sacrificing visual quality noticeably.
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,” says Roger Chandler, head of Intel’s client GPU business. “We have teams doing incredible work to ensure we deliver first-class and frictionless experiences when these products are available early next year.”
