Intel's next-generation ArcXe-2 "Battlemage" independent graphics processor will be launched in 2024, targeting the client "game and professional" market segment. It has been more than a year since Intel launched the first Arc independent GPU based on the Xe "Alchemist" core architecture. This independent GPU initially debuted with the ArcA380, and has subsequently released higher-level products such as the A770, A750 and the latest A750.
Since launch, Intel has fine-tuned and fixed numerous performance issues and bugs related to the architecture, drivers, and software ecosystem.
Now, Intel has launched the same ArcXe "Alchemist" architecture iGPU on its Core Ultra "Meteor Lake" CPU. The solution's performance is extremely competitive compared to AMD's RDNA3i GPU, and as the driver continues to improve, we can expect further improvements. However, Intel aims to release a new GPU architecture, Xe2 "Battlemage", in 2024, which will be used in Intel's next-generation Arc Gaming & Pro independent GPUs for desktop and mobile PCs.
At the Core UltraCPU launch conference in Japan, Intel released a client PC roadmap, showing Intel's independent GPU lineup in 2023 and stating that the Xe2 "Battlemage" independent GPU will be released in 2024. Note that the GPU portion of the roadmap only lists Arc standalone products like the ProA60, A60M, and A580, all three of which were launched this year. AlchemistArciGPU for CoreUltraGPU is not mentioned because it does not fall into the category of standalone graphics chips.
Intel uses a different terminology for its iGPUs, which was first mentioned by Raja Koduri. This kind of GPU tile is called tGPU or TiledGPU. There are many things that can be done with TiledGPU. ArcXe is the first generation of this solution. In 2024, Intel will integrate an upgraded version of the ArcXe "Alchemist" iGPU called Xe-LPG+ in the second-generation Core Ultra lineup code-named Arrow Lake, which is expected to be launched in the second half of 2024. The company will then launch Xe2Battlemage on its Lunar Lake, followed by Xe3Celestial in future client chips.
But back to the independent graphics card, this roadmap basically confirms that BattlemageXe2 will enter the independent graphics card solution in 2024. Battlemage GPU is expected to bring many new features, including frame generation technology supported by Intel for the first time. Intel has also added support for next-generation GPUs in the Xe kernel driver for Linux 6.8, demonstrating Intel's commitment to providing a powerful software platform for current-generation as well as next-generation chips like Battlemage.
According to previous reports, BattlemageGPU not only corrects some architectural choices that Alchemist felt were redundant, but also performed very well in the first batch of chips. The first batch of BMG-G10 GPUs (Xe2-HPG) have also reportedly been tested in labs, so if all goes well we can expect more information from Intel in the coming months, and possibly even earlier during the upcoming CES2024 keynote.