Intel: We Will Not Abandon Our Self-Developed GPU Product Line #
After Intel announced its surprising collaboration with NVIDIA to integrate RTX GPUs into next-generation x86 chips, speculation quickly spread: is Intel walking away from its own GPU roadmap?
Intel responded promptly, clarifying that the partnership is supplementary—not a replacement—and its Arc, Gaudi, and Shores series GPUs remain central to its strategy.
Intel’s Existing GPU Lines #
Intel currently supports two major GPU families:
- Gaudi & Shores series: Designed for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads in data centers.
- Arc series: Discrete GPUs for consumers and professionals, gradually gaining traction with strong price-performance despite limited market share.
Intel confirmed these products will not be discontinued, even as NVIDIA GPUs enter the roadmap.
Upcoming Roadmap: Xe3 and Nova Lake #
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Xe3 Architecture (Celestial):
Intel’s third-generation Xe graphics will debut with the Panther Lake CPU. These will be powered by Intel’s own GPU technology, without NVIDIA involvement. -
Nova Lake Platform:
Future SoCs, such as Nova Lake-AX, could integrate up to 48 Xe3 cores. However, rumors suggest some versions may adopt a hybrid design with RTX GPUs, echoing the Kaby Lake-G experiment from 2017 (Intel CPU + AMD Vega GPU).
Intel’s advanced Foveros packaging makes this heterogeneous mix possible, providing chiplet flexibility for both AI/HPC and client platforms.
The Role of Arc Discrete Graphics #
Intel continues to emphasize Arc GPUs:
- The Battlemage (BMG) architecture is the current iteration.
- High-end BMG-G31 chips are expected to surpass the Arc B580 in performance.
- Despite NVIDIA’s 94% market dominance, Intel is determined to keep competing in the discrete GPU space rather than abandon it.
A Dual-Track GPU Strategy #
Intel’s forward-looking GPU approach will likely follow two parallel tracks:
- Hybrid SoCs: Pairing Intel CPUs with NVIDIA GPUs for specialized, high-performance solutions.
- Self-Developed GPUs: Continuing Arc, Gaudi, Shores, and future Xe architectures for AI, HPC, and consumer markets.
This strategy allows Intel to leverage NVIDIA’s AI strengths while ensuring long-term competitiveness in graphics and compute.
Conclusion #
The NVIDIA partnership signals Intel’s flexibility, but not surrender. Expect to see:
- Hybrid Intel–NVIDIA SoCs for niche and premium platforms.
- New Xe3-based GPUs powering Panther Lake and Nova Lake.
- Arc discrete GPUs continuing to challenge NVIDIA and AMD.
Intel’s dual-track roadmap confirms one thing: the company isn’t giving up on GPUs—it’s doubling down with a broader, more diversified strategy.