Intel abandons development of discrete GPUs for laptops: Explanation provided.
Intel's Arc GPU platform, initially launched for desktop systems, has gained traction in budget and mid-range markets. However, the introduction of the Arc Pro B50 and B60 workstation graphics cards at Computex has marked the arrival of Intel's second-generation Arc GPUs. Despite this, Intel has yet to extend its Arc platform to laptops.
Intel is focusing on integrated graphics solutions, such as those included in the Core Ultra 200H processor, for laptop offerings, viewing them as entry-level workstations. According to Roger Chandler, a significant portion of the market consists of mobile workstations.
In terms of performance, Intel's integrated Arc GPUs on the Intel Core Ultra 200H and Intel Core Ultra 200V chipsets outperform AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in raw computing power. However, AMD regains its advantage in more memory-intensive tasks using its Ryzen AI Max platform.
While gaming on low-to-medium settings at 1080p is achievable, the performance offered by Core Ultra 200H systems may not meet gaming laptop expectations. Nevertheless, Intel continues to exploit these systems in conjunction with discrete Nvidia GPUs for high-end mobile workstations and gaming rigs.
Chandler highlighted that these entry-level workstations are typically used for productivity tasks, such as managing multiple browser tabs and spreadsheets, rather than heavy-duty workstation tasks. He also mentioned artificial intelligence as another factor enhancing performance and making it possible to handle some workstation-class tasks with integrated graphics alone.
Looking ahead, there are rumors that Intel could launch its C-series graphics cards—codenamed "Celestial"—later this year or early next year. While no details have been confirmed about a laptop-focused Arc GPU series, Intel has expressed interest in expanding its Arc discrete graphics platform to laptops in the future.
Nvidia's claim on the laptop GPU market may face disruption if Intel succeeds in adapting its Arc architecture for mobile devices. With Nvidia reportedly focusing more on AI and data center applications, and AMD yet to announce plans for new laptop GPUs, the potential for an Arc GPU-powered laptop could shake up the market.
More:- Hands-on with the HP ZBook Fury 18 G1i, a mobile workstation that surpassed expectations- Intel showcases Panther Lake at Computex- Dell's new laptop forgoes the GPU in favor of a discrete NPU—here's why it matters
- Intel's Arc GPU platform, previously limited to desktop systems, has notably penetrated the budget and mid-range markets.
- The unveiling of the Arc Pro B50 and B60 workstation graphics cards during Computex marks the entry of Intel's second-generation Arc GPUs.
- Despite this development, Intel has not yet expanded its Arc platform to laptops.
- Intel focuses on integrated graphics solutions for laptop offerings, viewing them as entry-level workstations.
- According to Roger Chandler, a substantial portion of the market consists of mobile workstations.
- In terms of raw computing power, Intel's integrated Arc GPUs outperform AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in laptop offerings such as the Core Ultra 200H and Intel Core Ultra 200V chipsets.
- However, AMD regains its lead in more memory-intensive tasks using its Ryzen AI Max platform.
- While gaming on low-to-medium settings at 1080p is achievable, the performance offered by Core Ultra 200H systems may not meet gaming laptop expectations.
- Intel leverages these systems in conjunction with discrete Nvidia GPUs for high-end mobile workstations and gaming rigs.
- Chandler emphasized that these entry-level workstations are primarily used for productivity tasks like managing multiple browser tabs and spreadsheets.
- He also discussed artificial intelligence as another factor contributing to enhanced performance, making it possible to handle some workstation-class tasks with integrated graphics alone.
- Rumors suggest Intel could release its C-series graphics cards—codenamed "Celestial"—later this year or early next year, with an anticipated focus on expanding its Arc discrete graphics platform to laptops in the future.
