Intel is officially in the game of advanced GPU. The Arc term is the branding line in which Intel releases new graphics processors such as Arc 770, Arc 750, and so on.
The Intel arc technology isn’t its first foray into the market of discrete graphics processors. With this advanced graphics technology, you experience a range of functionalities like project navigation, game support Technology( a new feature of Intel), and supersampling.
Besides functionalities, it’s equally essential to dive into the world of intel graphics technology:
- Ray Tracing Support:
The most crucial function everyone is excited about is the ray-tracing capability of Intel Arc Alchemist GPU. Arc Graphic Cards are specially designed from the bottom up around the DirectX 12 feature set and ray-tracing.
Intel Arc GPU also support other important DirectX features like variable-rate shading, mesh shader, and sampler feedback.
- Xe Super Sampling:
The AI upscaling functionality of Intel processors is known as XeSS(Xe super sampling). XMX engines power this technology. Xe Super sampling works similarly to Nvidia DLSS, AMD FSR 2.0, and FSR 2.1.
This uses AI technology to upscale games rendered at lower-than-native resolution.
XeSS extracts information from spatial and temporal data, i.e., image data and motion data from previous frames, and leverages AI to improve image quality further.
The XeSS technology works as an anti-aliasing solution similar to Nvidia and DLSS. This offers a new room to game resolution, and GPU removes sharp edges from pixels using a smoothing technique.
Like the DLSS and FSR, XeSS does not run natively in a video game and requires the developers to implement support for it actively.
Intel’s architecture is based on the DirectX 12 feature set, which emphasizes upscaling and deep AI imaging. It provides an edge for AI-based upscaling, ray-tracing, and classic rasterization performance.
- GPU Optimization:
As discussed earlier, Intel Arc Graphics is compatible with DirectX12 graphics technology. With the help of advanced GPU technology you can easily play games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Doom.
Intel recently launched a three-tier strategy to split games. Basically, the GPU optimization strategy splits a range of gaming titles into three different tiers of optimization. This acts as a reference for the early adopters of Intel GPUs.
Let’s see how three-tier technology works:
- Tier 1:
This tier only includes those games that support the latest API technology. Intel also puts the latest games in this tier, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
The games in this tier use the architectural benefits of Arc technology.
- Tier II:
Games in this tier are not optimized for Intel’s Arc architecture. These are based on the latest APIs, such as DirectX12 or Vulkan.
- Tier III:
This tier consists of games based on APIs like DirectX9. Your games run quickly compared to Nvidia and AMD counterparts.
- Xe Architecture:
Intel Arc GPUs are based on the Xe microarchitecture, also used in Intel’s integrated graphics solutions. Xe Architecture is designed to provide high-performance graphics capabilities for gaming, content creation, and other demanding applications.
Here are some key aspects and features of Xe Architecture:
- Scalability:
Xe Architecture is highly scalable, meaning it can be tailored to meet the performance requirements of different market segments. It spans from integrated GPUs found in Intel’s processors to high-performance discrete GPUs like those in the Intel Arc lineup.
- Multi-Die Design:
Xe Architecture supports a multi-die design approach, where multiple GPU dies can be interconnected to form more powerful graphics solutions. This enables Intel to create GPUs with higher core counts and performance levels.
- Compute Efficiency:
Xe Architecture is designed to deliver efficient compute performance, making it well-suited for applications that require complex calculations, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. It incorporates features like high-performance compute units, efficient data handling, and improved memory subsystems.
- Media and Display Capabilities:
Xe Architecture includes dedicated hardware for media processing, enabling accelerated video encoding, decoding, and playback. It also provides support for a wide range of display technologies, including HDR (High Dynamic Range), adaptive sync, and high resolutions.
- LPDDR4X and GDDR6 Memory Support:
Xe Architecture supports LPDDR4X memory for integrated graphics solutions, offering low power consumption and higher bandwidth than traditional DDR memory. Xe Architecture supports GDDR6 memory for discrete GPUs, which provides high-speed data access for demanding gaming and graphics workloads.
- Software Features:
A comprehensive software stack, including drivers, developer tools, and optimization frameworks, accompanies Xe Architecture. Intel focuses on delivering regular driver updates to improve performance, stability, and compatibility with the latest games and applications.
Bottom Line:
The features of Intel Arc GPU offer room to perform various resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, designing, etc. You can perform beyond expectations with their advanced features, such as XeSS, GDDR6 memory support, and GPU optimization.
Furthermore, the Intel Arc GPU supports high refresh rates and resolutions, delivering smooth gameplay and stunning visuals even in demanding scenarios. Whether it’s fast-paced action or intricate details, users can enjoy seamless graphics performance without compromising on quality.
Lastly, the GPU’s adaptive sync technology reduces screen tearing and stuttering, creating a fluid and responsive visual experience. This functionality synchronizes the GPU’s frame rates with the display, resulting in smooth transitions and an uninterrupted gaming or multimedia experience.
