Popular Intel GPUs for Consumer and Enterprise Use

Intel has long been an industry leader in manufacturing central processing units (CPUs) for laptops, desktop computers, and servers. Intel manufactured its first graphics card in the 1980’s. The company’s goal has been to improve its GPU technology and produce cutting-edge microprocessors.

While Intel’s share of the GPU market does not match that of NVIDIA or AMD, they offer some interesting products designed for consumer and enterprise data center use. Intel GPUs offer good performance for a wide and diversified user base and sometimes provide solutions at a better price point than the competition.

Read on to learn more about the variety of Intel GPUs available for personal and business use.

Intel’s Proprietary XE HPG Microarchitecture

Intel GPUs are built on the advanced technology of the company’s proprietary XE HPG microarchitecture. The XE HPG microarchitecture is a high-performance architecture developed for discrete GPUs. It offers a rich feature set and components designed for enhanced performance and efficiency to support state-of-the-art computer graphics.

The following highlights illustrate some of the strengths of the XE HPG microarchitecture.

Improved performance

The XE HPG microarchitecture supports up to 32 cores and 512 vector engines to provide increased compute capability. The XE-HPG builds on previous Intel GPU LE-XP technology to improve latency, increase latency tolerance, and streamline the caching hierarchy.

Deep learning inference support

Deep learning applications rely on high-throughput multiply-accumulate operations. The XE HPG microarchitecture enables up to 275 teraOPS (TOPs) of compute performance to support deep learning frameworks and toolkits.

Intel XE Super Sampling (XeSS)

XE Super Sampling is a technique to create more compelling content by upscaling images with an increase in resolution while maintaining image quality. XeSS leverages game engines to upscale resolution up to 4x for an enhanced gaming experience.

Real-time ray tracing

Ray tracing is essential for creating realistic 3D graphics effects like shadows, reflection, and ambient occlusion. Gaming requires real-time performance and typically utilizes faster and reduced-quality rasterization instead of ray tracing to achieve the desired results. The XE HPG microarchitecture enables ray-tracing effects to be layered with traditional rasterization for enhanced graphics performance and presentation.

Mesh and variable rate shading

Mesh shading and variable rate shading (VRS) are crucial techniques for displaying high-quality graphics. Mesh shading enhances the generation of 3D primitives, while VRS provides developers with better pixel control to support high-density displays. XE HPG microarchitecture supports VRS Tier 2 to enable fine-grained shading control.

Unified lossless compression

Unified lossless compression reduces the read/write memory bandwidth and power consumption. The technique can be applied to all GPU resources and can dramatically increase performance for memory-constrained workloads.

High-bandwidth device memory

Artificial intelligence and deep learning applications require high bandwidths for optimized performance. The architecture supports from 4GB to 16GB of local memory. A maximum of eight channels delivers up to 560 GB/s of low-latency bandwidth for the most demanding high-performance computing requirements.

Supports current leading media formats

Intel’s focus on the consumer laptop and desktop market for GPUs makes it essential that their processors support the current leading media formats. The company’s audience includes users interested in smooth graphics processing for streaming videos and game playing. Intel Arc GPUs address customer expectations by supporting all media formats they may encounter.

The Intel Arc GPU Family

The Intel Arc line of GPUs delivers good performance for diverse usage scenarios. Intel GPUs support processor-intensive activities such as high-performance gaming, professional graphics creation, and generative artificial intelligence applications.

Intel Arc GPUs offer advanced features and superior performance that address the needs of gamers, creators, and businesses. The following are some of the highlights and advantages users can expect with Intel Arc GPUs.

• Improved gaming experience: Intel Arc GPU’s features and capabilities enhance users’ experience and support industry gaming benchmarks. Smoother gameplay is provided with Intel XeSS upscaling technology and frame generation. Intel Xe Low Latency reduces lag and input delays. The Endurance Gaming feature enables power savings for longer gameplay sessions.
• Enhanced graphics capabilities: Gamers and creators benefit from the enhanced graphics capabilities of Arc GPUs. Powerful AI engines support upscaled gaming and creative activities. AI algorithms provide higher image quality and faster gaming performance.
• Compelling content creation: Intel Arc GPUs augment content creation and improve productivity. Users can access the power of 3D models with these powerful and affordable graphics cards. Cross-codec support streamlines the creative process. Dual encode and decode capabilities provide faster and more efficient video exporting.

A versatile graphics card series

Multiple models of Intel Arc GPUs are available to address various usage scenarios. In some cases, a model is designed with specific hardware constraints, such as a laptop, in mind. Others are built to handle the requirements of distinct usage scenarios like edge computing or business workloads.

Desktop GPUs

Modern desktop computer users generally require enhanced computing power to support a wide range of processor-intensive software applications.

Desktop machines are typically used for high-performance gaming and other activities that demand exceptional graphics capabilities. The addition of a graphics card to a desktop computer’s motherboard gives the machine enhanced capabilities for playing games and other creative endeavors.

Intel Arc GPUs utilize technology like ray-tracing and upscaling to address the visual requirements of modern immersive gaming. They support fast and smooth responsiveness with speeds of up to 60+ FPS in 1440p resolution. Advanced AI algorithms help deliver faster gameplay and high image quality. Parallel cores speed up content creation and video editing.

Intel Arc GPUs designed for use in desktops include the following models.

Intel Arc B570: The model B570 meets the demands of high-performance gaming and offers a flexible platform for creating and editing graphics. GPU specifications include:

• 10 GB memory;
• 18 cores and ray tracing units;
• 144 Vector Engines;
• 380 GB/s memory bandwidth
• 203 peak TOPS.

Intel Arc B580: This model enhances the capabilities of the B570 to provide gamers with superior performance. Specifications include:

• 12 GB memory;
• 20 cores and ray tracing units;
• 160 Vector Engines;
• 456 GB/s memory bandwidth
• 233 peak TOPS.

Intel Arc A-Series: This series of Intel GPUs for desktops offers a range of graphics cards designed to enhance gaming and content creation and support processor-intensive AI applications. Models are equipped with 4 to 16 GB of memory and 6 to 32 cores. We will discuss these GPUs further in the professional workstation section.

Laptop GPUs

Laptop computers offer users flexibility and mobility not available with desktop machines. The mobile workforce and student and professionals’ adoption of laptop computers have spurred their popularity. Unfortunately, a laptop’s hardware limitations can make achieving acceptable graphics processing or gaming performance challenging.

Traditional GPUs are not suitable for the power and size constraints necessary for use in a laptop. Intel’s line of Arc-based laptops efficiently addresses this problem and offers users a powerful gaming, business, and content creation platform.

Intel Arc-based laptops feature Intel Core Ultra Processors with built-in Intel Arc GPUs for faster and superior performance across all computing activities. Laptops are built with both the Arc B-Series and A-Series GPUs. The machines leverage optimized architecture to provide exceptional capacities in a slim design. They deliver power and portability while operating quietly and cooly.

Professional workstation GPUs

Intel Arc Pro A-Series GPUs are designed to handle the needs of professional workstations. They offer users built-in ray-tracing hardware, graphics acceleration, and machine learning capabilities. The result is a versatile GPU available in multiple form factors that leverages cutting-edge visual technologies and enhanced content creation.

The Intel Arc Pro A-Series GPUs share the following features.

• Intel ensures compatibility between specialized software and the company’s high-performance GPUs through a rigorous certification process. Working closely with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to provide superior reliability and stability.
• Built-in ray-tracing hardware accelerates image creation and supports pro workflows with a cost-efficient GPU. Small Form Factor cards enable the support of up to four ultra-large displays for multi-display home or office use.
• Discrete and laptop Arc GPUs support Ultra-High Definition (UHD) and ultrawide UHD display resolutions. The cards are optimized to work with modern viewport technology for maximum performance and stability. Dolby Vision support optimizes image quality to deliver consistently exceptional visuals.
• High bandwidth speeds enhance graphics memory and performance. AV1 hardware acceleration provides faster encoding than software alternatives. Dedicated acceleration is available when needed for advanced AI applications.
• The Series-A Hyper Compute feature integrates the power of Intel CPUs and GPUs for greater performance. All available compute engines and AI accelerators are employed for tasks like image processing or machine learning.
• Dynamic power share capabilities intelligently route power between a laptop CPU and GPU to boost performance for a given task. A smart algorithm allocates power where it is needed most.

The following models are representative of the Intel Arc A-Series of GPUs.

Intel Arc Pro A40 GPUs offer superior graphics acceleration and machine learning capabilities in a small, single-slot form factor. Specifications include:

• 6 GB memory;
• 8 cores and ray tracing units;
• 128 Vector Engines;
• 192 GB/s memory bandwidth
• 69 peak TOPS.

Intel Arc Pro A50 GPUs are larger dual-slot units offering a step up from the A40. Its specifications are similar to the A40.

Intel Arc Pro A60 GPUs are a significant improvement from the A40 and A50, offering more performance in a single-slot form. Specifications include:

• 12 GB memory;
• 16 cores and ray tracing units;
• 256 Vector Engines;
• 384 GB/s memory bandwidth
• 151 peak TOPS.

Intel Arc GPUs for Edge Computing

Intel Arc Graphics discrete GPUs are designed to boost the performance of edge workloads. The graphics cards help create immersive visual experiences. They also enhance video production, media transcoding, and streaming. Specialized AI engines support the deployment of advanced AI workloads at the edge.

Multiple Intel Arc A-Series GPUs are suitable for edge workloads. The memory capacity of these GPUs ranges from 4 GB to 16 GB, with bandwidths from 124 GB/s to 512 GB/s. GPUs are equipped with 6 to 28 cores and produce speeds between 49 TOPS and 229 TOPS.

Systems equipped with Intel Arc GPUs are being used to innovate in diverse market sectors, such as retail and self-service electric vehicle charging. The ADLINK automated optical inspection solution is built with Intel GPUs and reduces the costs of quality assurance in the manufacturing industry.

Intel Data Center GPUs

Intel’s line of data center GPUs is designed to provide businesses with the power they need for mathematically complex and graphics-intensive processing. These GPUs boost CPU performance and provide parallel processing capabilities to speed outcomes and accelerate innovation.

Intel Data Center GPU Flex Series

The Flex Series of data center GPUs is designed to support AI inference solutions, virtual desktop infrastructure, and media processing. The GPUs feature up to four Xe media engines to reach speeds of up to 256 TOPS for AI inferencing. No license or royalty fees make the Flex Series a cost-effective GPU solution.

Built-in AV1 encoding reduces bandwidth requirements and enables high stream density for more media streams. Low power consumption via open source optimizations delivers higher throughput while conserving energy. The Flex Series supports scalable and flexible advanced workloads.

Intel Data Center GPU Max Series

The GPU Max Series is built utilizing the Intel Xe Link high-speed, coherent, unified fabric for extensive flexibility and scalability. The processors support high capacity workloads with up to 128 GB of high bandwidth memory, 64 MB of L1 cache, and 408 MB of L2 cache. Animation and visualization are accelerated by up to 128 ray tracing units on each GPU.

The Max Series accelerates AI workloads and matrix operations via the Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) built with deep systolic arrays. The Aurora supercomputer at the Argonne National Laboratory is powered by 10,000 server blades equipped with Intel Max Series processors. The blades support a machine learning process that trains AI models to identify structures and create 3D visualizations.

Atlantic Net’s Data Center GPU Solutions

Atlantic Net’s data center GPU solutions are built on a foundation of NVIDIA GPUs. We offer high-performance systems designed to power next-generation AI models, complex mathematical applications, and parallel computing algorithms.

Contact us today and learn how our GPU solutions can help your business thrive.