GamingGPUs

Intel Xe-HPG Graphics Cards are Now Sampling, Sapphire Rapids-SP to Support On-Die HBM

Intel today confirmed that its upcoming Xe-HPG (DG2) gaming graphics cards are presently being sampled to partners and OEMs, with the HPC-grade Ponte Vecchio MCM GPU undergoing validation. From what we’ve seen in leaked benchmarks, the HPG lineup will compete with the GeForce RTX 3070/3070 Ti in the higher-end, all the while trading blows with the mainstream GeForce GTX 1650 in the sub-$150 market.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-34.png

If we look at Intel’s previous strategy, then the DG2 will first launch for mobile platforms, followed by the desktop SKUs a few months later. Furthermore, the first products from the HPG lineup should launch around the same time as the Alder Lake-S desktop processors and before the Sapphire Rapids-SP.

Speaking of the latter, Intel today confirmed that Sapphire Rapids would feature on-package/on-die HBM memory, significantly boosting bandwidth for HPC workloads. There had been several rumors claiming the same over the last six years, but this is the first time it has been officially confirmed.

Support for AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions) along with BF16 and AVX512 are some of Intel’s key advantages in the data center market. With the 4th Gen Epyc Genoa server lineup, AMD is likely to offset at least the latter two, with custom solutions using HBM memory along with the MI200 accelerator reportedly also in the works. Sapphire Rapids-SP is on track for an early 2022 launch.

Areej Syed

Processors, PC gaming, and the past. I have been writing about computer hardware for over seven years with more than 5000 published articles. Started off during engineering college and haven't stopped since. Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Divinity, Torment, Baldur's Gate and so much more... Contact: areejs12@hardwaretimes.com.
Back to top button