Intel's GPU Release Timeline: Delays, Disappointment, and Lost Advantage

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Intel's GPU Release Timeline
3. Delayed Releases and Disappointment
4. Lisa Pierce's Blog Post
5. Status of Intel Arc Graphics Mobile Products
6. Availability Challenges and Software Delays
7. Intel Arc Graphics for Desktop
8. Intel's Explanation for Delayed Desktop Card Releases
9. Limited Variation and Launch with System Builders and OEMs
10. Intel Arc Graphics Desktop Market Release
11. Rollout of Intel Arc A5 and A7 Series
12. Component Sales and Worldwide Channels
13. Intel's Limited Advantage for Timing
14. AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0
15. First Game Support and Future Plans
16. Microsoft Flight Simulator's Upcoming Support
17. Conclusion

🖥️ Intel's GPU Release Timeline

Introduction

In this article, we will dive into the ongoing saga of Intel's GPU release timeline and the disappointments faced by eager consumers. We will also explore AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 and its first supported game. Strap in and let's explore the latest updates!

Intel's GPU Release Timeline

Intel's GPUs have been a subject of anticipation and frustration for tech enthusiasts. The initial promise of a GPU release in 2020 did not materialize as expected. Instead, we were treated to a discrete chip solely for laptops. The hope for a desktop card remained unfulfilled. Subsequent years brought further delays, leaving consumers Wondering when they would finally get their hands on Intel's GPUs.

Delayed Releases and Disappointment

The repeated delays in Intel's GPU releases have left consumers feeling disappointed. The company's continuous pushback of the expected release dates has created skepticism and frustration among technology enthusiasts. Many were hopeful for the arrival of desktop GPUs in Q1 of 2022, only to be met with yet another delay.

Lisa Pierce's Blog Post

To address the mounting questions surrounding Intel's GPU releases, Lisa Pierce, the Vice President and General Manager for the Visual Compute Group, published a blog post. However, this post provided only partial answers and raised more concerns among eager consumers.

Status of Intel Arc Graphics Mobile Products

When it comes to mobile products, Intel's Arc Graphics faced availability challenges. Initially, Samsung started with limited availability in Korea and gradually expanded globally. However, due to software readiness delays and the impact of global supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, broader OEM availability was delayed until Q2 of 2022.

Availability Challenges and Software Delays

Intel acknowledges that software readiness delays and global supply chain disruptions have affected the availability of their Arc Graphics mobile products. As a result, OEM designs have only become widely available recently. However, availability remains scarce, particularly for the low-end Arc 3 series. Higher-end options like the Arc 5 and Arc 7 are set to become available only in early summer, potentially as late as June 21st.

Intel Arc Graphics for Desktop

Intel's desktop GPU market has also faced significant delays. When questioned about the release of desktop cards, Intel provided a rather unconventional explanation. They attributed the delay to the complexity and variability of laptop systems, implying that desktop systems are relatively simpler. However, this explanation fails to convince enthusiasts who understand that desktop systems also have their own intricacies.

Intel's Explanation for Delayed Desktop Card Releases

Intel attempts to limit variability by launching with specific configurations in collaboration with system builders and OEMs. While this approach caters to OEMs, it disappoints consumers who expect component availability for individual purchases. The launch of Intel's desktop GPUs, starting with the low-end Arc 3 series, is currently limited to China. The availability of retail purchases for Arc 3 is also Slated for Q2 but only in China.

Limited Variation and Launch with System Builders and OEMs

Intel's decision to restrict the initial launch to working with system builders and OEMs highlights their strategy to control variability. By doing so, they can ensure smoother integration and reduce potential compatibility issues. However, this approach overlooks the demand and aspirations of individual consumers looking to upgrade their desktop systems.

Intel Arc Graphics Desktop Market Release

The rollout of Intel Arc A5 and A7 series, originally expected to happen in late Q2, has now been delayed to Q3. The release will begin worldwide with OEMs and system integrators, followed by component sales in global channels. This staggered release schedule and limited availability for retail component purchases further hampers consumer accessibility and delays their ability to experience Intel's latest GPUs.

Intel's Limited Advantage for Timing

Intel's delays have unfortunately cost them their competitive advantage in timing. With NVIDIA on the verge of releasing their RTX 4000 series, Intel has lost the opportunity to establish themselves as a strong competitor in the GPU market. NVIDIA's Stride forward only accentuates Intel's inability to meet their promised release timelines.

AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0

In contrast to Intel's delays, AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 (FSR 2.0) brings some positive news. The highly anticipated feature is set to have its first supported game release soon, starting with Deathloop on May 12th. AMD plans to expand FSR 2.0 support to 10 more games, including titles like Eve Online, Farming Simulator 2022, and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

First Game Support and Future Plans

The initial support for Deathloop is just the beginning of AMD's commitment to FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0. The company has plans to bring FSR 2.0 to more games in the near future, serving as a testament to their dedication to providing gamers with improved performance and visual quality.

Microsoft Flight Simulator's Upcoming Support

Among the games slated to receive FSR 2.0 support, Microsoft Flight Simulator stands out. The game's intricate graphics and demanding requirements make it an ideal candidate for FSR 2.0's upscaling capabilities. Microsoft Flight Simulator players can look forward to enhanced performance and visual fidelity when FSR 2.0 support arrives.

Conclusion

Intel's GPU release timeline has been plagued by delays and disappointing announcements. The continuous pushback of promised release dates has left consumers frustrated and skeptical. On the other HAND, AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 brings some good news for gamers, with upcoming game support and the promise of improved performance. As consumers eagerly await the arrival of Intel's GPUs, the GPU market continues to evolve, and competition remains fierce.

Highlights:

• Intel's long-awaited GPU releases have suffered from repeated delays and disappointment.
• Lisa Pierce's blog post offers partial answers but raises more concerns among consumers.
• Intel's Arc Graphics mobile products faced availability challenges due to software delays and supply chain disruptions.
• The release of desktop cards is delayed, with Intel attributing it to the complexity of laptop systems.
• Intel's strategy involves limiting variation and collaborating with system builders and OEMs.
• The limited availability and staggered release of Intel's Arc A5 and A7 series disappoints consumers.
• Intel's delays have cost them their advantage in timing, as NVIDIA prepares to release their RTX 4000 series.
• AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 brings positive news with its first game support and future plans.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator is among the games set to receive FSR 2.0 support, enhancing performance and visual fidelity.

FAQ

Q: When will Intel's desktop GPUs be available for individual purchase? A: The availability of Intel's desktop GPUs for individual purchase is expected in Q2, starting with the low-end Arc 3 series and limited to China.

Q: What is the current status of Intel Arc Graphics mobile products? A: Intel's Arc Graphics mobile products faced software readiness delays and global supply chain disruptions, impacting availability. OEM designs are becoming more widely available in Q2, but availability remains scarce.

Q: How does Intel plan to control variation in their desktop GPU releases? A: Intel aims to limit variation by working with system builders and OEMs to launch with specific configurations.

Q: Will Intel Arc A5 and A7 series be globally available for retail purchases? A: The release of Intel Arc A5 and A7 series will start with OEMs and system integrators worldwide, with retail component sales following later in global channels.

Q: When will AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 have its first supported game? A: AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 will have its first supported game, Deathloop, released on May 12th.