Battlemage Takes Aim: Intel’s New GPU Charges the Gaming & Pro Arenas
Recently, Intel hosted a special event in Tokyo, Japan, to showcase its “AI Everywhere” initiative and related products. The spotlight remained on the newly launched Core Ultra processors and the fifth-generation Xeon Scalable processors, which primarily emphasize artificial intelligence (AI) processing capabilities.
As reported by 4Gamer, during the event, Intel presented a client product roadmap indicating that the next-generation Arc “Battlemage” GPU, based on the Xe2-HPG architecture, is slated for release in 2024. It targets the client-specific segments of “gaming and professional” markets. However, Intel later clarified to Wccftech that the roadmap’s X-axis, indicating 2024 and beyond, does not represent a specific timeline.
While Intel neither confirmed nor denied the timeline indicated on the roadmap, Tom Peterson, a researcher at Intel, in an interview with the media, revealed that Battlemage will be streamlined into two architectures: Xe2-LPG for integrated graphics and Xe2-HPG for discrete graphics cards. This strategy aims to simplify driver development, reduce costs, and enhance compatibility. The Lunar Lake integrated graphics are expected to first adopt the Xe2-LPG architecture and go into production in 2024. Notably, the GPU modules for discrete graphics cards are anticipated to precede those for processor-integrated graphics, strongly suggesting a 2024 release for Battlemage.
Rumors indicate that the flagship chip of the next-generation Battlemage will be the BMG-G10, featuring 56 Xe cores, corresponding to 448 XVEs (Execution Units), with each XVE comprising 2 shaders. It is expected to include an Adamantine cache of 112MB, paired with GDDR6X memory, presumably offering a 16GB capacity and a 256-bit memory interface. Continuing its partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the new generation GPU is manufactured using a 4nm process, with a total card power consumption projected to be around 225W. Sources suggest that Intel might launch it between the second and third quarters of 2024.
