Uncover Intel's Dedicated Graphics: Is it Worth the Hype?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Intel's History with Graphics Cards
3. The Failed Attempt: Intel 740
4. Project Auburn and the Partnership with Sega
5. The Disappointing Outcome of Auburn
6. Project Larrabee and its Lackluster Performance
7. Xeon Phi: A Success in Compute Processing
8. Intel's Return to Dedicated Graphics
9. Integration of CPUs and GPUs for Mobile Devices
10. The Future of Intel's Graphics Cards

Article

Introduction

When Intel announced that they would be venturing into the world of developing discrete graphics cards, many were skeptical about their ability to compete with industry giants like AMD and Nvidia. However, as time passed, it became evident that Intel was serious about their entry into the graphics card market. In this article, we will explore Intel's history with graphics cards, their past struggles, and their Current efforts to Create a competitive product.

Intel's History with Graphics Cards

Intel's Journey in the world of graphics cards dates back to the 1960s when they partnered with GE Aerospace to develop the first-ever real-time image generator for NASA's rendezvous docking simulator. Over the years, Intel made attempts to create powerful graphics cards, such as Project Auburn, but failed to deliver products that could rival the likes of 3dfx and Nvidia.

The Failed Attempt: Intel 740

In 1998, Intel launched the Intel 740, hoping to compete with 3dfx's Voodoo 2 graphics card. However, the Intel 740 fell flat in terms of performance and quickly faded into obscurity. This failure led to Lockheed Martin abandoning the project, and Intel's dreams of dominating the gaming graphics card market were shattered.

Project Auburn and the Partnership with Sega

Following the Intel 740's failure, Intel continued to explore the possibilities of creating powerful graphics cards. They partnered with Sega to work on Project Auburn, a project aimed at delivering groundbreaking graphics. Despite the initial hype surrounding Project Auburn, it ultimately faced the same fate as the Intel 740 and was Never released to the market.

The Disappointing Outcome of Auburn

The failure of Project Auburn dealt a significant blow to Intel's aspirations of becoming a dominant player in the graphics card industry. The partnership between GE Aerospace, Sega, and later Intel, couldn't match the performance of competitors like 3dfx and Nvidia, leading to disappointment and setbacks.

Project Larrabee and its Lackluster Performance

In 2008, Intel announced Project Larrabee, claiming it to be a breakthrough in graphics card technology. However, Nvidia dismissed it as a marketing puff and criticized its performance capabilities. Although Larrabee had potential as a general compute processor, it failed to deliver as a gaming graphics card. Intel continued to develop Larrabee as the Xeon Phi platform, which found success in supercomputing applications.

Xeon Phi: A Success in Compute Processing

The evolution of Project Larrabee led to the creation of the Xeon Phi platform. Xeon Phi excelled in handling complex calculations and was used to create the world's fastest supercomputer in 2013. Although Xeon Phi wasn't the graphics card Intel had hoped for, it showcased Intel's capabilities in compute processing.

Intel's Return to Dedicated Graphics

In 2017, Intel announced their intention to re-enter the dedicated graphics card market. This move was met with excitement and skepticism from enthusiasts and industry observers. With their partnership with the US Department of Energy to develop an exascale computer, Intel showcased their commitment to pushing the boundaries of graphics capabilities.

Integration of CPUs and GPUs for Mobile Devices

While Intel aims to compete in the gaming graphics card market, their AdVantage lies in the seamless integration of their CPUs and GPUs for mobile devices. By combining the power of their CPUs with their upcoming graphics cards, Intel envisions delivering exceptional gaming experiences on thin and light devices. The efficiency of their Turbo Boost technology and their focus on optimizing power and cooling will enable gamers to enjoy high-performance gaming on compact devices.

The Future of Intel's Graphics Cards

Although Intel's upcoming DG1 graphics card may not immediately rival the offerings of AMD and Nvidia, it represents an important milestone for the company. Intel's focus on integration and optimization holds the potential to reshape the landscape of mobile gaming. As Intel continues to refine their graphics card offerings and collaborate with software makers, we can expect significant improvements in performance and competitiveness.

Highlights

• Intel's history with graphics cards dates back to the 1960s when they partnered with GE Aerospace.
• Project Auburn and Project Larrabee were failed attempts to create competitive graphics cards.
• Intel found success with Xeon Phi, a compute processing platform used in supercomputing.
• Intel is making a comeback in the dedicated graphics card market, focusing on integration with their CPUs.
• The integration of CPUs and GPUs in mobile devices holds the key to Intel's future success.

FAQ

Q: Has Intel ever released a successful graphics card for gaming? A: No, Intel's previous attempts, such as the Intel 740 and Project Auburn, failed to compete with other graphics card manufacturers.

Q: How does Intel plan to differentiate its graphics cards from AMD and Nvidia? A: Intel aims to leverage the integration of their CPUs and GPUs to provide an optimized gaming experience on mobile devices.

Q: Will Intel's graphics cards be compatible with existing gaming software? A: Intel is actively working with software makers to ensure compatibility and performance optimizations for their graphics cards.

Q: When can we expect to see Intel's graphics cards in the market? A: Intel has not provided a specific timeline for the release of their graphics cards, but their ongoing developments indicate progress in that direction.