Luke and Leo Get Technical (Ep10) – Intel Graphics

Intel's discrete desktop graphics cards are just a few months away and we are excited to see what they bring to the table. In this one, we discuss the upcoming GPUs and we also go off on a tangent about HDR, display technologies, video connections, and other (somewhat) related topics. Leo's secret admirer also makes a guest appearance…

Video Timestamps:

Video Points

• Will we ever be able to buy a graphics card again?
  • OK, maybe that's a bit extreme. But when?
• Jensen Huang says 2022 may be tough as well!
  • And AMD is still pricing products high
• Can Intel save the day?
• Even Nvidia and their ‘partners' can't shake the current shortage
• Nvidia is too rich to be messed with!
• Do we even care about any new RTX 3000 series cards right now?
  • Would they just be another product that cannot be bought?

• The naming is still confusing, but this is expected for a brand new contender
  • We'll get the hang of this new naming… we promise!
• Q1 2022 is the current estimation for launch
  • Assuming we don't get further shortages
• Will Intel get greedy with pricing?
  • Do we even care if they are competent cards that we can actually buy?
• The Intel marketing videos are still boring, though!

Please don't do a Vega, Intel

• We don't need another flop like that!
• Leo still hasn't forgiven Raja for coaxing him into partnering with proper money for Vega cards!
• OK, OK, the Vega56 wasn't that bad
  • But the Vega64 cooling system was akin to the conveniently timed RAF Chinook helicopter that flew overhead during filming
  • Yay for inadvertent props!

Intel graphics

• Another license for Intel to print even more money?
• Expectations are high as this is a project many years in the works
• TSMC manufacturing
  • At least we don't have to worry about any further Intel process node delays
• Intel drivers – confidence inspiring or concerning?
  • Intel always likes to remind us how they have more software engineers than AMD has staff
• XeSS upscaling – will it be any good?
  • Upscaling seems all the rage at the moment. Do you use it?
• Leo has been playing train simulator…

We still love 1440p as the sweet spot

• What are your thoughts on this?
• Ultrawide 1440p is gaining much traction too, and for good reason in our opinions!
• 4K is still great for video editing and high-res work
• 5K or 8K? Yes please!
• Or how about that Apple 6K display? Even more ‘yes please!‘

Apple… how do they do things!?

• USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, USB displays, daisy-chaining
  • It's all a bit difficult to keep up with on the Apple front, especially for users who aren't running Apple day-to-day
• Apple's ability to mix styling with effective, functional cooling is absolutely unparalleled!
• The HDR peak brightness is so high, the monitor needs cooling
  • But with such awesome styling, you wouldn't even know the design is also there for cooling needs
• All Type-C connectivity
  • Apple is clearly very much set within its Thunderbolt and USB-C ecosystem

Windows 11 display abilities

• We hope HDR improves for Windows 11
  • We certainly have not had much luck with HDR on Windows 10!
  • Not least because many of the marketing claims for HDR monitors are incredibly confusing
• Leo's three LG monitors are HDR, HDR, and HDR
  • But they're all different HDR!
• Windows just messes up HDR content in our experience

Leo blinds the KitGuru video editor

• Shining a torch into the camera for a Mac Pro and Apple Pro Display XDR editor to view is borderline retinal assault
  • C'mon Leo, that's a harsh one!
• Yep, it seems like Apple does HDR properly!
  • Even without any eyesight-saving safety features!
• Leo sets off everybody's Apple Siri device… and Alexa… and Google!
  • Sorry!

HDR and 4K and 120Hz and HDMI and DisplayPort on TVs and monitors is a bit confusing too!

• Netflix and Prime Video, for example, on a normal TV look superb in HDR
  • So why not HDR content in Windows?
• Luke bought a Sony 65XH9005 TV recently
  • Is HDMI 2.1 on TVs implemented properly and with all the goodies?
• DisplayPort, Mini-DisplayPort, USB-C DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, the list goes on
  • It's all very confusing, especially when TVs don't really support DisplayPort but computer monitors do
• Should we welcome a transition to HDMI on PC monitors?
  • Or does DisplayPort still do a good job?

Intel have a pretty good track record with supporting the latest display technologies and connections

• Thy will need to have proper DP1.4 and HDMI 2.1 support for their graphics cards
  • Anything less would likely be unacceptable for high-end products in today's market
• Remember the good old days of DVI?
  • Things have moved on a bit since then!

HDR – we want to hear your views

• Tips and tricks for getting the best out of HDR on Windows would be very much welcomed!
• Do you watch HDR content on your phone regularly?

Leo's secret admirer checks in

• Such excellent feedback for his latest video review
  • Which one of you was so kind to him?
• Kind comments simply will not do it for Leo!
  • That grammar better be faultless too!

Segue back to Intel graphics

• Intel cannot afford to mess this one up
  • They have been presented with a golden opportunity to get an early footing in the dedicated graphics market
• Do you consider yourself loyal to AMD graphics or Nvidia graphics?
  • Or do you simply buy from whichever vendor fits your needs when it comes to upgrade time?
• If you couldn't have bought an AMD or Nvidia card, would you have bought Intel?
• Would you buy an Intel graphics card even if AMD and Nvidia options are available?

Which boards partners will make Intel graphics card?

• The Intel motherboard vendors – ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI seem logical
  • What about ASRock as they only do AMD currently?
• Will any of the AMD or Nvidia favourites dare risk their current relationships and offer up Intel options?
• Do we still consider board partners to be as important an influential as they were a few generations ago?
  • Now that AMD and Nvidia both sell their own graphics cards from their own stores

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Intel has a fantastic opportunity to make an early statement in the discrete graphics card market. Which board partners do you think they will leverage for their upcoming GPUs?

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