Intel’s Xe3 GPU architecture is already complete, successor already in the works

In a recent podcast interview, Arc Graphics leader and Intel Fellow Tom Petersen revealed some information on the future of Arc GPUs. Petersen stated that Intel is dedicated to Arc and has big plans for future generations, but he would not elaborate on the details.

Petersen assured listeners that Intel is not slowing down its GPU development efforts in an interview with the Full Nerd Podcast (via VideoCardz). He affirmed that the hardware team is working diligently on the upcoming version and that the Xe3 architecture, codenamed “Celestial,” has already been finished and optimised by software teams. This eliminates the uncertainty over Arc's future and demonstrates Intel's sustained dedication to the discrete GPU industry. Moreover, given that GPU development cycles usually last more than a year, Petersen highlighted that Xe3 won't be available until 2026.

Although he would not elaborate, Petersen also alluded to the potential for future Xe2-based graphics cards to be more powerful. As a result, enthusiast-class Battlemage GPUs may be able to compete with Nvidia and AMD in the higher-end market. Notably, Intel has stated that Battlemage targets the mainstream and performance categories, while Celestial will target the “Ultra Enthusiast” segment. Therefore, it's probable that some upcoming Arc B-series GPUs will surpass the capabilities of the previously disclosed B570 and B580.

Considering Battlemage's premiere next week and Celestial coming soon, Intel Arc graphics should be here to stay for the foreseeable future. We will have to wait and see if they can displace AMD and Nvidia regarding market share.

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KitGuru says: What kind of performance do you expect from the Xe3 discrete GPUs?

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