Intel confirms discrete graphics

INCREASED EVIDENCE of Intel's new foray into the world of discrete graphics has emerged via jobs advertisements on Chipzilla's own website.

Under the heading of 'Visual Computing Group' Intel specifically states that the company is working on the development of discrete graphics products.

The advertisement reads: "We are focused on developing discrete graphics products based on a many-core architecture targeting high-end client platforms."

The 'Visual Computing Group' is the publicly used name for Intel's Larrabee Development Group, which first caused wide-spread speculation in August last year when various employment opportunities were available. The INQUIRER reported on the subject here.

Further jobs were advertised in December last year, prompting Otellini himself to state he would neither confirm or deny rumours from the INQUIRER concerning the Larrabee project(s).

We previously said that the Larrabee project was the last remaining mini-core survivor, and the advert confirms that the graphics technology will use a 'many-core' architecture.

Even more interestingly, Intel goes on to say: "VCG will initially focus on discrete graphics products but will also expand the previous charter to include developing plans for accelerated CPU integration", which appears to be a signal of direct competition to AMD's recently announced Fusion technology, which combines GPU and CPU technology on one die.

The advert continues with adverts for Intel's Client Chipset Graphics Engineering group which focuses on the more traditional integrated graphics from Intel.

The job specification states "Our vision is to extend this graphics leadership by way of pinpoint focus on developing best in class products in terms of performance/power, video quality, 3D performance, 2D Graphics and time to market" - which is somewhat different to the past, and current, offerings of sub-par integrated graphics Intel have been offering.

It seems any speculation concerning a possible buy-out of Nvidia by Intel should finally be put to rest. Intel is going it alone, and Nvidia and DAAMIT should certainly watch out.

Hopefully Mark Rein will appreciate Intel's new-found zest for decent performance from integrated graphics. µ

See Also
Intel is on the search for graphics wizards
Otellini won't confirm or deny Larrabee
New from Intel: It's Mini-Cores!