Intel Introduces ARC; First Gaming Video Cards To Debut In 2022

Intel finally unveiled its upcoming graphic card product line with the name Intel ARC and the company’s first gaming video cards are set to debut in 2022.

On Aug. 16, Intel put an end to the long wait as the chipmaker unveiled the name for the highly anticipated graphic silicon line. The Intel ARC is a branding that targets gaming, content creation and services. The branding, a high-end graphic product name covers both the hardware and software sides of the GPUs. It is based on the company’s Xe HPG variant and was formerly known as DG2, An and Tech reported.

Intel revealed that its first line of ARC graphic silicon for gamers will be named Alchemist. The first ARC GPU will launch by the first quarter of 2022. The company further said the hardware names for the generations following Alchemist as Battlemage, Celestial and Druid.

As Intel launches Alchemist in 2022 for desktops and laptops, the company aims to take on the two names currently dominating the desktop and console GPU market. AMD currently owns the Xbox Series X, Series S, PS5, and other major console graphics. On the other hand, NVIDIA takes the lead in the PC GPU market with AMD taking the second spot.

Intel will not try to rush the project this year due to an ongoing chips supply shortage, CNET reported. Chip supply is expected to be scarce until the end of 2021. Furthermore, Intel said it will announce more details about the upcoming product by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Alchemist will provide support for all Windows Direct X 12 Ultimate features. It will also incorporate AI-based antialiasing supersampling and ray-tracing acceleration -- a technology expected to take on NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling.

On its website, Intel showed a 1-minute video clip showcasing a glimpse of what the public could expect with its new branding. Although the video shows limited information, the tagline says quite a lot about the product.

"The new Intel® Arc™ Graphics Solutions will deliver high-performance gaming, immersive visuals, and seamless game streaming & creation experiences. Coming soon," Intel said.

Intel reportedly created Intel ARC logo t-shirts for employees to wear during trade shows. The designs will be shipped by Sept. 3.