Intel says Arc GPUs will live on after Nvidia deal

In the future, Intel will make CPUs with Nvidia graphics inside — among other things, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirmed today that Nvidia will contribute “GPU chiplets” that Intel can place alongside its x86 CPU cores instead of the Arc integrated graphics it develops in-house today.

But, at least for now, Intel says that doesn’t mean Intel’s own graphics are going away. “We’re not discussing specific roadmaps at this time, but the collaboration is complementary to Intel’s roadmap and Intel will continue to have GPU product offerings,” Intel told PCWorld, reiterating the commitment that Intel’s Michelle Johnston Holthaus made before she abruptly left the company.

Like PCWorld, I’m skeptical that Intel will truly push on graphics when Nvidia can do that job, particularly at a time when Intel keeps carving off pieces of itself to save on costs! Why would Intel invest $$$ into catching up with Nvidia (and AMD) when Nvidia’s no longer truly a competitor? Even if it continues, would Intel really give it its utmost? But perhaps there’s time for Intel’s existing efforts to notch another win like the B580, or the surprisingly good followup to MSI’s Claw handheld.

For now, we’ll “stay tuned.”