Summary: Recent rumors suggest that Intel’s next graphics architecture, Battlemage, may not compete against high-end GPUs like the RX 7900-series or RTX 4080. Instead, it is rumored to focus on mainstream sales, targeting the bulk of GPU buyers. The claims come from a YouTube channel, RedGamingTech, which previously provided details about the Battlemage chip’s core specifications. However, the latest information suggests revisions to the cache and memory configuration. The top-end Battlemage GPUs are now rumored to feature a 192-bit memory bus, 8MB of L2 cache, and 512MB of ‘Adamantine’ cache, a Level 4 cache layer initially developed for CPUs. This cache layer, similar to AMD’s Infinity Cache, could enhance performance by reducing VRAM access frequency. Additionally, there is speculation that Intel might not release this chip due to potential unimpressive profit margins. Instead, a smaller Battlemage GPU with 40 Xe cores, 18MB of L2 cache, and no L4 cache could be the focus. Whether the mainstream Battlemage chip offers significant improvements remains uncertain, as the current Arc A770 already provides comparable specifications. Despite the lack of hardware evidence or leaked benchmark results, the forthcoming Lunar Lake CPUs will integrate the Battlemage architecture, featuring expanded Vector Engines (XVE) known as SIMD16. The exact configuration and manufacturing process for the final desktop Battlemage GPU are still unknown, leaving room for ongoing speculation in the highly competitive GPU market.
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Intel’s Battlemage GPU Targets Mainstream Market, Rumors Suggest
Intel’s upcoming graphics architecture, Battlemage, is generating buzz amid rumors of a different strategic approach. Instead of aiming for the high-end GPU market, Battlemage is expected to set its sights on the mainstream segment, catering to the majority of GPU buyers. The speculation, originating from a YouTube channel called RedGamingTech, provides details that challenge earlier claims about the chip’s specifications.
According to the latest information, top-tier Battlemage GPUs will feature a 192-bit memory bus, 8MB of L2 cache, and 512MB of ‘Adamantine’ cache. The Adamantine cache, an innovative Level 4 cache layer originally designed for CPUs, serves a similar purpose to AMD’s Infinity Cache, optimizing data retrieval from VRAM.
Interestingly, there are doubts surrounding the release of this chip by Intel. It is suggested that the potential profit margins may not meet expectations, leading the company to focus on a smaller Battlemage GPU option. The alternative GPU would offer 40 Xe cores, 18MB of L2 cache, and forgo the L4 cache, while retaining the same 192-bit memory bus configuration.
However, compared to Intel’s existing Arc A770 GPU featuring 32 Xe cores, 16MB of L2 cache, and a 256-bit memory bus, the speculated mainstream Battlemage chip might lack significant enhancements. Unless these chips offer higher clock speeds or improved Xe cores, the performance jump might be marginal.
While the specifics of the final Battlemage GPU remain unknown, what is certain is that the architecture will be integrated into the Lunar Lake CPUs, designed for low-power laptops. Notably, the Vector Engines (XVE) in the Xe cores of Battlemage have been expanded to SIMD16, a clear departure from the Alchemist’s SIMD8 design.
As Intel’s Battlemage continues to evolve, there is ongoing speculation about the chip’s configuration and manufacturing process. With no leaked benchmark results or concrete hardware evidence yet, the GPU market will continue to eagerly anticipate the next move from Intel, as it competes against AMD’s RDNA 4 and potentially Nvidia’s Blackwell in 2024.
The source of the article is from the blog radiohotmusic.it