Intel DG2 with 512 EUs smiles before the camera

Intel graphics chief Raja Koduri uploaded a photo of a Xe-HPG (DG2) graphics processor with 512 execution units. This is the highest-end model in the chip giant's upcoming line of discrete video cards. According to Koduri, the chip is being tested at Intel's Folsom labs. Koduri hints the chip is on the right track, stating it went from "jittery journeys to buttery smooth."

However, this doesn't mean the DG2 will launch anytime soon. Koduri mentions there is still a lot of game and driver optimization work ahead for Intel's software team. Based on the latest rumors, we may see a paperlaunch sometime late this year, with actual product availability in early 2022. It's been a long wait and a lot of enthusiasts are very excited about Intel's third attempt at breaking into the discrete video card market. It will be interesting to see whether Intel can get the combination of hardware and software right.

Xe-HPG (DG2) real candy - very productive time at the Folsom lab couple of weeks ago. “From jittery journeys to buttery smooth” said @rogerdchandler -
lots of game and driver optimization work ahead for @gfxlisa’s software team. They are all very excited..and a little scared pic.twitter.com/tQcfEWf8p4

— Raja Koduri (@Rajaontheedge) June 2, 2021

The DG2 with 512 EUs is believed to feature 4096 cores in combination with up to 16GB GDDR6 memory. According to the rumor mill, it may offer performance on-par with products like NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3070 series.