Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Is Intel delaying the release of Arc Alchemist discrete graphics cards?

By

Intel’s first line of discrete gaming graphics cards, dubbed Intel Arc Alchemist, was supposed to be just weeks away — but it now seems that the GPUs may be delayed further.

Intel has removed all mentions of a first-quarter release from its website, leaving only the promise that the cards will be released sometime in 2022.

Intel Arc Alchemist CES 2022 keynote.
Image source: Videocardz Image used with permission by copyright holder

While there has been no mention of an exact release date of Arc Alchemist graphics cards, Intel’s website previously mentioned the first quarter of this year. This would point to an imminent launch. However, after not saying much on the subject during its CES 2022 keynote, Intel has now removed references to the first quarter from all of its Arc websites. This was first spotted by Videocardz.

Recommended Videos

This could mean that the GPU launch is being quietly delayed. During CES 2022, Intel focused largely on its plans for processors, but didn’t elaborate on the Arc lineup all that much.

Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming
Check your inbox!
Privacy Policy

The message is all the more confusing since Intel did speak about a first-quarter release on more than one occasion, including the recent CES keynote. However, it could be that this only applies to the laptop versions of Intel Arc. There has been no definite statement as to when the desktop versions are due to arrive.

Rumors suggest that the desktop Arc cards might be launching in the second quarter of 2022. However, with these deliberate steps that Intel has taken to scrap any mention of the first quarter from its website, it’s not impossible that the entire lineup may be delayed. At the very least, things don’t sound good for the desktop line of cards, and it’s possible that even the mobility versions won’t start shipping within the initial time frame.

A render of an Intel Arc Alchemist graphics card.
Image credit: Wccftech Image used with permission by copyright holder

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about possible delays in regard to Intel Arc Alchemist. A report leaked at the end of December 2021 pointed to a March 2022 release date, already pushing it forward from the initially expected January launch. It also seems that Intel may at first launch just two DG2 gaming graphics cards for desktop users, although it’s possible that Intel’s partners may release alternate versions of the GPUs as well.

Considering that the release date was stealthily removed, it seems unlikely for Intel to speak about this anytime soon. The company’s next big event is Vision on May 10, which might be the time when Intel will announce the definite release date of Arc Alchemist graphics cards.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Monica J. White
Monica J. White
Computing Writer
Monica is a UK-based freelance writer and self-proclaimed geek. A firm believer in the "PC building is just like expensive…
Intel’s forgotten GPUs are still happening
Intel Arc A580 graphics card on a pink background.

Intel's Arc Alchemist lineup is ill-prepared to compete against some of the best graphics cards out right now, but things might get better once the next-gen Battlemage cards are released. However, Intel kept quiet about the GPUs during its CES 2024 keynote, focusing on processors. It seems that Project Battlemage is still alive and well, though, and a new interview tells us a little more about the future of Intel's graphics cards.

The fact that Intel chose not to mention its discrete GPUs during CES 2024 felt pretty weird, but the silence speaks volumes. The lack of an official statement tells us that the GPUs may be quite far off, and PCWorld's interview with Intel fellow Tom Petersen only serves to confirm that suspicion.

Read more
Intel surprise launched a new graphics card, but it doesn’t make any sense
The Intel logo on the Arc A770 graphics card.

Intel's Arc A580 graphics card is finally here, but we're not sure if it's ready to compete against some of the best GPUs out right now. In fact, based on the reviews, it is ill-prepared to face the current GPU market. What went wrong? It's not even about the performance, even though it leaves a lot to be desired. It's mostly that it seems this GPU makes little sense to buy compared to the competition, including Intel's own offerings.

It's been a bumpy road for the Intel Arc A580. The rest of the Arc Alchemist lineup, including the flagship Arc A770, launched a year ago after multiple delays. The Arc A580 was announced alongside them, but then, Intel went quiet. Many people thought the card was quietly canceled, but then it resurfaced a few days ago -- and now, it's officially out, with a $180 price tag. We also know the full specs of the GPU.

Read more
Intel’s new Arc driver can boost your performance by up to 119%
Intel Arc A770 GPU installed in a test bench.

Intel has announced the rollout of a new driver update for its Arc graphics cards that promises a huge performance boost in various gaming titles. The new Game On driver with version 31.0.101.4885 primarily offers optimal performance for Assassin's Creed Mirage and Forza Motorsport. Additionally, the company claims up to double-digit gains in terms of performance with Deus Ex: Human Revolution gaining a 119% uplift with GPUs like the Arc A770 and A750.

The new driver update also brings improvement of up to 27% in Resident Evil 4 at 1080p with High ray tracing settings, and 12% in The Last of Us Part 1 at 1080p with Ultra settings. This makes the GPU even more competitive with Nvidia’s latest RTX 4060 and RTX 4060 Ti GPUs.

Read more