Intel launches Iris Xe desktop discrete graphics cards

Intel introduces its new Iris Xe discrete GPUs for desktop computers, but you won't be able to buy them directly.

Intel Iris Xe GPU / source: Intel
Intel Iris Xe GPU / source: Intel

Intel is introducing its first Iris Xe desktop GPUs (codenamed “DG1”). According to the company’s announcement (via The Verge), these cards are meant for new consumer desktop computers and devices for businesses.

These new video cards are not designed for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. Instead, Intel is positioning them as a new offering to improve what is currently available, but with better performance, support for multiple displays, and improved hardware acceleration.

The new cards include three display outputs (4K), 80 execution units, and 4GB of video memory. Also, they come with support for HDR, artificial intelligence, adaptive sync, and AV1 decoding capabilities.

Although Intel did not design these GPUs to compete with AMD and NVidia in the gaming market, the silicon maker is also designing the Xe-HPG architecture, which will focus on gaming, and they are expected to be available at some point this year.

You won’t be able to buy these Iris Xe discrete cards since Intel is only partnering with Asus and other manufacturers and system integrators to include the new cards on prebuilt machines.

Furthermore, these graphics cards won’t work with AMD systems either. According to a report for Legit Reviews, an Intel spokesperson revealed on a statement that the “Xe” cards will be available with 9th and 10th gen Core desktop processors and Intel B460, H410, B365, and H310C chipset-based motherboards. (BIOS update will be required to support the new cards.)

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Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.