Intel’s next-gen GPUs are its first real shot at being the best

Intel’s first-generation GPUs launched with performance issues, but the company has been diligently updating drivers to improve their capabilities. These updates have not only enhanced the performance of the Arc A770 and A750 GPUs, allowing them to compete with Nvidia’s RTX 3060 Ti in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, but they are also setting the stage for the next-gen Battlemage GPUs. Intel’s commitment to driver improvements is seen as crucial for the success of their upcoming GPU generation.

Intel’s strategic focus on the budget GPU market, with prices around $300 for the Arc A770 and as low as $220 for the A750, positions the company as a contender in a segment largely overlooked by AMD and Nvidia. Despite initial driver issues, Intel has shown a dedication to resolving these problems, as evidenced by a recent 750% performance improvement in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. This dedication could pay off with the release of Battlemage, potentially challenging the market to cater more to budget-conscious gamers.

While it’s uncertain how the Battlemage GPUs will perform against the high-end offerings from AMD and Nvidia, rumors suggest Intel might introduce a higher-end Battlemage model that could rival Nvidia’s RTX 4070 Ti. However, Intel’s focus appears to remain on providing cost-effective options for PC gamers. With a market share of 4% captured in just half a year, despite the driver setbacks, Intel’s continued effort on driver updates is seen as a key factor for future success in the GPU market.