When Intel boasted that its upcoming processors - based on the Sandy Bridge architecture - would feature massively-improved graphics performance, few believed that the results would be anything to write home about. However, it seems like the company has been doing its homework, and it might just be enough to put the pressure on IGPs from other manufacturers.
Firstly, IDG is reporting that the graphics-cores will feature support for 3D Blu-ray. While current-generation processors with integrated graphics are able to decode 1080p video, the step-up to 3D will require a significant increase in processing power.
However, Blu-ray drives on computers are still relatively rare and 3D in general is quite niche, making the actual feature of limited use.
Tests on an early sample by Anandtech, though, show that the improved graphical-horsepower can be used for more than just watching films. Using a 3.1GHz Core i5 2400K with a ‘single-core' integrated-GPU, the Intel chip traded blows with a discrete ATI Radeon HD 5450, beating it by up to 10 per cent in some games.
Admittedly, the graphical-fidelity was decreased and the resolution was low. However, the new processor still decimated other current-generation IGPs - from both Intel and AMD - and produced playable frame-rates in every game that was tested. For a product with plenty more development time before it ships, those results are certainly encouraging.
The CPU tested by Anandtech was an early sample, so the performance could change before it's released. However, it is clear that, after years of neglect, Intel is finally taking its integrated graphics seriously and could prove a real threat to AMD and NVIDIA's offerings.
