In an announcement that has sent ripples across the tech industry, Intel and Nvidia have confirmed an unexpected collaboration. The two giants are joining forces to develop Intel CPUs that will feature integrated Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs. This isn’t just for specialized AI data centers; these powerful new chips are specifically destined for personal computers.
This partnership is set to challenge the current landscape, particularly impacting AMD’s unique position. Unlike Nvidia, AMD holds a license to produce x86 architecture CPUs, widely used in gaming PCs. Furthermore, AMD boasts a well-established GPU division, thanks to its acquisition of ATi. With Intel now planning to embed Nvidia GPUs into its CPUs, we anticipate significant changes not only in the high-end gaming PC market but also in the burgeoning handheld gaming sector.
A joint statement from the companies confirmed: “For personal computing, Intel will build and offer to the market x86 system-on-chips (SOCs) that integrate Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets. These new x86 RTX SOCs will power a wide range of PCs that demand integration of world-class CPUs and GPUs.” A major benefit for Intel in this alliance is gaining access to Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI technology.
While current Intel Arrow Lake CPUs include a modest 13 TOPs NPU, this figure could skyrocket with the integration of Nvidia’s Tensor cores. This innovation might even allow future Intel CPUs to run advanced features like DLSS without the need for a discrete graphics card.
For Nvidia, this deal provides a crucial entry point into the x86 CPU market, an area where it has previously been absent. Although Nvidia has developed its own Arm-based CPUs, which offer impressive power and efficiency, the x86 architecture remains dominant in most personal computers.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hailed the agreement as a “historic collaboration,” stating that the two companies will now “expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing.” This development undoubtedly presents a significant challenge for AMD, which currently dominates the integrated GPU space within x86 CPUs, powering both PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as most gaming handhelds. This new deal has the potential to fundamentally alter the competitive balance.
Further details about these new chips are expected to be unveiled during a webcast press conference scheduled for today at 10 AM Pacific time.
What do you think will be the impact of this deal on the CPU industry, and should AMD be concerned? Share your thoughts with us!