So far, Intel has only used the first Xe GPU based on the economical Xe LP architecture in the mobile Tiger Lake processors. The GPU benchmarks show a doubling of the performance compared to the predecessor. As with AMD’s Renoir processors, such a powerful integrated graphics unit means that the slow, discrete combination solutions are superfluous.

It is already known that Intel has integrated the DG1 (Discrete Graphics 1) into an end customer product wants to convict. So far, this has only existed as a Software Development Vehicle (SDV) or in an integrated forum in the Tiger Lake processors. Now there are the first concrete indications. ASUS has the product page of the Vivobook Flip 14 put online. This speaks of “First Intel Discrete Graphics” . The exact product name is Iris Xe Max.

In the ASUS Vivobook Flip 14 the Iris Xe Max with the Tiger Lake models Core i5 – 1135 G7 or Core i7 – 1165 G7 combined. There are also 8 or 16 GB to LPDDR4X. Usually the integrated graphics unit also uses this memory, which starts with 61 GB / s is connected to the Xe-LP architecture. This bandwidth is one of the reasons why the Iris-Xe graphics are twice as fast as its predecessor.

For the Iris-Xe-Max variant, the GPU has its own memory. ASUS specifically speaks of 4 GB of video memory. This is likely to be GDDR6, which Intel will also use for the larger Xe-HPG variant in the coming year. This means that the memory bandwidth should also be higher, although we have no information about the width of the memory interface.

There are no more precise technical details about the Iris-Xe-Max-GPU. According to previous information, the same expansion stage comes here with 96 EUs used, as with the fastest Tiger Lake processors. However, a dedicated GPU with the same expansion level should clock much higher, since it can produce a higher power consumption and waste heat. For the Tiger Lake processors we have a Core i7 – 1185 G7 a measure of 1, 35 GHz a maximum power consumption 14 W measured – only for the integrated GPU. The dedicated variant should be allowed to accept significantly more without compromising the CPU package.

Whether and when Intel will officially present the Iris Xe Max is currently not known. The question is also open whether ASUS will be offering the Vivobook Flip 14 has only been advanced and whether or when there will be other models.