Intel Battlemage “Xe2” GPUs: DisplayPort Support
4/29/2024
Intel Battlemage “Xe2” GPUs: DisplayPort Support
Intel’s next-generation Battlemage “Xe2” GPUs have been the subject of much anticipation. As we approach their debut, engineers are actively working on Linux enablement for these GPUs. Recent patches reveal some interesting information about their display support.
DisplayPort Versions
The DisplayPort standard has evolved over time, with different versions offering varying levels of bandwidth. Here are the relevant versions:
- DisplayPort 1.4a (DP 1.4a): Supports a maximum bandwidth of 10 Gbps per lane.
- DisplayPort 2.0 (DP 2.0): Introduces higher bandwidth options, including UHBR13.5 (13.5 Gbps per lane) and UHBR20 (20 Gbps per lane).
- DisplayPort 2.1 (DP 2.1): Includes the same bandwidth options as DP 2.0.
Battlemage Display Support
The new patches for Intel’s Battlemage GPUs indicate that they will support DisplayPort UHBR13.5 mode, which corresponds to DP 2.0. Notably, they do not include support for the newer UHBR20 mode (DP 2.1).
- UHBR13.5: Provides a maximum bandwidth of 13.5 Gbps per lane.
- UHBR20: Offers a higher bandwidth of 20 Gbps per lane.
Why Exclude UHBR20?
While UHBR20 sounds impressive, it’s important to note that very few monitors currently support this full 20 Gbps speed. In fact, only a handful of monitors have been announced with UHBR20 compatibility. As a result, the exclusion of UHBR20 support from Battlemage GPUs isn’t a significant drawback at this time.
Alchemist vs. Battlemage
Intel’s previous generation, the Alchemist GPUs, were advertised as “1.4a, DP 2.0 10G Ready.” They did not support UHBR13.5 or UHBR20 modes. Therefore, the inclusion of UHBR13.5 support in Battlemage GPUs represents an upgrade over Alchemist.
Launch Timeline
The most recent rumors suggest that the Battlemage GPU architecture will launch around Black Friday 2024. Intel is not only planning to use this architecture for discrete GPUs but also for next-gen integrated solutions, such as the Intel Core Ultra 200V “Lunar Lake” series featuring Xe2-LPG architecture with up to 8 Xe-Cores.
In summary, while Battlemage GPUs won’t support the highest UHBR20 mode, their UHBR13.5 capability still positions them well for display performance. As the display standard evolves and more monitors adopt higher speeds, Intel’s GPUs can adapt accordingly.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the official launch period! 🚀🔍