Intel's Xe3P Architecture: Leak Hints at Discrete GPU Ambitions with LPM and HPM Variants

Rumor Assessment: Plausible (60%) - Based on a leaked log file, this rumor has reasonable evidence but lacks official confirmation.

Intel's upcoming Xe3P GPU architecture reportedly will not be reserved only for integrated solutions but may also power more hardware, including discrete GPUs. This comes from a leaked hardware/firmware log that suggests the architecture is versatile enough to span multiple market segments.

Leaked Log File Reveals Two Variants: LPM and HPM

A user spotted two variants of the Xe3P architecture in a hardware/firmware log file, revealing that Intel is developing at least two different versions: LPM (Low Power Media) and HPM (High Power Media).

While these are media engine performance tiers rather than full GPU architecture variants like LPG (Low Power Graphics) and HPG (High Power Graphics), the existence of a high-power variant strongly suggests that Intel is considering the Xe3P for more demanding applications, such as discrete graphics cards for gaming or professional workstations.

    Potential Applications
    Integrated Graphics (iGPU): The Xe3P architecture is already expected to power the iGPUs in Intel's future Nova Lake CPU family. In this role, it would handle essential graphics tasks, while a separate Xe4 (Druid) architecture would manage display and media functions.
Data Center GPUs: The architecture is confirmed to be used in Intel's Crescent Island data center GPUs.
Discrete GPUs: The new HPM variant could be intended for use in standalone graphics cards, potentially falling under the Arc C (Celestial) family for gaming or the Arc Pro series for workstation use. Intel has excluded Xe3P from the Arc B family, which supports this categorization.

What This Means for Intel's GPU Roadmap

If this report is accurate, the use of Xe3P in discrete GPUs would signify a strategic move by Intel to leverage a single architecture across a broader range of products, from integrated solutions to high-performance add-in cards. This could improve development efficiency and create a more unified ecosystem.

However, it is important to note that Intel has not confirmed the existence of these HPM and LPM variants. As such, this information should be treated as a plausible rumor until an official announcement is made.

Conclusion

The discovery of LPM and HPM variants for the Xe3P architecture opens up exciting possibilities for Intel's future in graphics. While its role in Nova Lake CPUs and Crescent Island data center GPUs seems likely, the potential for a discrete GPU variant gives enthusiasts and professionals something to look forward to. As always, only time will tell how Intel will position this architecture in its competitive battle against NVIDIA and AMD.