Intel Graphics Chief Departs: What Does That Imply for Arc GPU Line?

UPDATE 3/23/23: Intel is indicating nothing is altering with the Arc GPU enterprise, regardless of Koduri’s departure.

“We stay dedicated to constructing out our consumer graphics portfolio with future generations, and we’re repeatedly enhancing the present technology of Intel Arc graphics merchandise,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement.

Unique story:

Raja Koduri, Intel’s EVP of Accelerated Computing Methods and Graphics, is leaving the corporate to concentrate on a brand new startup.

Homer confirmed his exit on Twitter after Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger thanked him for his many contributions to the corporate throughout his function as chief architect and government vice chairman.

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The departure is a bit stunning since Intel initially employed Koduri—a former chief architect at AMD’s Radeon group—in 2017 to helm the corporate’s renewed push into discrete laptop graphics. Final yr, Intel lastly launched its Arc GPU line for each laptops and desktops with plans to introduce next-generation merchandise within the coming years.

So Koduri is leaving Intel when the Arc graphics line stays a fledgling enterprise that is a league behind rivals Nvidia and AMD in terms of gaming and attracting clients. On Twitter, Koduri didn’t clarify why he determined to go away Intel. He merely famous: “Will likely be embarking on a brand new chapter in my life.”

That mentioned, in December, Koduri posted on Twitter about his well being issues worsening throughout a latest enterprise journey, which pressured him to get surgical procedure. In the identical month, Intel additionally determined to separate Koduri’s AXG graphics group into two company enterprise models.

On the similar time, Intel has confronted some struggles in jumpstarting its push in discrete graphics. The corporate needed to delay the arrival of its Arc desktop graphics playing cards a number of instances, lacking an opportunity to promote them throughout the nice GPU scarcity of 2021. Intel can be within the midst of reducing prices amid underperforming financials and low demand for PCs. And it has overhauled its enterprise GPU roadmap, which concerned pushing again its subsequent product entry to 2025.

The massive query is how Koduri’s departure will have an effect on Intel’s graphics enterprise. For now, Intel declined to supply additional remark, together with who will change him.

Koduri additionally didn’t elaborate on his new enterprise, solely to say he plans on sharing extra within the coming weeks. However based on Gelsinger, Koduri’s new startup will develop software program involving “generative AI for gaming, media and leisure.” So Koduri’s future work could revolve round utilizing AI algorithms to create artwork and movies much like OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 program, which requires in depth use of GPUs.