Intel Haswell Processor to Support DirectX 11.1 Graphics Capabilities - Document

From X-bit Labs: Even though Intel Corp. is not really concentrated on driving innovation in the fireld of computer graphics, the company cannot ignore demands of its customers and thus continues to improve its built-in graphics cores. The next-gen Ivy Bridge will bring support for DirectX 11 and Haswell will even feature DirectX 11.1 capabilities. Moreover, Intel will continue to certify its graphics cores with software developers to address the market of professional apps.

Intel's microprocessors with integrated graphics engines will get DirectX 11 support only in March or April next year, when the world's largest maker of chips introduces its Ivy Bridge-series of microprocessors with code-named Carlow graphics core with presumably 16 execution units (stream processors). While Intel is clearly late to DirectX 11 party, things may get better with DirectX 11.1. According to a slide, which resembles those from Intel's documents, Intel's code-named Haswell chips due in 2013 will sport Denlow graphics core with DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 3.2+ support.

Improved feature-set of graphics processing unit will help Intel to offer user experience comparable to that provided by Advanced Micro Devices' Fusion-series accelerated processing units, many of which sport desktop-class graphics engines. Unfortunately, Intel does not seem to support OpenGL 4.1 even in 2013, hence, some things that require latest OpenGL APIs may not work.

Providing excellent visual experience is definitely an important thing for Intel. Yet another important thing is addressing the market of professional graphics applications with built-in graphics cores. Even Core i-series "Sandy Bridge" chips are certified for nine professional applications, Ivy Bridge is projected to receive certifications for another eight (including ProEngineer, Maya, 3ds Max, Softimage XSI and so on) apps and Haswell is projected to be certified to work with another three. It is unknown how many professionals actually use Intel's integrated graphics instead of AMD FirePro or Nvidia Quadro for work, but ability to use certain programs clearly expands market opportunities for Intel's chips.

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