The new Intel Panther Lake processor has a lot of people talking, especially gamers who are excited about its built-in Xe3 graphics. Many wonder if this new graphics technology is the big upgrade from previous generations that Intel promised. Some hoped it would use the much-hyped Celestial technology. Instead, Intel’s explanation has left fans more confused than ever.
During an interview with PC World, an Intel representative tried to explain what is new with the Xe3 graphics in Panther Lake. Intel showed a confusing chart that lists Panther Lake with "B Series" branding, the same label used for current Arc graphics chips based on the older Battlemage tech. Even though the Panther Lake graphics use Xe3 technology, there was no clear link to Celestial, and the chart hinted at another future graphics generation called Xe3P without giving any details.
The main point is that Intel calls Panther Lake’s graphics "Xe3," which means they are new. However, the company is still using the B Series name and has not switched to calling it the C Series. According to Intel, this is because people recognize the B Series from the Battlemage graphics and it helps with marketing. The plan is to wait for the next big update before moving to the C Series name.
This naming is confusing because Battlemage was supposed to be Xe2, and Celestial was supposed to be the next step Xe3. Now, it is unclear if Xe3 in Panther Lake is really the full Celestial upgrade or just an improved Battlemage. Intel will not say directly, and their answers have left everyone guessing.
Adding to all this are rumors that Intel may stop making separate Arc graphics cards for desktops. There is also news about Intel working with Nvidia to provide graphics inside future Intel processors. So it is possible the exciting names like Alchemist, Battlemage, Celestial, and Druid might disappear and only refer to past products.
For gamers and tech fans, the takeaway is simple. Panther Lake will have Intel’s most powerful integrated graphics so far, but it is hard to know exactly how much of a leap forward it is. The naming and technology details are still a mystery. For now, we will need to wait for real performance reviews to see what Xe3 can actually do, especially for handheld and portable gaming PCs.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/intel-attempts-to-clarify-whether-the-new-xe3-igpu-in-panther-lake-is-next-gen-celestial-technology-but-im-left-confused-and-fearing-for-the-future-of-intel-arc-graphics/
