This year at CES 2018, Intel announced its partnership with AMD8th generation Core i processor G series with integrated Vega graphics coreIn addition to announcing the initial adoption of these processors in new Dell and HP laptops, Intel also showcased a NUC small form factor computer platform codenamed "Hades Canyon" that utilizes these processors. During a detailed demonstration at GDC 2018, I was able to obtain a Core i7-8809G processor with an integrated Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics card and an unlocked multiplier, allowing me to experience the benefits of Hades Canyon in limited testing.
Intel actually launched its small NUC design a long time ago, and named it "Skull Canyon". At that time, it used Intel's sixth-generation processor specifications and used Intel's own Iris Pro 580 display architecture to correspond to image computing performance. Although the advantage of process reduction can reduce the design size of the host body, the display computing performance is still limited.
In this collaboration with AMD, Intel leverages EMIB (Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge) technology to enable direct communication between the CPU, GPU, and 4GB HBM2 memory module, all integrated into the same package. This not only further reduces the processor footprint and the overall size of the motherboard, but also reduces overall processor power consumption and enables more precise control of power loss performance. This allows laptops using this processor to not only achieve improved computing performance but also extend battery life.
Currently, processors that combine the Vega display architecture GPU display computing power and the 8th generation Core i processor architecture Coffee Lake-H are designed, including the Core i7-8809G and Core i7-8709G with integrated Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics core, and the Core i7-8706G, Core i7-8705G, and Core i5-8305G with integrated Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics core, totaling five specifications.
As for its application in Hades Canyon, this power management technology also allows the system to maintain normal thermal power consumption performance when operating at high speeds, while also reducing the frequency of high-speed fan operation. This makes Intel's new NUC design easier to use in various scenarios, without even worrying about power loss and the accompanying heat dissipation and operating noise issues.
For Intel, combining it with AMD's Vega graphics architecture GPU computing power will further enhance the processor itself, driving smoother gaming performance. EMIB technology also allows for relatively power-efficient processor operation, while also reducing heat dissipation. For example, during my brief Hades Canyon experience, even with the console running games like Forza 7, Assassin's Creed: Origins, or Grand Theft Auto V, the console's two built-in fans and large thermal radiator kept overall heat generation relatively unnoticeable.
The interior of Hades Canyon is relatively compact, especially since it takes quite some time to remove the motherboard from the case. Therefore, internal heat dissipation is mainly achieved through two sets of heat-dissipating fans and a large heat sink. Therefore, it is expected that the design of the heat dissipation mechanism of the laptop designed with this processor will require more effort. Therefore, it may be applied to relatively thick gaming laptops in the early stage. Whether it will be applied to laptops with a thinner body seems to depend on the actual situation.Various manufacturersProduct design skills.
Overall, the newly launched Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics card and the unlocked Core i7-8809G processor, housed in a compact "Hades Canyon" chassis, offer incredibly smooth gaming, even at 4K settings. Playing AAA titles at 1080P or engaging in virtual reality experiences poses no significant issues, and overall performance is roughly equivalent to that of a discrete NVIDIA GeForce 3Ti to 1050 graphics card (although there are still limitations when outputting at specific 1060K, 4fps specifications).
Intel's recent launch of the G-series Core i processors, featuring Radeon RX Vega M graphics, not only threatens to disrupt AMD's continued dominance of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One home console markets, but also potentially fulfills Valve's goal of transforming the PC into a compact device, allowing users to play more sophisticated PC games like on home consoles while also simplifying PC use and minimizing the space required.
However, the current suggested retail price for a barebone system equipped with a Core i7-8809G "Hades Canyon" is US$999. Basically, users must install the memory and M.2-specification SSD themselves, and add the price required to install the operating system (for example, Windows 10 currently costs between US$119.99 and US$199). The price of the specified version obtained this time is at least US$1650, which is equivalent to nearly NT$5. I am afraid it is not suitable for use as a general home video game console.
"Hades Canyon" actual appearance and internal disassembly:
Performance test:
