First Xe2 architecture patches for open-source Mesa
After initial inclusion of the Xe2 architecture reference in Intel GPU driver support last month, Intel engineers have now commenced their work on Mesa support. The Xe2 architecture, also known as Battlemage, is the forthcoming architecture slated for use in the next-generation desktop and mobile GPU series, as well as the upcoming client CPU series called Lunar Lake.
The most recent Mesa patches introduce the Xe2 architecture, denoted as “Gen20,” following the Gen12.5 architecture. Currently, the code seems to be based on the Gen12.5 architecture, but as these are early patches, dedicated files for the architecture will be created later.
According to Phoronix, who initially reported on the Xe2 Mesa patches, there isn’t anything significant to note about the new merge. However, this marks an important preliminary step before Intel starts developing Mesa drivers to support Vulkan and OpenGL graphics APIs for Linux.
Intel Xe2 in Mesa, Source: Freedesktop
The open-source nature of Linux drivers provides an early glimpse into GPU driver development, occasionally revealing details that would otherwise remain confidential. With the Xe2 architecture, we haven’t reached the stage where we can expect such crucial and detail-revealing patches yet.
It remains uncertain whether Xe2 will make its debut with the desktop Arc Battlemage series or if Intel will prioritize Lunar Lake, the next-generation low-power CPU series. Nevertheless, both product lines are set to launch next year and Xe2 is undeniably coming.
Source: Freedesktop via Phoronix
