Intel released some nore datails on its next-generation graphics chips called "Iris", which will be integrated in the upcoming Haswell processors for laptops and desktops. "Iris graphics brings an eye-popping visual experience -- no extra graphics card required," Intel said in a statement.

Compared to the the 3rd Gen Intel Core "Ivy Bridge" chips, the new Haswell processors will be offering a 2X 3D performance increase in both the U- and Mobile H-series processors designed for ultrabooks and higher-performance laptops, respectively, Intel said. Desktop users will be also enjoying a 3X improvement over Ivy Bridge with the new desktop R series processors, Intel added.

With Haswell, Intel will offer a higher end graphics configuration with more execution resources than before (GT3) as well as an even higher end offering that pairs this GPU with 128MB of embedded DRAM on the CPU package (GT3e). The Iris graphics core has been designed to effectively compete with Nvidia's GeForce GT 650M graphics chip.

For 2013, Intel HD Graphics will remain, and will refer to all GT1/GT2 and some GT3 configurations with Haswell. Iris and Iris Pro will be used to refer to high end GT3 and GT3e configurations:



The 'GT3e' chips will have Intel?s Iris Pro 5200 graphics, while 28W SKUs with GT3 will have Iris 5100. The 15W SKUs with GT3 will be HD Graphics 5000, and GT2/GT1 parts will also be identified as Intel HD Graphics.

Intel claims Iris/Iris Pro will deliver up to 2x better performance than Intel's HD 4000 graphics in notebooks.



Ultrabooks will also see an increase in GPU performance compared to where they are today at a lower TDP.

The Iris Pro graphics core will be exclusive to quad-core parts, and the advantage there grows to 2.5x in 3DMark11.

BGA (non-socketed) desktops will also have the option of using Iris Pro if you get an R-series SKU.



Iris also supports DX11.1, OpenCL 1.2, OpenGL 4.0 and 4Kx2K.

The chipmaker is expected to roll out Haswell in June at Computex with new systems expected in that timeframe.