Intel just pulled off an industry surprise worth noting. It's being announced today that Intel and AMD have co-designed an Intel Core microprocessor with a custom AMD Radeon graphics core inside the processor package, aimed at bringing top-tier gaming to thin-and-light notebook PCs. It might even be something that Apple could take advantage of for something like their Mac Mini that's long overdue for an upgrade or a future MacBook.     

Intel wanted to bring super graphics performance into smaller form factors like a 2-in-1 hybrid device design noted in our cover graphic so it could deliver great mobile gaming and VR applications.

Christopher M. Walker, Vice President, Client Computing Group General Manager, Mobility Client Platform noted in a statement today that Intel wanted to find a way to deliver a stronger combination of performance-level processors and discrete graphics that opens the door to even smaller form factors.  And, we knew we could do it by combining our Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB) technology with a new power-sharing framework. The new products are scheduled to ship as early as the first quarter of 2018.  

Scott Herkelman, vice president and general manager, AMD Radeon Technologies Group added to the statement: ""Our collaboration with Intel expands the installed base for AMD Radeon GPUs and brings to market a differentiated solution for high-performance graphics. Together we are offering gamers and content creators the opportunity to have a thinner-and-lighter PC capable of delivering discrete performance-tier graphics experiences in AAA games and content creation applications. This new semi-custom GPU puts the performance and capabilities of Radeon graphics into the hands of an expanded set of enthusiasts who want the best visual experience possible."  

Additionally, this new solution is the first mobile PC to use HBM2, which consumes much less power and takes up less space compared to traditional discrete graphics-based designs using dedicated graphics memory, like GDDR5 memory.

Lastly, Intel notes that "This new addition to the 8th Gen Intel Core processor family builds on our strong portfolio of mobile and graphics solutions. We're now opening the door for thinner, lighter devices across notebooks, 2 in 1s and mini desktops, while delivering incredible performance and graphics for enthusiasts."

Whether Apple will be able to take advantage of this in their slim MacBook, Mac Mini or Apple TV is unknown at this time. Though with the Mac Mini not being updated in some time, it could be the device that could take advantage of this new Intel-AMD package.  

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