Did Intel Just Make a Smart Move by Killing Deep Link?

Intel’s stock jumps 4% after quietly sunsetting its Deep Link technology—but why aren’t investors panicking? The chip giant recently pulled the plug on its CPU-GPU collaboration tool, leaving gamers and creators wondering what’s next. Meanwhile, its Battlemage GPU is quietly crushing benchmarks. Let’s dive in.

🔌 The Deep Link Shutdown: What Just Happened?

• End of an Era: Intel discontinued active support for Deep Link, a system launched in 2020 that allowed CPUs and Arc GPUs to share workloads for better performance.
• Features Frozen: Tools like Dynamic Power Share (balancing CPU/GPU energy use) and Stream Assist (offloading GPU tasks) will remain functional but receive no future updates or customer support.
• Market Reaction: Despite the shutdown, Intel’s stock rose nearly 4% on May 13, 2025—a clear sign investors aren’t losing sleep over Deep Link’s demise.
• Underlying Reason: Speculation suggests Intel is reallocating resources to its next-gen Battlemage GPU and Celestial architecture, due in 2026-2027.

🚀 Battlemage’s Silent Rise: A Linux Gaming Revolution

Intel’s Battlemage B580 and B570 GPUs are stealing the spotlight with recent Ubuntu 25.04 updates:

• ✅ 12% Performance Leap: Counter-Strike 2 at 1440p runs 12% faster on Battlemage vs. a mere 4% gain for the older A770.
• ✅ GTA V Gains: Similar improvements in Grand Theft Auto V position Battlemage as a surprise contender in mid-range gaming.
• ✅ Linux Love: The focus on Linux optimization hints at Intel targeting developers and open-source enthusiasts—a niche often ignored by AMD and Nvidia.

⚠️ Challenges Ahead: Can Intel Keep the Momentum?

• 🚧 Investor Skepticism: Despite the stock bump, Intel shares are still down ~30% YoY, with 26 analysts rating it a ‘Hold’.
• 🚧 Driver Drama: Arc GPUs initially struggled with buggy drivers—Battlemage needs flawless execution to avoid past mistakes.
• 🚧 Competition Heat: AMD’s RDNA 4 and Nvidia’s RTX 50-series loom large, threatening to overshadow Battlemage’s progress.

💡 Final Thoughts: A Calculated Gamble?

Intel’s decision to sunset Deep Link reflects a sharper focus on GPU innovation—a risky but necessary pivot. If Battlemage continues its upward trajectory and Celestial delivers, Intel could finally shake its ‘CPU-first’ reputation. But with Wall Street still cautious, the next 12 months are critical.

What’s your take? Is Intel’s GPU push a masterstroke—or too little, too late?

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Source: Steve Anderson. "Deep Link is No Longer Actively Maintained": Intel Stock (NASDAQ:INTC) Jumps, May 13, 2025. https://www.tipranks.com/news/deep-link-is-no-longer-actively-maintained-intel-stock-nasdaqintc-jumps