Intel is making waves in the gaming world with the unveiling of its latest Arc B580 and B570 “Battlemage” GPUs. Targeted at gamers seeking stellar performance without breaking the bank, these GPUs are priced under $250. Introducing their second-generation discrete graphics line, Intel promises to up the ante in the mid-range market.
The Battlemage series, based on the advanced Xe2 architecture, is designed for those eyeing top-notch 1440p and 1080p gaming experiences. A key highlight is the BMG-G21 SoC, setting a robust foundation with its innovative capabilities.
The BMG-G21 SoC offers five render slices housing four Xe2 cores each, totaling 20 Xe2 cores. Each of these cores is equipped with 8 512-bit vector engines, 8 2048-bit XMX engines, and a significantly upgraded 256KB L1$/SLM cache. Additionally, real-time ray tracing is supported with dedicated RT units, enhancing visual realism in games without hindering performance.
Impressively, the new chip is a compact 272mm² with 19.6 million transistors, fabricated using TSMC’s advanced 5nm (N5) process—33% smaller than its predecessor, the Alchemist ACM-G10.
Intel claims a massive leap in performance, boasting a 70% improvement per Xe core and a 50% boost in performance per watt over the previous generation. This new architecture promises efficient power usage and faster processing.
The Arc B580 GPU stands out with 20 Xe2 cores, 12 GB of GDDR6 memory, a 192-bit interface, and clocks at up to 2670 MHz, priced at $249. Meanwhile, the Arc B570 GPU features 18 Xe2 cores, 10 GB of GDDR6 memory, clocking at up to 2500 MHz, and is priced slightly lower at $219.
Performance-wise, the Arc B580 is a force to reckon with, delivering a 24% boost over the Arc A750. It’s also a reported 10% faster compared to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060, which costs about $50 more. Plus, with its additional VRAM, the Arc B580 is optimized for high-quality textures and ray-tracing effects, making it a prime choice for 1440p gaming.
Both GPUs bring modern connectivity options, including DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1, while ensuring robust thermal management with a sleek dual-fan cooling system in the Limited Edition variant of the B580.
These GPUs are set to be game-changers in the market, appealing to gamers who prioritize performance and value for money. The Arc B580 will hit shelves on December 13th, while the Arc B570 is slated for release on January 16th, 2025. These launches mark a new chapter in Intel’s venture into discrete graphics, presenting fresh options for gamers on the hunt for high-performance, budget-friendly GPUs.
