Intel Introduces Arc B580 and B570 Battlemage GPUs: Mainstream Gaming Reimagined

Intel has officially unveiled its next-generation Arc B580 and B570 GPUs, codenamed “Battlemage.” These graphics cards aim to deliver competitive performance to mainstream gamers, with a pricing strategy under $250 USD. The announcement marks a significant milestone, arriving two years after Intel’s debut of the Alchemist A-Series graphics cards, solidifying its position in the discrete GPU market.

The Xe2 Architecture at the Core

The Arc Battlemage GPUs are built on Intel’s Xe2 architecture, which was first introduced in the Lunar Lake system-on-chip (SoC). The GPUs are based on the BMG-G21 SoC, which boasts advancements tailored for gamers targeting 1440p and 1080p resolutions.

The BMG-G21 SoC features five render slices, each containing four Xe2 cores, totaling 20 cores. Each core integrates eight 512-bit vector engines, eight 2048-bit matrix engines, and a dedicated ray tracing unit. It also includes an updated 256KB L1 cache and enhancements to support atomic operations. The architecture promises a 70% increase in performance per core and a 50% improvement in energy efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Compact Design with Cutting-Edge Fabrication

Measuring 272mm², the BMG-G21 die contains 19.6 million transistors. It is 33% smaller than the previous-generation ACM-G10 die and utilizes TSMC’s 5nm process node, emphasizing efficiency and performance density.

Product Lineup and Specifications

Intel is launching two GPUs in the Battlemage lineup: the Arc B580 and Arc B570. Both are based on the BMG-G21 SoC but are tuned to different performance and pricing tiers.

Arc B580

• Compute Power: 20 Xe2 cores with 20 ray tracing units and 160 matrix engines
• Clock Speed: Up to 2670 MHz
• Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus, delivering 456 GB/s bandwidth
• Power: 190W TBP, single 8-pin connector
• Connectivity: PCIe 4.0 x8, three DP2.1 (UHBR13.5), and one HDMI 2.1
• Price: $249 USD, available from December 13

Arc B570

• Compute Power: 18 Xe2 cores with 18 ray tracing units and 144 matrix engines
• Clock Speed: Up to 2500 MHz
• Memory: 10 GB GDDR6 on a 160-bit bus, delivering 380 GB/s bandwidth
• Power: 150W TBP
• Connectivity: Same as the B580
• Price: $219 USD, available from January 16, 2025

Performance Benchmarks

Intel claims the Arc B580 outperforms its predecessor, the Arc A750, by 24% on average while maintaining the same $249 price point. When compared to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060, the B580 offers a 10% performance advantage at a lower cost, with the added benefit of 12 GB of VRAM compared to the RTX 4060’s 8 GB. This higher VRAM capacity is positioned as a key advantage for higher-quality textures and ray tracing in games.

The Arc B570, priced at $219, brings similar competitiveness to its tier, providing gamers with a more affordable option without sacrificing significant performance.

Cooling and Overclocking Features

The Arc B580 “Battlemage” Limited Edition card introduces a new dual-fan cooling solution with a dual-slot form factor. This design enhances airflow and operates quietly, while overclocking potential extends beyond 3 GHz, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts.

Availability and Market Impact

The Intel Arc B580 will be available on December 13, 2024, with the Arc B570 following on January 16, 2025. Intel’s aggressive pricing and focus on VRAM capacity could disrupt the mainstream GPU market, appealing to gamers seeking affordable upgrades with long-term value.

Intel’s second-generation discrete GPUs represent a significant leap forward in its graphics strategy, offering a strong alternative to established competitors in a competitive segment.

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