Maxsun’s Special Variant of the iCraft Arc B580 12G Graphics Card: Detailed Overview

Earlier this month, Maxsun teased a unique version of its iCraft Arc B580 12G graphics card, which comes equipped with two M.2 slots for PCIe 4.0 x4 drives. While the company did not initially provide a detailed breakdown of this special variant or reveal its internal structure, a member of the Bilibili community recently shared images showcasing the card without its cooling system. These images reveal how the card integrates the additional M.2 slots and highlight its underlying design.

Design and Structure

The exact designation of this Maxsun graphics card variant remains unknown, but it is based on the recently introduced iCraft Arc B580 12G. Both versions share the same PCB design. The standard model already includes unused traces for the M.2 slots near the PCB’s end, enabling Maxsun to solder the slots directly onto the board for the special variant.

The inclusion of M.2 slots is the standout feature of this graphics card. These slots are located on the back of the card, allowing users to install PCIe 4.0 x4 drives without removing the cooling system. Drives are inserted into the slots and secured to the backplate with screws, offering a rigid yet unconventional mounting method. Unlike typical SSD installations, where the drives are attached directly to a motherboard or storage card, this design secures them to the card’s backplate. The layout is practical but unconventional, resulting in a structure that appears unusual when the cooler is removed.

Specifications and Features

Maxsun’s iCraft Arc B580 graphics card is powered by Intel’s Arc B580 GPU, featuring 2,560 stream processors and paired with 12GB of GDDR6 memory. Intel recommends a total board power (TBP) of 190W for the Arc B580, and Maxsun has equipped the card with two eight-pin auxiliary PCIe power connectors, capable of delivering up to 300W. This substantial power capacity ensures sufficient headroom for both the GPU and the two high-performance M.2 SSDs.

The card’s power delivery system includes a six-phase voltage regulating module (VRM) for the GPU, which is sufficient given the GPU’s moderate power requirements. However, high-end M.2-2280 or M.2-22110 SSDs can have significant power demands, particularly under heavy loads. The additional power margin provided by the dual eight-pin connectors ensures stable operation for all components.

Considerations and Compatibility

To maintain affordability, the special variant of the iCraft Arc B580 does not include a PCIe switch. While this decision helps reduce costs, it requires the host system’s motherboard or CPU to support PCIe x8/x4/x4 bifurcation. Buyers interested in this card must ensure their platforms are compatible with this configuration to fully utilize the M.2 slots.

Our Verdict

Maxsun’s iCraft Arc B580 12G with dual M.2 slots is a compelling addition to the budget graphics card market. It offers unique functionality that appeals to users seeking a combination of GPU performance and additional PCIe storage. While unconventional in design and reliant on specific system capabilities, the card’s innovative approach to integrating M.2 slots makes it an interesting choice for enthusiasts and builders looking for creative solutions in hardware design.

Source: Tom’s Hardware