Intel Launches Arc B580 and B570 Battlemage GPUs: Affordable Power for Gamers
05 Dec 2024
Intel has officially launched its second-generation Arc GPUs, introducing the Arc B580 and Arc B570 “Battlemage” graphics cards. These GPUs are built on the Xe2 architecture and promise excellent performance at budget-friendly prices, starting at $249 for the B580 and $219 for the B570.
Battlemage: Aimed at Mid-Range and Budget Gamers
The new Battlemage lineup, based on the BMG-G21 SoC, is designed for 1440p and 1080p gaming. Intel has focused on the entry- and mid-range segments, positioning the GPUs as competitors to NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s RX 7600 series.
The Xe2 architecture offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, delivering 70% better performance per core and 50% improved efficiency compared to the first-generation Alchemist GPUs. With aggressive pricing and high VRAM capacities, Intel aims to attract gamers looking for performance without breaking the bank.
Intel claims the B580 is 10% faster than NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 while offering 50% more VRAM. It’s designed for high-quality gaming at 1440p, making it an excellent option for gamers seeking a balance of performance and value.
Intel Arc B580: The Flagship Battlemage GPU
- 20 Xe2 Cores: Packed into 5 render slices with 20 ray tracing units and 160 AI engines.
- Clock Speed: Up to 2.67 GHz.
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6 across a 192-bit bus with 456 GB/s bandwidth.
- Power: 190W TBP, powered by a single 8-pin connector.
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5) and HDMI 2.1 support.
Intel Arc B570: The Value Champion
- 18 Xe2 Cores: With 18 RT units and 144 AI engines.
- Clock Speed: Up to 2.6 GHz.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 on a 160-bit bus with 380 GB/s bandwidth.
- Power: 150W TBP.
- Price: Just $219.
The B570 is ideal for gamers who want solid 1080p or entry-level 1440p performance with efficient power usage.
Why Battlemage Stands Out
Both GPUs feature advanced ray tracing capabilities, improved rasterization performance, and high VRAM for their price range. Intel has also equipped these cards with AV1 and other modern video encoding support, making them versatile for gaming and content creation. With aggressive pricing, Intel offers gamers an alternative to pricier NVIDIA and AMD cards.
Availability
- Arc B580: Launching December 13, 2024, at $249.
- Arc B570: Available January 16, 2025, for $219.
Intel’s entry into the sub-$250 market with competitive features and pricing could shift the GPU landscape, giving gamers more choices and better value. With Battlemage, Intel is solidifying its position as a serious player in the graphics card market.