Intel presents new graphics cards from the Battlemage series: Arc B580 and Arc B570

Intel has officially unveiled the next models in its graphics card series, the Arc B580 and Arc B570. Based on the new “Battlemage” GPU generation, these cards are set to exceed the performance of their predecessors and are priced in the mid-range. Here are the technical specifications and first insights into the new features.

Availability and price

The Intel Arc B580 will be available from December 13, 2024 for 249 US dollars (before tax), while the Arc B570 will be available from January 16, 2025 for 219 US dollars (before tax). While Intel is introducing its own reference design (“Limited Edition”) for the B580, the smaller B570 will be manufactured exclusively by partners such as Acer, ASRock, Gunnir and other manufacturers.

Key technical data

The new cards are based on the BMG-G21 GPU, which is based on the Xe2 architecture. Production takes place in TSMC’s N5 process. Compared to the previous “Alchemist” architecture, the Xe2 architecture is designed to work more efficiently and offer higher performance per watt.

The larger Arc B580 offers more Xe cores and a wider memory interface than the B570. Both models are equipped with eight PCIe 4.0 lanes. However, PCIe 5.0 is not supported.

Performance promise

Intel emphasizes that the Arc B580 offers an average performance increase of 24% compared to its predecessor, the Arc A750. In a direct comparison with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, Intel speaks of up to 10% higher frame rates with a better price-performance ratio. The Arc B570 is said to be slightly less powerful, but still competitive.

New software features

Intel is also introducing updated software technologies with the new cards:

• XeSS 2.0: In addition to the previous image scaling, the new version offers Frame Generation (FG), similar to Nvidia’s DLSS FG. Artificial intermediate images are generated to increase the refresh rate.
• XeLL (Xe Low Latency): This function reduces input lag, similar to Nvidia Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag. XeLL is activated by default when Frame Generation is used, but can also be used separately.

Intel is also expanding its driver features, including OC options and an integrated FPS monitoring tool.

Design and variants

Intel offers its own reference design for the Arc B580. This “Limited Edition” is intended to offer improved cooling performance and comes with two fans in a dual-slot design. The smaller Arc B570 will only be available as a custom design, with manufacturers such as Sparkle or Onix offering various models.

Classification and outlook

The Arc B580 and B570 are aimed at gamers looking for smooth gaming in 1440p resolution. With a large graphics memory (12 GB and 10 GB respectively) and modern technology, Intel is positioning the cards as competitors to Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4060 and AMD’s Radeon RX 7600. However, these are manufacturer specifications so far, independent tests are expected when the cards become available. Intel’s aim with the Battlemage series is to gain a foothold in the GPU market and offer a good balance between performance and price. It remains to be seen whether this project will succeed.

Source: Intel