Despite financial uncertainties surrounding its gaming GPU division, Intel is gearing up to release two new desktop graphics cards. The Arc B580 and B570, part of Intel’s Battlemage series, are expected to be officially announced on December 3 and launched on December 12, accompanied by media reviews.
Affordable GPUs for budget-conscious gamers
These upcoming graphics cards are not intended to challenge high-end competitors. Early leaks suggest they will have fewer cores, less memory, and reduced bandwidth than some previous Intel GPUs. However, they may stand out as cost-effective options in the budget GPU market.
Retailer leaks, reported by Momomo_us, hint at an attractive price point. The Arc B580 “Limited Edition” is expected to cost around US$250, making it a potentially affordable choice for gamers looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank.
Expected specifications for the Arc B580
Although final specs remain unconfirmed, a recent Amazon listing offers a glimpse into the potential features of the Arc B580. The GPU is rumoured to include:
- 20 Xe2 cores
- 2.8GHz clock speed
- 12GB GDDR6 memory running at 19Gbps
- 192-bit memory interface
Additionally, the card may be relatively power-efficient, with some variants requiring only a single 8-pin PCIe power connector and two cooling fans. Another version with three fans and dual connectors was spotted, suggesting options for different builds and performance needs.
The Arc B580 is also expected to use a PCIe 5.0 x8 connection for compatibility with modern motherboards.
A possible shake-up in the GPU market
Introducing these GPUs could provide much-needed competition in the lower-tier market, which has been underwhelmed in recent years. The pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues left gamers with limited affordable options. A strong showing from Intel’s Battlemage GPUs might help restore balance and bring fresh choices to budget-conscious users.
The announcement is only days away, and the full details will be unveiled soon. For now, enthusiasts can only speculate, but Intel’s move into this space could be a welcome development for gamers seeking value-driven upgrades.
