After just a few weeks of leaks, the brand new Intel Arc GPU lineup now seems to be extremely near launch. Codenamed Battlemage, this Xe2-powered gaming GPU lineup will characterize Intel’s second stab at devoted graphics {hardware}.
Whereas the primary Intel Arc lineup, Alchemist, wasn’t probably the most highly effective in the marketplace – or the perfect graphics card by any stretch – Intel proved it might make a good GPU for an affordable value, as we present in our Intel Arc A770 overview. In comparison with the costs of Nvidia and AMD playing cards, Intel’s typically sub-$300 value factors have supplied a good change of tempo.
In accordance with a brand new VideoCardz report, the Intel Battlemage graphics launch date will probably be Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Each the “Restricted Version” B580 and B570 are anticipated to be formally revealed on this date, in response to the location, after which anticipated to be adopted by the launch date and opinions on December 12.
The subsequent day (December 13), companion playing cards – such because the leaked ASRock Intel Arc B580 playing cards – get their opinions. The leaked ASRock playing cards on Amazon solely confirmed off the B580, apparently confirming that these playing cards can have 12GB of GDDR6 video reminiscence. One other leak additionally revealed that this GPU ought to keep underneath that $300 mark, with the reported Intel Arc B580 value being round $250.
Intel seems to be getting out of the best way of Nvidia’s steamroller, the RTX 5000 sequence. Whereas Nvidia is outwardly gearing up for the RTX 5090 launch in January 2025, it appears to be like as if Intel is trying to spend no less than December within the highlight.
Intel’s unique GPU launch was met with lukewarm opinions. The Arc’s first releases had been first rate graphics playing cards on their very own however had been plagued with compatibility points. Video games operating on older DirectX variations would typically be met with efficiency issues, or in some circumstances ought to straight-up not work. Many of those points had been ultimately smoothed out, although, with the Battlemage GPUs hopefully launching issue-free
Often recognized for its processors, Intel’s newest fare hasn’t made our greatest gaming CPU listing as of but. The Intel Arrow Lake vary has been slowed down with its personal efficiency points, as present in our Core Extremely 265K overview, and AMD has knocked Intel out of the highest 10 on main retailers’ web sites.