Intel’s latest Arc B580 GPUs, built on the new Xe2 "Battlemage" architecture, have made an intriguing debut via leaks.
Intel Arc B580 "Battlemage" on the Horizon: Custom Models Emerge Sporting 12GB Memory and Speeds of Up to 2.8 GHz
Intel seems poised to be the frontrunner in launching next-gen GPUs, evident from leaks unveiling the first two Arc B580 "Battlemage" graphics cards. These cards, anchored in the Xe2 graphics architecture, are seen as a promising choice for mainstream gamers. Intel’s foray into this new segment might just shake things up with AMD and NVIDIA also gearing up for their upcoming releases.
Leaking into the spotlight are two distinct models: the ASRock Intel Arc B580 Steel Legend OC and the ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger OC. These cards are part of Intel’s B580 lineup and are expected to be among several Battlemage B-series products that Intel plans to introduce soon. Both variants are fully customized with an overclocking setup, meaning they steer clear of using reference PCBs or sticking to standard clocks straight from the box.
Key specifications for these GPUs include:
- 12GB 192-bit GDDR6
- Intel Xe2-HPG Architecture
- Intel Xe Super Sampling (Intel XeSS)
- Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (Intel XMX)
- Triple Fan Design
- 2x 8-pin Power Connectors
The ASRock Intel Arc B580 Steel Legend OC stands out with its triple-fan cooling system housed in a 2.5-slot shroud, measuring a hefty 15.71×8.43×3.82 inches. It’s a sizable card and features a factory overclock set at a solid 2800 MHz. For power, it relies on dual 8-pin connectors. Its unique design extends beyond the PCB, allowing the third fan to efficiently expel hot air from the rear.
In contrast, the Intel Arc B580 Challenger OC utilizes a sleeker dual-slot, dual-fan cooling setup, also including a cut-out at the back for airflow. This model is powered by a single 8-pin connector but, like its sibling, it requires a 650W power supply. Its more compact dimensions are 14.17×8.54×2.52 inches.
Both GPUs feature 12GB of VRAM with a 19 Gbps / 192-bit design, promising around 456 GB/s of bandwidth. Though its memory bandwidth is slightly less than the Arc A580—thanks to a 256-bit bus interface coupled with 8 GB VRAM—the B580 compensates with advancements like the Battlemage BMG-G21 GPU core and 20 Xe2 cores, promising significant improvements over the Arc A-series due to IPC and architectural enhancements and faster RT units.
As both models appear on Amazon without pricing, the cost remains a mystery. The launch price for the Intel Arc A580 was $179 US, which was notably disruptive. However, initial issues with driver and game support marred Intel’s early foray into GPUs.
This time around, Intel has invested in robust driver and GPU development, pledging to avoid past missteps from their Alchemist endeavors. Should Battlemage match its predecessor in pricing and benefit from improved driver support right out of the gate, it could very well be the catalyst Intel needs to propel its venture into the GPU space forward. Stay tuned for the latest on this upcoming Arc graphics lineup.
Information courtesy of: @RepsUp100
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