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 signify Intel’s second stab at devoted graphics {hardware}.
Whereas the primary Intel Arc lineup, Alchemist, wasn’t probably the most highly effective available on the market – or the perfect graphics card by any stretch – Intel proved it may 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 usually 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 likely be Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Each the “Restricted Version” B580 and B570 are anticipated to be formally revealed on this date, in keeping with the positioning, after which anticipated to be adopted by the launch date and opinions on December 12.
The following day (December 13), accomplice 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 could have 12GB of GDDR6 video reminiscence. One other leak additionally revealed that this GPU ought to keep below 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 collection. Whereas Nvidia is outwardly gearing up for the RTX 5090 launch in January 2025, it seems as if Intel is trying to spend not less than December within the highlight.
Intel’s authentic GPU launch was met with lukewarm opinions. The Arc’s first releases have been respectable graphics playing cards on their very own however have been plagued with compatibility points. Video games operating on older DirectX variations would usually be met with efficiency issues, or in some instances ought to straight-up not work. Many of those points have been ultimately smoothed out, although, with the Battlemage GPUs hopefully launching issue-free
Often identified 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.