Intel has announced the launch of its Arc B-Series graphics cards, code-named Battlemage, targeting mainstream gamers. The lineup features the debut of the BMG-G21 SoC, optimized for 1440p and 1080p gaming.
The new Arc B580 and B570 GPUs focus on providing solid performance at competitive prices, delivering modern gaming features and AI acceleration powered by integrated Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) engines, the company said.
BMG-G21 SoC Architecture and Performance
The Xe2-based BMG-G21 SoC features five render slices, each with four Xe2 cores, totaling 20 Xe2 cores. Each core is equipped with eight 512-bit vector engines, eight 2048-bit XMX engines, and a 256KB L1$/SLM cache.
The architecture includes dedicated ray tracing (RT) units and advanced support for geometry, rasterization, and pixel backends. According to Intel, the BMG-G21 achieves a 70% performance improvement per Xe-core and 50% better performance per watt compared to previous generations.
Enhanced Gaming with XeSS 2 Technology
The Arc B-Series introduces XeSS 2, which includes three key technologies:
- XeSS Super Resolution: AI-based upscaling for enhanced visuals.
- XeSS Frame Generation: Adds interpolated frames using optical flow and motion vectors to improve fluidity.
- Xe Low Latency: Reduces input lag for faster responses.
When combined, these technologies boost frame rates by up to 3.9x, providing smoother gameplay in demanding AAA titles.
Intel Arc B-Series GPU Specifications
- Arc B580 GPU: Features 20 Xe2 cores, 12GB of GDDR6 memory, and a memory bandwidth of 456GB/s. It operates at up to 2670 MHz with a total board power (TBP) of 190W.
- Arc B570 GPU: Includes 18 Xe2 cores, 10GB of GDDR6 memory, and a bandwidth of 380GB/s. It runs at a clock speed of up to 2500 MHz with a 150W TBP.
Both GPUs support DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and hardware acceleration for AV1, HEVC, AVC, and VP9 codecs.
Competitive Edge and Cooling Design
The Arc B580 offers up to 24% faster performance than the Arc A750, with some games seeing up to a 78% improvement.
According to Intel, it is 10% faster on average than competitors like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and offers up to 32% better performance per dollar, along with superior rasterization and ray tracing capabilities.
The B580 Limited Edition features a dual-slot, dual-fan cooling system, enhancing airflow and maintaining quiet operation. It also supports overclocking beyond 3 GHz for additional performance boosts.
Media and AI Capabilities
Intel’s media engine supports multiple video codecs, including AV1 and HEVC, facilitating high-quality video creation and playback. The GPUs also support AI workloads through the AI Playground 2.0 tool, enabling tasks like text-to-image generation, photo editing, and custom chatbot creation.
Pricing and Availability
- Arc B580 Limited Edition: Available from December 13, 2024, starting at USD 249 (Rs. 21,100 approx.).
- Arc B570: Available from January 16, 2025, starting at USD 219 (Rs. 18,550 approx.).
Both models will be offered through partners such as Acer, ASRock, GUNNIR, ONIXX, MAXSUN, and Sparkle.
Speaking about the new GPUs, Vivian Lien, Intel Vice President and General Manager of Client Graphics, said,
The new Intel Arc B-Series GPUs are the ideal upgrade for gamers, offering exceptional performance-per-dollar and outstanding 1440p gaming experiences. With XeSS 2, second-generation ray tracing engines, and XMX AI engines, they set a new standard. We’re thrilled to collaborate with more partners than ever, giving gamers greater choice in finding their perfect design.