Intel Arc Battlemage: the first new-gen GPUs before CES 2025

Intel Arc Battlemage: the first next-generation GPUs before CES 2025

Almost all of the Battlemage GPU specifications have been revealed.

Intel has unveiled its new Arc GPUs based on the Xe2-HPG architecture, codenamed “Battlemage.” The same architecture, used in the Core Ultra 200V “Lunar Lake,” has already proven its competitiveness in the integrated GPU market. 

With Battlemage, Intel aims to shake up the market, but without going head-to-head with the high-end segment. The GPUs will be positioned in the entry and mid-range segments, comparable to NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 models.

The flagship model, the Arc B580, is built around the BGM-G21 GPU with 20 Xe2 cores. This graphics card will feature 12GB of GDDR6 memory connected via a 192-bit memory bus. 

It should reach a boosted frequency of 2.67GHz, with additional performance potentially enabled by the partners’ custom designs. Its official power consumption is 190W.

A trimmed-down model, the Arc B570, is also planned. 

Equipped with 18 Xe2 cores and 10GB of GDDR6 memory on a 160-bit memory bus, it has lower memory bandwidth than the B580, but makes up for it with reduced power consumption of 150W.

Both cards have a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5) connectors.

Intel also revealed prices and launch dates:

• The Arc B580 will be available at a price of $249 from 13 December 2024.
• The Arc B570 will be priced at $219, with a release planned for 16 January 2025.

Intel is betting on accessibility and innovation. We’ll see whether Battlemage can live up to its promises against the competition from the two giants nvidia & amd.