Intel’s upcoming Arc B580 GPU is generating considerable buzz, with recent retail listings and leaks pointing towards a December release. This entry-level Battlemage graphics card, a successor to the popular Arc A580, is rumored to carry a price tag of approximately $250 USD. This price point positions the B580 as a compelling contender in the budget-friendly gaming market, offering a strong alternative to competitors like the GeForce RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600.
The leaked information suggests that the Intel Arc B580 will be a Limited Edition model, potentially featuring a design reminiscent of the reference models seen in the first-generation Arc GPUs. One key selling point is its substantial 12GB of VRAM, a significant advantage in handling modern game titles with higher detail settings and upscaling technologies like XeSS. While the $250 price is higher than the Arc A580’s $179 launch price, the enhanced features and expected performance improvements might justify the increase.
Adding further credence to these leaks is a recent Geekbench result, which reveals some key specifications for the upcoming card. The B580 is confirmed to utilize 20 Xe Cores, four fewer than its predecessor, the A580. However, this reduction is likely offset by improvements in the second-generation architecture and a significantly boosted clock speed, leading to improved efficiency and possibly even superior performance.
The B580’s performance will also be closely compared to the current Intel Arc A770, a flagship first-generation model often available under $300 and equipped with 16GB of VRAM. While the A770 holds the advantage in VRAM, the B580’s potential performance gains from its upgraded architecture and clock speeds could make it a more competitive option at its price point.
With a potential December launch date looming, Intel is expected to officially announce the Arc B580 in the coming days or weeks. The combination of a competitive price, ample VRAM, and the promise of a refined architecture makes the Arc B580 an intriguing proposition for budget-conscious gamers eagerly awaiting a more detailed performance overview.
