Intel’s New Arc B-Series (Battlemage) GPUs: A Budget Gaming Powerhouse
Intel has just announced the release of its latest Intel Arc B-Series graphics cards, code-named Battlemage. The Arc B580 and B570 GPUs are designed to deliver exceptional performance at accessible price points for gamers, offering cutting-edge features like second-generation ray tracing, AI acceleration, and Intel’s new XeSS 2 technology suite.
What’s New with Intel Arc B-Series (Battlemage) GPUs
Powered by Intel’s Xe2 architecture, the Arc B-Series GPUs boast significant improvements in efficiency and core performance. Key features include:
- Second-generation Xe-cores: Enhanced compute power with improved ray tracing capabilities and mesh shading performance.
- XMX AI Engines: Advanced AI acceleration for workloads like image processing and real-time upscaling.
- Dedicated Video Memory: 12GB for the B580 and 10GB for the B570, ensuring smooth 1440p ultra-quality gaming.
These GPUs are optimised to handle modern gaming demands, providing up to 70% better performance per Xe-core and 50% greater power efficiency compared to previous models.
XeSS 2: A Game-Changer for Gamers
The Intel XeSS 2 suite introduces three new technologies:
- XeSS Super Resolution: AI-based upscaling technology, now supporting over 150 games.
- XeSS Frame Generation: Adds interpolated frames using optical flow and motion vectors, delivering higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
- Xe Low Latency: Minimises input lag by integrating directly with game engines.
With all three technologies enabled, gamers can expect a 3.9x increase in frames-per-second, allowing for fluid, immersive experiences even in demanding AAA titles.
Performance and Price That Impress
The flagship Intel Arc B580 GPU delivers an average of 24% faster performance at 1440p compared to the Arc A750 GPU, with some games performing up to 78% better. It also offers up to 32% better performance per dollar compared to its competition, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Starting at USD249 for the B580 and USD219 for the B570, Intel’s Arc B-Series GPUs provide best-in-class value for gamers looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank.
Enhanced Gaming and Creative Experiences
Intel has also enhanced its software ecosystem to complement the Arc B-Series GPUs, introducing:
- New graphics settings: Includes variable refresh rate (VRR) support, low-latency modes, and overclocking tools.
- AI Playground: A free app for generative AI workloads, enabling text-to-image generation, photo editing, and chatbot customisation.
- Media Excellence: Support for high-quality video encoding and decoding, including AV1 and H.265 codecs.
Availability
- The Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition and models from partners such as Acer, ASRock, and Sparkle will be available starting the 13th of December, 2024, at USD249 (~RM1,102).
- The Intel Arc B570 will follow on the 16th of January, 2025, starting at USD219 (~RM969).
Stay tuned to us at Adam Lobo TV for more information about its availability in Malaysia.