Intel’s upcoming Arc B580 GPUs, featuring the innovative Xe2 "Battlemage" architecture, have recently surfaced in leaks and they’re creating quite a buzz.
Set to debut soon, the Intel Arc B580 "Battlemage" series is among the first of the next-gen GPU launches we’ve got our eyes on. This leak introduces us to two models: the ASRock Intel Arc B580 Steel Legend OC and the ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger OC. Both tap into the Xe2 graphics framework, setting their sights on mainstream gamers—a competitive turf where NVIDIA and AMD are also gearing up to make their mark. Intel taking the lead in this space with a next-gen GPU could really shake things up in the gaming arena.
Let’s dive into the specifics of these two models. The Steel Legend OC and Challenger OC are both custom designs that deviate from the standard specs with an overclocking configuration. This means they’ve gone beyond using just standard PCBs or clock speeds.
- 12GB 192-bit GDDR6 Memory
- Intel Xe2-HPG Architecture
- Includes Intel Xe Super Sampling (Intel XeSS)
- Features Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (Intel XMX)
- Triple Fan Design for Optimal Cooling
- Powered with 2x 8-pin Connectors
The Steel Legend OC really stands out with its triple-fan cooling system and an expansive 2.5-slot shroud at dimensions of 15.71×8.43×3.82 inches. It’s a hefty card, offering a factory overclock of 2800 MHz. Dual 8-pin connectors power it, with a clever cut-out backside design allowing efficient heat dissipation beyond the PCB border.
Switching over to the Challenger OC, here we find a more compact dual-slot, dual-fan cooling design. It includes a similar cut-out for air passage and relies on a single 8-pin connector. Interestingly, both models suggest a 650W power supply as their operating environment. The Challenger OC is a slightly smaller card, measured at 14.17×8.54×2.52 inches.
Both variants offer 12 GB of VRAM with a 19 Gbps / 192-bit setup, delivering 456 GB/s bandwidth. This setup edges a bit below the Arc A580’s bandwidth, which had slower 16 Gbps memory but a wider 256-bit interface and 8 GB VRAM. These cards appear poised to use the Battlemage BMG-G21 GPU core with 20 Xe2 cores. The architectural advancements in Xe2 promise significant gains over the previous Arc A-series, especially with improved IPC and faster RT units.
Both GPUs have made their way to Amazon listings, but pricing details are still under wraps. The initial Arc A580 hit the market at $179, a bold move that stumbled due to early software hiccups, messing up the first impressions with gamers. However, Intel is reportedly stepping up its game with drivers and software support this time. If the Battlemage can couple competitive pricing with robust driver support from the get-go, Intel might just make a significant comeback in the GPU landscape. Keep an eye out for more updates on these exciting new Arc graphic cards.
News Source: @RepsUp100
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