Intel has announced its latest graphics cards, the Intel® Arc™ B-Series (code-named Battlemage), to provide high-performance gaming and AI capabilities at competitive prices. The new lineup includes the Intel® Arc™ B580 and B570 GPUs, designed to deliver best-in-class value, modern gaming features, and enhanced AI acceleration.
Breakthrough Features and Performance
Equipped with Intel’s Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI engines, the Arc B-Series introduces XeSS 2, a suite of technologies enhancing performance, visual quality, and responsiveness. XeSS 2 includes three key innovations:
- XeSS Super Resolution, a second-generation AI-based upscaling technology supporting over 150 games.
- XeSS Frame Generation, which leverages optical flow and motion vector reprojection for smoother frame rates.
- Xe Low Latency ensures faster input responsiveness.
Together, these features can boost frame rates by up to 3.9x in demanding AAA games, offering an exceptional gaming experience.
Intel Vice President and Client Graphics GM Vivian Lien emphasized the significance of these GPUs:
“The new Intel Arc B-Series GPUs are the perfect upgrades for gamers. They deliver leading performance-per-dollar and great 1440p gaming experiences with XeSS 2, second-generation ray tracing engines, and XMX AI engines. We’re delighted to be joined by more partners than ever so that gamers have more choice in finding their perfect design.”
Next-Generation Architecture
The Arc B-Series GPUs are powered by Intel’s latest Xe2 architecture, delivering improved performance per core and increased efficiency. Highlights include:
- Second-generation Xe-cores offer enhanced computing capabilities and high-performance XMX AI engines.
- Advanced ray tracing units for realistic lighting and shadows.
- Improved mesh shading and support for modern game engines, ensuring seamless gaming experiences.
Compared to the previous generation, these GPUs boast 70% better performance per Xe-core and 50% higher performance per watt. The Intel Arc B580 is 24% faster on average than its predecessor, the Arc A750, and offers up to 32% better performance per dollar compared to competing products.
Optimized Gaming and AI Support
The B580 features 12GB of dedicated memory, while the B570 includes 10GB, ensuring smooth 1440p gaming at ultra-quality settings. Enhanced by XeSS 2, these GPUs deliver AI-powered performance and responsiveness.
The updated Intel Graphics Software provides intuitive control over display settings, variable refresh rate (VRR), frame rate limits, and overclocking. Gamers also benefit from Intel’s Game On Driver Support, which optimizes new game releases.
Media and AI Applications
The Arc B-Series GPUs excel beyond gaming with robust multimedia and AI features:
- Media Engines: Support for AV1, H.265, H.264, and VP9 codecs, ensuring superior video creation and playback.
- AI Playground: A free AI application for text-to-image generation, photo editing, and chatbot customization.
Availability and Pricing
The Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition and partner models from Acer, ASRock, GUNNIR, and others will launch on December 13, 2024, starting at $249. The Arc B570 will follow on January 16, 2025, with prices starting at $219.
These GPUs solidify Intel’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-performance graphics solutions for gamers and AI enthusiasts.
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