In 2024, Intel is set to challenge traditional notions of budget graphics cards with the introduction of the Arc B580 GPU. Officially labeled as Intel’s “worst kept secret,” the B580 marks the inaugural product in Intel’s Battlemage line of discrete GPUs, priced attractively at $249. While this price range has historically been associated with 1080p performance, Intel asserts that the B580 aims to shift that perception.
According to Intel, this card is designed for 1440p gaming. Even though it is pitched against pricier GPUs such as the RTX 4060 and RX 7600—both targeting 1080p resolution—Intel claims that the B580 outperforms these competitors while maintaining a lower price. As Intel’s Tom Petersen noted during a pre-briefing, “1440p is becoming the new 1080p.”
In terms of raw performance, Intel claims the B580 is about 10% quicker than the RTX 4060 on average, although specifics on the RX 7600 were not provided. While this margin may seem modest, certain titles highlight substantial advantages for this new GPU. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077, the B580 exhibits a 43% performance increase, while in Resident Evil 4, it enjoys a 32% speed advantage.
It’s no shock that the B580 excels in memory-intensive games compared to the RTX 4060, which has 8GB of VRAM. The B580 offers 12GB of VRAM, enhancing its performance at the higher resolution of 1440p with maximum settings, especially in titles like Resident Evil 4. In games less dependent on VRAM, the performance gap narrows.
When it comes to comparing generations, Intel claims the B580 outpaces the previous A750 by an average of 24%. Again, since the A750 is limited to 8GB of VRAM, the gains are particularly evident in games such as The Last of Us Part One.
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Throughout its unveiling, Intel drew various comparisons to the A750, particularly noting performance per watt and performance per dollar. This focus is particularly intriguing given that Intel also offers the Arc A580—details of which can be found in our review of that model. The naming surely reflects Intel’s ambitious plans for the Battlemage series, which has long been rumored in the industry.
As of now, Intel has unveiled just two GPUs: the B580, which launches on December 13 at $249, and a Limited Edition model alongside various designs from partners like ASRock, Acer, and Sparkle.
The B570, a streamlined version of the B580, is set to launch on January 16 at $219. Although Intel has not disclosed performance data for the B570 yet, it is anticipated to perform closely behind the B580 in gaming scenarios based on its specifications.
At this point, we’re relying on Intel’s performance data. As always, it will be essential to test the B580 upon release to verify Intel’s performance claims and assess how it competes against other 1440p-focused GPUs, including the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7700 XT.
Regardless, the $249 price tag is compelling. At present, neither Nvidia nor AMD offers products at this low price point for this generation. The cheapest options available are the RTX 4060 at $299 from Nvidia and the RX 7600 at $269 from AMD. Intel appears committed to keeping the B580 at this strategic price. Additionally, the Limited Edition cards will be manufactured in Vietnam, potentially circumventing the proposed tariffs on imports from China and Mexico slated to take effect next year.
