# Intel’s Dedicated GPUs Are Back: Battlemage B-Series Focuses on 1440p Gaming
Intel is making a significant entry into the GPU arena once again with the introduction of its new generation B-series Arc GPUs, namely the Arc B580 and Arc B570. These midrange graphics cards are designed to directly compete with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4060 and AMD’s RX 7600 series, appealing to gamers seeking strong 1440p performance at an affordable price. With attractive pricing, enhanced architecture, and upgraded features, Intel is emphasizing its dedication to establishing itself as a formidable competitor in the discrete GPU market.
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## **The Battlemage Architecture: An Advancement**
The latest B-series GPUs mark Intel’s inaugural dedicated graphics cards utilizing the “Battlemage” architecture, which follows the “Alchemist” architecture that powered the initial Arc A-series cards. While Alchemist enabled Intel to carve out a niche in the GPU sector, Battlemage signifies a refinement of this initiative, prioritizing performance, efficiency, and software enhancements.
### **Key Specifications:**
– **Arc B580**: Available at $249, equipped with 12GB of RAM.
– **Arc B570**: Priced at $219, featuring 10GB of RAM.
– **Manufacturing Process**: Both graphics cards utilize TSMC’s 5nm process, an upgrade from the 6nm process employed for the A-series.
– **Power Requirements**: Each card requires a single 8-pin power connector in Intel’s reference design.
The B580 will be released on December 13, while the B570 will be available starting January 16. A limited-edition version of the B580 will also be launched, alongside third-party models from manufacturers such as Asus, ASRock, Gunnir, and Sparkle for the B570 and other variants.
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## **Attractive Pricing and Performance**
Intel is positioning the Arc B580 and B570 as economical alternatives to Nvidia and AMD’s midrange selections. With prices at $249 and $219, respectively, these cards are priced lower than their rivals while providing enhanced VRAM—a crucial element for contemporary gaming at 1440p.
### **Performance Highlights:**
– Intel asserts that the B580 is **10% faster than Nvidia’s RTX 4060** at 1440p.
– The B580 is **24% faster than Intel’s Arc A750**, demonstrating substantial generational advancements.
– Intel claims both cards outperform AMD’s midrange GPUs in ray tracing performance, based on promotional claims.
The additional VRAM (12GB for the B580 and 10GB for the B570) gives these cards an advantage in memory-demanding situations, especially at elevated resolutions and with ray tracing turned on. By comparison, Nvidia’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s RX 7600 are restricted to 8GB of VRAM, which can limit performance in modern titles.
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## **Driver Enhancements and XeSS 2 Upscaling**
A significant criticism levelled at Intel’s first-generation Arc GPUs was their inconsistent driver support, resulting in mediocre performance in a variety of games. Over the last two years, Intel has diligently sought to resolve these shortcomings, and the Battlemage cards are anticipated to reap the benefits of these improvements.
### **Driver Optimizations:**
– Enhanced performance in older DirectX iterations via translation layers.
– Better stability and compatibility across an expanded variety of games.
### **XeSS 2: Intel’s Solution to DLSS and FSR**
The B-series GPUs also unveil **XeSS 2**, Intel’s advanced AI-driven upscaling technology. Similar to Nvidia’s DLSS 3 and AMD’s FSR 3, XeSS 2 features a **frame-generation option** that interpolates extra frames to enhance smoothness. This feature is especially advantageous for sustaining high frame rates in resource-intensive games.
Moreover, Intel’s **Xe Low Latency** technology is designed to minimize the input lag linked with frame generation, positioning it as a competitor to Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag.
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## **Focusing on the Sub-$300 Market**
Intel is evidently aiming at the sub-$300 GPU market, a sector where Nvidia and AMD’s alternatives frequently come with compromises such as restricted VRAM. By providing more than 8GB of RAM at this price point, Intel is tackling a crucial issue for gamers wishing to play at 1440p without facing memory limitations.
### **Comparison with Competitors:**
– Nvidia’s RTX 4060 (8GB): Retailing at approximately $299 but constrained by its VRAM.
– AMD’s RX 7600 (8GB): Priced around $269, also facing similar VRAM limitations.
– Intel’s Arc B580 (12GB): Available for $249, delivering greater memory and superior performance at 1440p.
Intel’s approach is to deliver enhanced performance-per-dollar, particularly in scenarios involving ray tracing and high-resolution gaming.
