Intel has unveiled the second generation of their Intel Arc GPU, the B-Series, with the codename Battlemage. The initial lineup consists of two models, the Intel Arc B580 and B570, targeting the gaming market with a focus on 1440p resolution, which is becoming the mainstream trend over 1080p.
The Intel Arc B-Series utilizes the Xe2 GPU architecture with a second version of the Ray Tracing Unit, resulting in a 70% increase in overall performance per core and a 50% improvement in performance per watt. Comparing the gaming performance of the B580 to the previous A750 model shows an average improvement of 24% at 1440p resolution.
Another new feature of the B-Series is XeSS 2, which now combines three techniques in one package, including Super Resolution upscaling (from XeSS 1), Frame Generation enhancement, and Low Latency reduction (both new additions). The result is a maximum 3.9 times increase in frame rates for AAA games.
Amongst other new features are two multi-format transcoders (MFX) that support video encoding and decoding more efficiently, expanding to include newer video codecs like AV1, H.265 4:2:2 10-bit, H.264, VP9.
The Intel Arc B580, with 20 cores and 12GB of memory, will be available for purchase on December 13th for $249. The Intel Arc B570, with 18 cores and 10GB of memory, is set to go on sale on January 16, 2025, for $219.
In Intel’s documentation, the goal for the Intel Arc B-Series is to compete with the GeForce GTX 4060 and AMD Radeon RX 7600 at similar price points, emphasizing performance per dollar superiority.
Source: Intel, Intel (PDF)
TLDR: Intel introduces the Intel Arc B-Series GPUs, focusing on gaming at 1440p resolution with improved performance, featuring XeSS 2, multi-format transcoders, and aims to rival the GeForce GTX 4060 and AMD Radeon RX 7600 in terms of performance per price.
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