The new Intel GPU, priced at $249, democratizes 1440p gaming.
Intel aims to change the perception of what constitutes an "affordable GPU" in 2024 by introducing its new Arc B580 GPU.
Intel is in the process of redefining the concept of an "affordable GPU" for 2024 with the launch of its new graphics card, the Arc B580. Considered the "worst-kept secret" by the company itself, this is the first card in the new Battlemage series of discrete graphics, and it will be launched at a competitive price of $249. Historically, this price range has been associated with 1080p resolutions, but Intel claims that the B580 will deliver adequate performance for 1440p.
Intel's strategy includes comparing the B580 to models like the RTX 4060 and RX 7600, which are more expensive and aimed at 1080p. However, the company asserts that its new GPU can outperform these cards, all with the goal of attracting gamers interested in playing at 1440p. According to Tom Petersen from Intel, "1440p is becoming 1080p."
In terms of performance, Intel highlights that the B580 is, on average, 10% faster than the RTX 4060. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it has shown remarkable performance in certain titles. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, the B580 demonstrated a 43% increase in speed, while in Resident Evil 4, it was 32% faster. This superior performance is attributed to the larger amount of VRAM offered by the B580, with 12 GB compared to 8 GB of the RTX 4060, which translates to better results in memory-intensive games.
Intel also reports that the new card is 24% faster than its predecessor, the A750, which is noteworthy given that the latter was also limited to 8 GB of VRAM. The B580's success in games like The Last of Us Part One highlights advancements in graphics architecture.
On sale from December 13, the B580 will be available in a limited edition, along with several versions from partner manufacturers such as ASRock, Acer, and Sparkle. The release of the B570, a more economical variant priced at $219, is also scheduled for January, although specific performance details have not been provided.
At a price point of $249, the B580 stands out as an attractive option in the current market, where comparable models from Nvidia and AMD, such as the RTX 4060 and RX 7600, are priced higher. Additionally, it has been reported that the cards are manufactured in Vietnam, which could mitigate the impact of proposed tariffs on imports from China and Mexico.