Tech
Jan 24, 2025

Intel Arc B570: Redefining Budget Graphics with Battlemage Power

The intel ARC B570 is here.

Introduction

Intel's Arc B570 graphics card, launched on January 16, 2025, represents the company's latest effort to provide budget-friendly yet capable solutions for gamers and content creators. Priced at $219, the B570 aims to deliver solid performance at an accessible price point.

Architecture and Specifications

The Arc B570 is built upon Intel's second-generation "Battlemage" architecture, specifically the Xe2-HPG variant. This architecture is designed to enhance performance and efficiency over its predecessor, "Alchemist." The B570 features 18 Xe cores, a 160-bit memory bus, and is equipped with 10GB of GDDR6 memory. The card operates at a GPU clock speed of approximately 2.6 GHz and has a total board power of 150W, necessitating a single 8-pin power connector.

The B570 packs a decent punch.

Performance Comparison

In performance benchmarks, the Arc B570 competes closely with NVIDIA's RTX 4060 and AMD's Radeon RX 7600. It offers comparable frame rates in many modern titles, with slight variations depending on the specific game and settings. The inclusion of 10GB of memory provides a slight edge in scenarios where memory capacity becomes a limiting factor, especially at higher resolutions or with detailed textures.

Performance is similar to Nvidia's 4060 series of cards.

Ray Tracing and Upscaling Technologies

The B570 supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, delivering realistic lighting and shadow effects in supported games. Additionally, it utilizes Intel's XeSS 2 technology, which includes features like frame generation and Xe Low Latency mode. These enhancements aim to improve frame rates and reduce latency, contributing to a smoother gaming experience.

Ray tracing fits in decently with other cards in the same lineup.

Power Efficiency and Compatibility

One of the notable improvements in the B570 is its power efficiency. With a total board power of 150W, it is more energy-efficient than its predecessor, the B580, which has a 190W requirement. However, it's important to note that the B570 relies on the Resizable BAR feature to perform optimally. This means that users with older systems lacking this feature may not experience the card's full performance potential.

Market Position and Availability

Intel positions the Arc B570 as a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid 1080p performance with the flexibility to handle 1440p gaming in less demanding titles. Its competitive pricing and feature set make it an attractive alternative to NVIDIA and AMD offerings in the same segment. However, availability may be limited due to high demand and supply constraints, so interested buyers should monitor retailers for stock updates.

Intel positions the Arc B570 as a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid 1080p performance with the flexibility to handle 1440p gaming in less demanding titles.

Conclusion

The Intel Arc B570 marks a significant step in Intel's discrete graphics card lineup, offering a balanced mix of performance, features, and affordability. While it may not surpass higher-end models, it provides a valuable option for those looking to build or upgrade a gaming PC without breaking the bank.