Breaking: IntelS Battlemage B380 GPU Details Emerge, Potentially Revitalizing Budget Gaming
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New data suggests Intel is preparing to launch the B380 GPU, a successor to the Arc A380, aiming to provide a significant performance boost in the sub-$200 price range. This development comes as availability of competing AMD radeon RX 6600 cards dwindles adn the anticipated RX 7400 appears likely to remain exclusive to pre-built systems.
Analysis: A New Hope for Affordable Graphics
The B380 is expected to feature 16 Xe cores, doubling the core count of the A380, which currently has 8 Xe cores. intel’s Arc “Battlemage” architecture is slated for release in the second half of 2024, according to Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger’s statements at the 2023 Intel Innovation event in San Jose, California. The B380 is anticipated to be paired with 8GB of VRAM, a slight increase from the A380’s 6GB.
This upgrade positions the B380 as a potentially compelling budget graphics card option. The original A380 launched at $150 in the United States, and industry analysts predict the B380 will likely be priced under $200. This price point is crucial, as it addresses a segment of the market currently lacking competitive options.
the AMD Radeon RX 6600 has been a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers, but its availability is decreasing, leading to price increases. AMD’s upcoming RX 7400, based on the RDNA 3 architecture, is rumored to be limited to pre-built systems from manufacturers like HP and Dell, potentially hindering its accessibility to individual PC builders. Even if released as a standalone card, AMD may price it above the $200 mark.
Should the RX 7400 remain exclusive to pre-builts or be priced unfavorably, the B380 could become a particularly attractive option for users building compact gaming PCs, thanks to its expected low power consumption. The B380’s efficiency could be a key selling point for small form factor (SFF) builds,where thermal management and power delivery are critical considerations.
