Intel’s discrete graphics card initiative has finally hit paydirt with its Arc B580 “Battlemage” GPU, which has garnered near-universal praise and sold out most retailers. The $250 card is now in short supply, but Intel assures that new units will be shipped weekly.
In a rare instance of a manufacturer delivering on their promises, the Arc B580 has exceeded expectations. While it doesn’t beat its competitors, the RTX 4060 and RX 7600, in every game, especially at lower resolutions, it pulls ahead on average. The card’s drivers seem more mature than Intel’s earlier attempts, and its generous 12GB of video RAM make it relatively easy to recommend.
The rapid sell-out has led to concerns about the card being a “paper launch” – a marketing stunt rather than a genuine attempt at mass production. However, industry sources claim that supply is substantial, with some models available for higher prices in China.
Newegg plans to restock the $250 model next month, while Acer’s version will be available soon. With AMD and Nvidia’s next GPUs on the horizon, Intel’s Arc B580 remains a compelling option for those looking for a more affordable graphics card.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/17/24323888/intel-arc-b580-sold-out-availability