Mark your calendars! ASRock’s new Intel Arc B580 graphics cards are set to hit retail shelves on December 13th, with pre-orders already available through Newegg. More options from various vendors are anticipated to emerge around the same timeframe, broadening the choices for eager gamers and PC enthusiasts.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the ASRock Steel Legend Intel Arc B580 are listed at $269.99 on Newegg, while the Challenger Arc B580 is priced slightly lower at $259.99. These cards are the first offerings in Intel’s recently announced Battlemage GPU series, featuring the new Xe2 architecture, and succeed the previous Arc A580 model. The formal unveiling of the GPUs is scheduled to coincide with their retail launch on December 13th.
Specifications and Features
ASRock, a significant partner of Intel in the gaming hardware market, has introduced two custom versions of the Arc B580 aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. Both editions, now available for pre-order on Newegg, boast exciting specifications differentiation:
- Steel Legend Arc B580: Higher boost clock at 2800 MHz.
- Challenger Arc B580: Boost clock reaching up to 2740 MHz.
Despite identical core specs, the variations in clock speeds may appeal to different user preferences. Additionally, both editions support further overclocking for those looking to push their performance even further.
Performance and Power Requirements
The Steel Legend model stands out with its triple fan cooling system and dual 8-pin PCI-E connectors, designed to facilitate superior overclocking. Conversely, the Challenger variant features a dual fan configuration and a single 8-pin connector to meet its power needs. The base TDP for the reference card is rated at 190W, while custom versions can exceed 200W with manual overclocking efforts.
When considering the pricing strategy, the MSRP for ASRock’s GPUs is set to be slightly higher—by $10 to $20—compared to Intel’s reference model. Targeted at budget-conscious gamers, the Arc B580 garners attention thanks to its 12GB VRAM, surpassing the commonplace 8GB offerings from current-generation AMD and NVIDIA alternatives, such as the RTX 4060 and RX 7600.
Conclusion
In summary, the Intel Arc B580 graphics cards present an attractive option for those looking to build or upgrade a budget gaming system. With competitive pricing and superior specifications, these GPUs could provide an exceptional deal for value seekers in the gaming hardware market.
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