Intel surprises fans with December graphics card launch
- Intel plans to launch two new Arc Battlemage graphics cards, the B580 and B570, in mid-December 2024.
- The move comes as Nvidia delays its RTX 5000 series announcement, creating a market opportunity for Intel.
- Successful release of these graphics cards could signify a turnaround for Intel in the competitive GPU landscape.
In the United States, Intel has announced an upcoming release of two new graphics cards in its Arc Battlemage series, set to launch in mid-December 2024. These cards, named the Arc B580 and B570, aim to fill a noticeable gap in the sub-$300 graphics card market, particularly in light of Nvidia's delayed RTX 5000 series announcement. Interestingly, Nvidia has not updated its entry-level RTX 3050, potentially leaving room for Intel to capture market share with its new offerings. While past releases from Intel's Arc series have struggled against established competitors like AMD and Nvidia, there is optimism surrounding these new models, especially considering their promise of improved performance and competitive specifications. However, the success of these launches will hinge on the readiness of the graphics cards and drivers, as Intel hopes to avoid issues similar to those experienced during the rushed launch of its Core Ultra 200 series processors two years ago. Reviewers are expected to provide insights once the cards are available, making this a pivotal moment for Intel to prove its capabilities in the competitive GPU market.