Recent leaks suggest that a dual-GPU Intel Arc B580 graphics card with a staggering 48GB of VRAM might be in development. This follows earlier reports of a 24GB B580 variant, doubling the standard memory configuration. While Intel’s Arc GPUs typically target the mainstream market with a focus on affordability, this potential dual-GPU model hints at a different direction.
Historically, dual-GPU configurations have been rare, especially from Intel, whose graphics division prioritizes cost-effective solutions. Even their workstation-grade Arc GPUs haven’t reached such high memory capacities. However, sources suggest that an Intel partner is working on this powerful graphics card.
The Intel logo on the Arc B580 graphics card.
While “powerful” might be an overstatement considering the Arc B580’s specifications (based on the BMG-G21 chip with up to 20 Xe cores and 2,560 shader units, comparable to an Nvidia RTX 4060), a dual-GPU setup would effectively double these figures to 40 Xe cores and 5,120 shader units.
The most remarkable aspect is the potential 48GB VRAM capacity. This inadvertently corroborates the previous rumors of a 24GB B580 version, suggesting a “twice the GPU, twice the VRAM” approach reminiscent of Nvidia’s GTX Titan Z.
It’s important to note that this potential dual-GPU Arc B580, if real, will not be an official Intel reference design but rather an exclusive product from one of their partners. When questioned, the partner remained tight-lipped, citing an NDA, further fueling speculation.
Should this dual-GPU Arc B580 materialize, it’s unlikely to be marketed as a gaming GPU. Its substantial VRAM capacity would be more suitable for AI workloads, where such memory resources are highly beneficial. Currently, gaming demands significantly less VRAM.
Pricing and availability remain unknown, though an announcement at Computex is a possibility. Unfortunately, the anticipated 24GB B580 variant is now rumored to be released a few months later than initially projected.
