Intel’s Arc B580, a budget-friendly graphics card, impressed upon launch with its generous 12GB of memory for just $250. A recent leak suggests Intel, or rather a partner, might be preparing an even more impressive version. An EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission) listing hints at a MaxSun Intel Arc B580 iCraft with a staggering 24GB of VRAM, rivaling even Nvidia’s RTX 4090. While this sounds incredible, it’s important to remember that VRAM alone doesn’t determine overall performance.
A Budget Card with High-End Memory?
The leaked MaxSun Intel Arc B580 iCraft appears in two 24GB variants within the EEC database. This listing, spotted by Olrak29_ on X (formerly Twitter), raises questions about Intel’s strategy. While 24GB matches the RTX 4090’s memory, the B580’s performance is unlikely to compete with Nvidia’s flagship, especially given the vast price difference.
Workstation GPU or Budget Champion?
Previous rumors of a 24GB Arc GPU pointed towards Intel’s upcoming professional workstation card, the Arc Pro A60. This raises the possibility of two separate products: a workstation-focused A60 and a consumer-oriented B580, both with 24GB VRAM. While not impossible, the likelihood of both coming to fruition remains unclear.
The Importance of Memory Bandwidth
The RTX 4060 Ti 16GB demonstrated that simply increasing VRAM doesn’t guarantee a significant performance boost. Without a wider memory interface, the additional VRAM might not be fully utilized, especially at lower resolutions where the B580 typically operates. A 24GB B580 could face similar limitations, offering benefits in specific scenarios but not a dramatic overall improvement.
Waiting for Confirmation
It’s crucial to remember that EEC filings don’t guarantee product release. Companies often file listings as a precautionary measure, and many listed products never reach the market. However, with Computex approaching, we may soon receive official information from Intel regarding their discrete graphics roadmap.
