Despite a rough year for Intel, its $250 Arc B580 “Battlemage” GPU has emerged as a standout success. Gamers and reviewers have been quick to recognize its value, leading to overwhelming demand and widespread sellouts. Intel has assured buyers that it’s working to keep the shelves stocked.
“We’ve witnessed significant interest in the Intel Arc B580, with several retailers already running low on their first shipments. We plan to restock the Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition weekly and are working closely with distributors to maintain a consistent supply” shared Mark Anthony Ramirez, Intel’s spokesperson, in a statement to The Verge.
A Game-Changer for Affordable Graphics Cards
The Arc B580 has breathed new life into the budget GPU market. Critics have hailed it as a top-notch option for gamers on a budget, with rave reviews calling it:
- “The new $249 GPU champion”
- “The best affordable GPU in years”
- “A true contender for mainstream gaming”
- “A much-needed win for Intel”
- “Evidence that Intel is prepared to compete.”
Competing directly with Nvidia’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s RX 7600, the B580 outshines them in key areas like price and usability. While it doesn’t dominate in every gaming benchmark, especially at the popular 1080p resolution, its 12GB of video RAM and improved software drivers make it a solid pick. For its price point, it offers incredible value compared to competitors that stumbled last year with higher costs and lackluster performance.
Hard to Find, But Worth the Hunt
The Arc B580’s popularity has caused it to sell out quickly, leaving many gamers eager for restocks. However, this doesn’t appear to be a case of artificially limited availability. According to Steve Walton of Hardware Unboxed, retailers and manufacturers reported that supply was initially robust but couldn’t keep up with the unprecedented demand.
Shoppers can expect restocks soon. Newegg is expected to list the $250 Limited Edition version early next month, while an Acer model priced at $279 could appear even sooner. Meanwhile, international variants like Gunnir models are available for higher prices, hovering around $400.
A New Era for Intel in Gaming
The Arc B580’s release marks a turning point for Intel as it seeks to establish itself in the competitive GPU market. For gamers, it’s a welcome option, offering a rare mix of performance and affordability in a market long criticized for inflated prices.
Looking ahead, Nvidia and AMD are rumored to have new GPUs in the works, which could shift the landscape once more. But for now, Intel’s Arc B580 is a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking a high-performing, reasonably priced graphics card.