Rumors suggesting Intel might be moving away from the discrete GPU market are starting to disappear. More credible evidence of their upcoming Arc Celestial "Xe3" and the more advanced Battlemage "G31" chips has now surfaced online.
Intel’s Commitment to Xe3 and Xe4 GPU Progression with Unveiling of Arc Celestial "Xe3" & Battlemage "G31" GPUs
Just recently, Intel showcased its next-gen Battlemage B-Series, which includes the Arc B580 and Arc B570 graphics cards. These cards are set to make a splash in the mainstream market with a price point under $250 and aim to go head-to-head with offerings from AMD and NVIDIA.
Intel’s strategy with the Arc Battlemage series is focused on appealing to the broader gaming community, following a trend similar to AMD’s anticipated RDNA 4 "Radeon RX 8000" lineup. However, Intel might have a few unexpected moves up its sleeve.
In recent updates found in shipping databases like NBD.ltd, the Intel BMG-G31 SoC has once again come to light, suggesting that a higher-end B-Series graphics card might be on the horizon. These developments bolster the likelihood of more robust releases.
The Arc B580 and B570 GPUs feature BMG-G21 SoCs, while the G31 SoC is expected to boast a greater number of Xe2 cores and could be used in future SKUs such as the B770. Intel had already dropped hints, courtesy of Tom Petersen, about a beefier Arc B-series graphics card potentially linked to this new chip.
Turning our focus to Intel’s Celestial, or Xe3 discrete products, the data shows several "Panther Falls" discrete GPUs, Intel’s code name for the Celestial SKUs. All identified pieces belong to the Arc line-up, confirming the ongoing development of these units.
The lineup features various Qualification Samples, complete with parts like PCBs and fully assembled boards. Insights from Tomasz Gawronski have unveiled another Intel Arc Celestial GPU prototype, possibly a 128 EU or 16 Xe3 model. This prototype indicates the potential for entry-level discrete options amid Intel’s offerings, particularly since Panther Lake CPUs will integrate Arc Xe3 GPUs with up to 12 Xe3 cores.
These cumulative developments dispel the recent fears of Intel discontinuing Arc. With their fresh launch of 2nd Gen Arc products, the progression to future lineups—and teasing of high-end advancements within the Battlemage GPU lineup—Intel is clearly full steam ahead. We can anticipate more announcements regarding their discrete GPU strategies at CES 2025. In the interim, the likes of the B580 and B570 are poised to reinforce Intel’s presence in the mainstream gaming sector.
Intel ARC Gaming GPU Lineup
| GPU Family | Intel Xe-HPG | Intel Xe-HPG | Intel Xe2-HPG | Intel Xe3-HPG | Intel Xe Next | Intel Xe Next Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPU Products | ARC Alchemist GPUs | ARC Alchemist+ GPUs | ARC Battlemage GPUs | ARC Celestial GPUs | ARC Druid GPUs | ARC E*** GPUs |
| GPU Segment | Mainstream Gaming (Discrete) | Mainstream Gaming (Discrete) | Mainstream / High-End Gaming (Discrete) | Mainstream / High-End Gaming (Discrete) | Mainstream / High-End Gaming (Discrete) | Mainstream / High-End Gaming (Discrete) |
| GPU Gen | Gen 12 | Gen 12 | Gen 13? | Gen 14? | Gen 15? | Gen 16? |
| CPU iGPU | Xe-LPG (Meteor Lake) | Xe-LPG+ (Arrow Lake) | Xe2-LPG (Lunar Lake) | Xe3-LPG (Panther Lake) | TBA | TBA |
| Process Node | TSMC 6nm | TSMC 6nm | TSMC 4nm? (3nm Lunar Lake Tile) | TSMC 3nm? | TBA | TBA |
| Specs / Design | 512 EUs / 1 Tile / 1 GPU | 512 EUs / 1 Tile / 1 GPU | 1024 EUs / 1 Tile / 1 GPU | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Memory Subsystem | GDDR6 | GDDR6 | GDDR6(X)? | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Launch | 2022 | 2024 | 2024 | 2025? | 2026? | 2026+ |
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Intel as they continue pushing boundaries in the world of gaming graphics.
