- Intel Arc B580 has gained attention due to its affordable price, respectable performance, and 12GB of memory.
- A new shipping document suggests Intel is experimenting with the “clamshell” method, which allows doubling the amount of VRAM.
- The 24GB version of the Arc B580 may be aimed at data centers and AI companies rather than consumers.
With its affordable price, respectable performance, and 12 GB of memory, Intel’s new Arc B580 graphics card has drawn much attention. However, Intel might plan on a new version under the same model.
Why it matters: The potential release of a 24GB Intel Arc B580 could significantly impact the budget graphics card market. By using the clamshell method to increase VRAM, Intel may offer better performance at a lower price than competitors.
A Twitter user, Tomasz Gawroński, reported seeing shipping paperwork with two entries for Battlemage G21 graphics cards that had the interesting term “clamshell” written on them. The Clamshell method allows you to double the VRAM you typically receive by attaching GDDR6 memory modules onto a graphics card.
Every GDDR6 module has a data bus speed of 32 bits. However, they can function in 16-bit mode at a lower speed. This is what clamshell is: Intel Arc B580 memory controllers, which are 32-bit wide, can each connect to two GDDR6 modules.
Intel’s only Battlemage GPU includes six controllers, a 192-bit bus, and 12 GB of GDDR6. In clamshell mode, 24 GB of video RAM is possible.
Intel may retain the 24 GB Arc B580 for data centers and AI firms, so it may never get it to market. However, it would be one of the best budget graphics cards on the market if Intel decided to launch it for the public.
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[News Reporter]
Malik Usman is student of Computer Science focused on using his knowledge to produce detailed and informative articles covering the latest findings from the tech industry. His expertise allows him to cover subjects like processors, graphics cards, and more. In addition to the latest hardware, Malik can be found writing about the gaming industry from time to time. He is fond of games like God of War, and his work has been mentioned on websites like Whatculture, VG247, IGN, and Eurogamer.
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