The release of the second-generation Intel Arc discrete graphics processors has been welcomed with positivity. This is primarily due to the outstanding price-to-performance ratio of the Intel Arc B580 that outcompetes the AMD Radeon RX 7600 and Nvidia RTX 4060 in the sub-300 product category. Nevertheless, along with the Intel Arc B580, Intel also launched the more affordable and less capable Intel Arc B570.
An Even More Affordable Option For Gamers: A Definitive Review of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Intel Arc B570
The Good: Advantages of Intel Arc B570 and Notable Features
It is worth underscoring that the Intel Arc B580 is a reasonably priced discrete GPU already. Intel wants to cater further to budget-conscious consumers with the release of the Intel Arch B570. This is an entry-level discrete graphics processor based on the same technology used in its slightly more expensive sibling. Below are two of its important advantages and key specifications:
A Budget GPU that Delivers Strong 1080p Gaming Performance
The Intel Arc B570 was launched in late 2024 with a retail price of around USD 220 but several retailers are now selling it around USD 210. This is a bit more affordable than the USD 240 price tag of the B580. Nevertheless, despite this price tag, it is a capable discrete GPU that can deliver strong gaming performance at 1080p resolution.
Several PC game titles were tested. This processor achieved an average of 64 frames per second or fps at a 1080p resolution setting in Cyberpunk 2077. Moreover, based on the same setting, it trails the 72 fps performance of the Intel Arc B580 and outperforms the AMD Radeon RX 7600, which averaged 42 fps under the same setting.
It demonstrated stable and solid performance in other game titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Hogwarts Legacy at the same 1080p setting. The performance can be stretched in some game titles as seen from how this graphics processor achieved playable frames per second in Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at 1440p resolution.
Suitable For Other Tasks Where Graphics Processing is Critical
The Intel Arc B570 is based on the same Xe2 microarchitecture and N5 process node of TSMC that were used in its more capable sibling. It has 18 Xe cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, 5 render slices, 18 units of hardware-based ray tracing, 10GB of memory based on GDDR6, a graphics memory interface of 160 bits, and 380 GB/s memory bandwidth.
Hence, based on the specifications above, and considering its support for codecs like H.264, H.265 or HEVC, VP9, and AV1, it is a capable discrete graphics processor for video editing with its hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding. This GPU can also drive multiple high-resolution monitors using HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs.
The Intel Arc B570 also has 144 Intel Xe Matrix Extension or XMX Engines and 144 Intel Xe Vector Engines. These components assist the main Xe cores in tasks like 3D modeling, graphics rendering, and computer-aided design. The specific XMX Engines are designed to accelerate tasks that require artificial intelligence acceleration.
The Bad: Disadvantages of Intel Arc B570 and Notable Issues
Remember that the Intel Arc B570 retails for around USD 210 while the Intel Arc B580 retails at about USD 240. The price difference between these two is not drastic. In fact, based on this price tag alone, both fall within the sub-300-dollar product category. The B580 can be considered as a budget GPU. This is the main problem with the B570. Take note of the following:
Performance Limitations and Comparisons With Other Processors
The Intel Arc B570 can indeed handle several games at 1080p. However, in higher settings and other game titles, it may struggle. For example, in Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition at 1080p on the Extreme preset, it averages 46 fps, and in Alan Wake 2 at 1080p, it struggles to reach 60 fps. These are indicative of selective performance.
Moreover, in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at 1440p on the Extreme preset, while this GPU achieves an average of 64 fps, the Intel Arc B580 proved to be more capable since it achieved 73 fps. The B570 can hold its ground against AMD Radeon RX 7600 and Nvidia RTX 4060 but these two competing GPUs would outperform it in most cases.
This GPU can be used for professional applications like video editing, 3D modeling, and graphics rendering but it is important to note that it is designed primarily for 1080p gaming. The limited 10GB of GDDR6 memory and 380 GB/s memory interface may not suffice for more complex and longer video editing or graphics rendering tasks.
Takeaway and Conclusion: Intel Arc B570 is an Affordable Discrete Graphics Processor But the Price Point Could Have Been Lower
The biggest selling point of the Intel Arc B570 is that it is a USD 210 discrete graphics processor designed for 1080p gaming. However, because of this price point, it actually competes with the more capable Intel Arc B580, which retails for around USD 240. Hence, for 10 percent fewer cores, 20 less video memory, and 17 percent bandwidth, the around-30-dollar price difference does not make sense. It would be much easier to recommend this GPU if it is priced below USD 200.