Intel’s cancelled BMG-G10 X3 graphics card revealed via PCB leak

Intel's Battlemage GPUs have significantly influenced the lower-end GPU sector with their B570 and B580 models, delivering impressive performance and ample VRAM (10GB and 12GB respectively), which outshines AMD and Nvidia's 8GB options in this price bracket.

A recent leak of a PCB concerning a higher-tier ARC Battlemage GPU, specifically the rumored BMG-G10 X3, emerged through @GOKForFree. This indicates a more intricate development timeline for Battlemage than what was first indicated. There are reports suggesting that Intel had intended to roll out the BMG-G10 X3 and BMG-G10 X4 as premium alternatives to their G21 chip, which drives the B570 and B580.

The PCB that was leaked does not correspond with the G21 silicon, lending credence to the notion that it pertains to a distinct, more advanced chip. The BMG-G10 X3 was allegedly designed with a 192-bit memory bus, 28 Xe Cores (40% more than the 20 Xe Cores in the B580), 8MB of L2 Cache, and a significant 512MB "Adamantine Cache." Should it be released, this would have represented a considerably stronger product.

Nonetheless, the BMG-G10 X3 and X4 chips were eventually scrapped. Instead, Intel redirected its efforts towards a different high-end ARC GPU, the BMG-G31, which is currently under development and has been noted in driver updates and AIDA64 release notes. This BMG-G31 GPU is reportedly set to feature 32 Xe cores, a 60% increase over the B580. If Intel's BMG-G10 X4 chip had come to fruition, it would have included 40 Xe2 cores (a 100% increase over the B580) and an extensive "Adamantine Cache." This cache would likely have operated in a manner similar to AMD's "Infinity Cache," enhancing bandwidth and alleviating pressure on the memory system by storing frequently accessed data.

The reasons behind Intel's alteration of Battlemage plans remain uncertain. It is speculated that the larger Battlemage chips, possibly incorporating multi-chip architectures, turned out to be too complicated or costly to manufacture in large quantities, prompting a shift towards monolithic silicon like the BMG-21 and BMG-31. Alternatively, the initial high-end designs may not have lived up to performance expectations. Regardless, the BMG-G10 X3 and X4 seem to have been canceled.

For gamers, Intel's next-gen XeSS 3 technology promises smoother frame rates and sharper visuals. The Intel ARC B580 is designed to fully leverage XeSS 3, offering impressive performance, crisp image quality, and excellent value for contemporary gaming. If you want to experience the future of upscaling today, the ARC B570 is the perfect entry point. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.