Introduction
In the realm of graphics processing units (GPUs), gaming typically dominates the conversation. However, graphics cards are not exclusively designed for gaming; they also cater to various professional applications. Intel, after two generations in the graphics market, is now expanding its offerings beyond gaming with the introduction of its latest non-gaming GPUs.
Launch of Intel Arc Pro B60 and B50
During Computex 2025, Intel unveiled an exciting addition to its GPU lineup: the Intel Arc Pro B60 and B50. These new GPUs are built on the sophisticated Xe2 architecture, which is consistent with the rest of Intel’s Arc B-series. The Arc Pro B60 stands out with an impressive 24 gigabytes (GB) of memory, while the Arc Pro B50 offers 16 GB. Both of these specifications provide greater video RAM than Intel’s current flagship, the Arc B580. Notably, Intel has opted not to introduce a B770 model, thereby allowing the B580 to remain the top-tier option for the time being.
Target Audience and Features
The newly introduced Arc Pro B60 and B50 GPUs are equipped with cutting-edge Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI cores and ray tracing units. Although these GPUs technically possess the capability to run games like any regular Arc card, their primary focus is on business applications rather than gaming.
In contrast to consumer-oriented Arc gaming cards, the Pro series emphasizes stability, reliability, and peak performance in professional environments. These cards are specifically designed for workstations and servers, making them ideal for "serious" professional applications. While they can indeed run games, they are not optimized for that purpose; therefore, they would not be a prudent investment for typical gaming setups. Nonetheless, it is commendable that Intel is investing resources into developing GPUs meant for business use.
Project Battlematrix
Alongside the GPU launch, Intel introduced "Project Battlematrix," a highly configurable workstation platform powered by Intel Xeon processors. This new system can support up to eight Intel Arc Pro B60 GPUs, providing a tremendous capacity, especially for AI processing tasks—an area where these GPUs have been specifically optimized.
Vivian Lien, Vice President and General Manager of Client Graphics at Intel, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing GPU technology and fostering ecosystem partnerships. She noted, “The Intel Arc Pro B-Series showcases Intel’s commitment in GPU technology and ecosystem partnerships.” Furthermore, Lien highlighted that “with Xe2 architecture’s advanced capabilities and a growing software ecosystem, the new Arc Pro GPUs deliver accessibility and scalability to small and medium-sized businesses that have been looking for targeted solutions.”
Availability and Considerations
The Intel Arc Pro B60 and B50 GPUs are set to be available from various third-party manufacturers starting next month. It’s important to note that these GPUs are not designed for gaming PCs, and potential buyers may want to consider waiting for future consumer-grade Arc GPUs from Intel, or to explore existing options currently available in stores.
Conclusion
Intel is taking significant strides in the graphics market by diversifying its focus beyond gaming to encompass professional applications. The Arc Pro B60 and B50 represent this evolution with their robust specifications and dedicated features suitable for enterprise environments. As AI and other advanced computational tasks gain prominence in various sectors, these GPUs could play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and performance across multiple business applications.
