Intel Continues to Expand Desktop GPU Lineup with New Battlemage Models in Shipping Manifests

Intel continues to push forward in the discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) market, evident from recent shipping documents indicating new developments in their Battlemage line and a mysterious new SKU.

Despite the shockwaves created last year when Intel unveiled the Arc B580 and B570 Battlemage GPUs, interest was high back then, largely because neither NVIDIA nor AMD had launched their next-generation solutions. As this quarter draws to a close without updates from Intel on the desktop GPU front, some began to wonder if Intel’s interest had waned. However, fresh shipping manifests suggest the opposite.

The latest documents have uncovered a new model known as “BMG-G31,” boasting advanced silicon compared to current Battlemage offerings. While initial speculations suggested this variant would pack 24-32 Xe2 cores, a 256-bit memory bus, and 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, rumors about the BMG-G31’s cancellation quickly spread. It seems Intel might not target the consumer space with this model, as the manifests categorize it for “R&D purposes,” hinting at possible AI or professional workload applications.

Moreover, another shipment noted an intriguing model, tagged “C32.” The name puzzled many, combining elements of Battlemage and Celestial. Despite the naming curiosity, it’s believed to be part of the Battlemage family, and possibly a “reworked” version of the BMG-G31, according to insider @mikdt. This suggests Intel is exploring several Battlemage models. The real question is whether these innovations will make their way to the desktop market.

All eyes are on Intel’s strategy for its discrete GPU lineup, especially as the company develops the Xe3 “Celestial” architecture expected to be used in Panther Lake SoCs. With changes in leadership and a shift in focus towards AI, Intel seems to be gearing up to launch GPUs tailored for AI-centric demands.