Intel’s Arc B580 graphics card, now available at a $250 MSRP with 12 GB VRAM, has seen significant improvements after a recent driver update (version 7028) that reduces the previously problematic CPU overhead, boosting performance by up to 36% on mid-range CPUs. While it generally performs about 30% slower than the Radeon RX 960 XT, its extra VRAM and improved driver support make it a compelling budget option for 1440p gaming in 2025.
Intel’s Arc B580 graphics card has recently reached its $250 MSRP and is now more readily available, making it an attractive option for budget gamers in 2025. Compared to alternatives like the GeForce RTX 5050, which is considered poor, and the RTX 5060, which is better but costs $300, the B580 stands out by offering 12 GB of VRAM—more than the typical 8 GB found in competing Radeon and GeForce cards. This extra VRAM is valuable for gaming at 1440p resolutions, where it helps avoid performance issues related to memory limitations.
One of the main challenges with the Arc B580 has been a CPU overhead problem, where the GPU’s performance suffers significantly when paired with older or slower CPUs. Testing with various Ryzen processors showed that while newer CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 7 9800X 3D do not exhibit this overhead issue, older CPUs such as the Ryzen 5 2600 experience a substantial performance hit of around 20-30% in several games. This overhead issue has been a known and acknowledged problem by Intel for months, affecting game performance in titles like Spider-Man Remastered and Borderlands 4.
However, recent developments have brought good news for B580 owners. Intel released a driver update (version 7028) that includes game-specific optimizations targeting the CPU overhead problem, particularly benefiting users with mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600. This update has significantly reduced the overhead, resulting in up to a 36% performance improvement in some cases, effectively making the issue a non-problem for many gamers. While the overhead is not completely eliminated, the improvement marks a major step forward and demonstrates Intel’s active commitment to optimizing their Arc GPU drivers.
When compared to the Radeon RX 960 XT 8 GB, the B580 generally delivers lower raw performance—around 30% slower on average across multiple games—though it offers more VRAM at a lower price point. This creates a trade-off between better performance with less VRAM (960 XT) and more VRAM with somewhat lower performance (B580). For gamers focused on 1440p gaming and needing the extra VRAM, the B580 remains a compelling choice, especially given the recent improvements in CPU overhead and driver support.
Overall, the Intel Arc B580 has evolved from a GPU with significant CPU overhead issues and limited availability to a more viable and competitive option in the budget GPU market. Intel’s ongoing driver updates and optimizations have helped mitigate some of the earlier problems, making the B580 a more attractive buy for gamers with mid-range systems. While the Radeon RX 960 XT still outperforms the B580 in many titles, the B580’s value proposition—especially its 12 GB VRAM and improved driver support—makes it a strong contender worth considering.