Intel isn’t backing down from its quest to make waves in the discrete GPU arena. Recent shipping records show that there’s active development on a new Battlemage GPU and another intriguing SKU shrouded in mystery.
Intel Pushes Forward With Battlemage “BMG-G31”; Likely Eyeing AI and Professional Markets
Last year, Intel caught many off guard by unveiling two fresh Battlemage graphics cards, the Arc B580 and B570. The buzz around these was significant, mainly because they launched ahead of new offerings from NVIDIA and AMD. As the second quarter draws to a close, Intel has been tight-lipped about their desktop GPU plans, leading some to think they’ve lost interest. However, a closer look at the shipping records tells a different story.
Intel’s shipping manifests have disclosed a new entry, the “BMG-G31.” This appears to be more advanced than the current Battlemage models. Rumor has it that this version might pack 24 to 32 Xe2 cores, paired with a 256-bit memory bus and 16 GB of GDDR6 memory. Despite online whispers hinting at its cancellation, official records classify the BMG-G31 for “R&D purposes,” strongly suggesting it’s being tailored for AI and professional tasks, not the regular consumer market.
Alongside this, there’s chatter about another unusual variant listed in the shipping docs, the BMG “C32.” Its naming caused some head-scratching since it combines initials from both the Battlemage and Celestial lineups. Insider @mikdt speculates this might be a re-engineered version of the “BMG-G31,” and it hints at Intel’s ongoing efforts with multiple Battlemage models. Still, the big question remains: Are any of these destined for desktop users?
Watching Intel’s strategy unfold will be fascinating, especially as they delve into the Xe3 “Celestial” architecture set to integrate with Panther Lake SoCs. With fresh leadership at Intel prioritizing AI, it’s likely that they’re gearing up to introduce GPUs targeting AI-driven applications.