According to PC Gamer a recently discovered shipping document suggests that a 24 GB version of the Arc B580 is in development, making it a potential powerhouse for AI setups and professional workflows.
The discovery comes from X user Tomasz Gawroński, who spotted the shipping record detailing two Battlemage G21 cards (the Arc B580) with a noteworthy designation: “clamshell” which refers to a method of wiring GDDR6 memory modules to effectively double the VRAM capacity.
Standard GDDR6 memory modules, whether produced by Samsung, Micron, or SK Hynix, feature a 32-bit data bus. However, by operating in 16-bit mode, two memory modules can share a single controller.
The Arc B580’s six memory controllers, each 32 bits wide, allow it to support up to 12 GB of GDDR6 in standard configurations. In clamshell mode, this doubles to 24 GB, a feature reserved for workstation-grade cards.
Clamshell configurations are not new. AMD’s Radeon Pro W7900 and Nvidia’s RTX 6000 Ada both utilise the technique to pack in 48 GB of VRAM. Similarly, Nvidia’s 16 GB RTX 4060 Ti achieves its higher memory capacity by using clamshell mode to accommodate twice the number of GDDR6 modules.
While a 24 GB Arc B580 may offer little extra value for gaming—its standard 12 GB configuration is more than adequate—the additional VRAM could make it highly attractive for professional markets.
Intel’s GPUs feature numerous matrix cores (XMX units), which are particularly suited to AI computations. Combined with an ample VRAM supply, the Arc B580 has the potential to become an affordable alternative for AI and data-heavy tasks.
Historically, professional-grade GPUs come with premium price tags. For example, the data centre version of Intel’s Arc A770 retails at approximately £2,280, suggesting that any pro-oriented version of the B580 is unlikely to be budget-friendly.
Nonetheless, a 24 GB version would likely appeal to data centre clients such as HP and Lenovo, who could utilise the card for AI research and development.
It remains unclear whether Intel will release the 24 GB Arc B580 for the great unwashed.. The card may be reserved for enterprise partners and specialised applications. However, if a consumer version does emerge, it would be interesting to test its capabilities in both professional and gaming contexts.
Chipzilla has not officially announced a 24 GB variant of the Arc B580, but the shipping document offers a tantalising glimpse into the company’s ambitions. Should the card become available, it could redefine what is possible for AI enthusiasts and professionals working on a budget.
