Intel’s Bold Battlemage GPU Plans Unveiled: Massive 3D Stacked Caches, Additional Xe Cores, and Halo-SoC Compatibility

Intel had once envisioned a bold future for its Battlemage GPU series, featuring larger dies and innovative 3D stacked cache systems. However, these plans were scrapped due to financial shifts and changes in leadership within the company.

Discovering Intel’s Ambitious GPU Vision

The journey of Intel’s Arc GPUs began with the Alchemist series, which faced a rocky start but eventually gained momentum thanks to robust driver support. This set the stage for the next-generation Battlemage lineup. Although we only see fragments of Intel’s ambitious plans today, reports suggest that during development, the company had set its sights high for the Xe2 “Battlemage” GPUs.

In May 2025, a prototype of an unnamed graphics card emerged online, shared by X user @GOKForFree. While initially enigmatic, new insights have shed light on its intended purpose.

Intel’s prototype featured a PCB built for a larger GPU die than what was seen on retail models like the Arc B580 and Arc B570, including six GDDR6 memory sites indicating a 192-bit bus, dual 8-pin connectors, and a high-end VRM setup.

Unveiling the Prototype’s Potential

Reports indicate that this prototype was intended for the more powerful Intel Battlemage BMG-G10 series, which boasted a BGA 2727 design. Insights from Bionic_Squash reveal two configurations: the BMG-G10 X3 with 28 Xe cores and the BMG-G10 X4 with 40 Xe cores, significantly surpassing the Arc B580’s 20 Xe cores. The cancellation of these advanced configurations, particularly the Battlemage BMG-G10 X4, marked a shift in Intel’s direction.

Intel killed off every single Adamantine cache product.
BMG X3
BMG X4 (bigger die with 40 Xe cores)
ARL Halo

— Bionic_Squash (@SquashBionic) October 31, 2025

The Battlemage GPUs were set to feature a groundbreaking 3D stacked Adamantine cache, offering up to 512 MB of cache beneath the GPU, akin to design concepts in Clearwater Forest chips. This architecture was also slated for the Arrow Lake Halo SoCs but was ultimately abandoned.

Future Prospects and Innovations

Despite these setbacks, Intel’s Arc division continues to thrive, particularly with its software and driver advancements. The recent Tech Tour 2025 unveiled promising tech, including XeSS 3 MFG. Intel’s future GPU plans remain vibrant, with developments on the anticipated Arc B770 and the upcoming Nova Lake with Xe3P GPUs. Enthusiasts eagerly await what Intel will unveil in its next wave of graphic innovations.

Intel ARC Gaming GPU Lineup