At CES 2026, Intel chose to spotlight its next-generation Panther Lake processors, leaving a conspicuous gap in its graphics roadmap. The long-rumored, higher-performance Intel Arc B770 desktop GPU, based on the “BMG-G31” die, was a no-show. However, a leaked driver package has added a new twist to the mystery, containing unreleased firmware for that very GPU, proving it exists in a near-complete state even if Intel won’t talk about it.
The discovery has left the PC hardware community puzzled, wondering why Intel is holding back an announcement for a product that clearly exists and is in active development.
The Evidence: Firmware in the Wild
The most compelling clue surfaced from an unlikely source: a driver package reportedly traced to an HP test machine. This package, which has been made available online, includes firmware files explicitly labeled for the “BMG-G31” GPU. This is the codename consistently linked to the Intel Arc B770 in leaks and rumors.
The presence of this firmware in a consumer driver is significant. It means Intel’s software engineers are actively building support for the GPU, integrating it into the same driver suite that powers current Arc graphics cards. This isn’t just a paper project; it’s a silicon product that’s being prepared for an eventual launch.
The Silence: Why Won’t Intel Announce It?
With evidence mounting, Intel’s silence is deafening. When directly questioned by outlets like Digital Foundry, Intel Fellow Tom Petersen declined to comment, sticking to the standard line of not discussing unreleased products.
Industry observers have several theories for the delay:
- Strategic Focus: Panther Lake is Intel’s crucial CPU play for 2026. Announcing a discrete GPU might split the spotlight from this core narrative.
- Architectural Timing: The BMG-G31 GPU is believed to use the current Xe2 graphics architecture, while Intel is already publicly discussing its next-gen Xe3 design. Highlighting “last-gen” graphics may not align with their messaging.
- Uncertain Launch Timeline: The release date may simply not be finalized. Intel has a history of pre-announcing products well in advance, but a more cautious approach could be at play.
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A Community Waiting for Battlemage’s High-End
For enthusiasts rooting for a stronger third competitor in the GPU market, the wait continues. It will soon be a full year since Intel’s last consumer Intel Arc GPU launch (the Arc B570). The discovery of the B770’s firmware is a tantalizing sign that progress is being made behind the scenes, but without an official announcement, patience is wearing thin.
The leaked driver confirms one thing: the Intel Arc B770 is real. The question that remains is not if it exists, but when Intel will decide the time is right to finally bring its bigger Battlemage GPU out of the shadows.
Source: Reddit