Intel's expansion of its Arc Pro workstation GPU lineup took an unexpected turn at CES 2026, where a low-profile variant of the Arc Pro B50 was revealed in collaboration with Gunnir. The card, designed for compact systems, represents a significant evolution from Intel's previous professional graphics offerings, blending high-performance specifications with space-saving engineering.
Gunnir's new design, codenamed BMG-G21, is based on the Xe2-HPG architecture and features base and boost clocks of 1700 MHz and 2600 MHz, respectively. With a thermal design power (TDP) of 70W, the card is positioned as a power-efficient yet capable workstation GPU, suitable for systems with limited cooling clearance. The blower-style cooling solution further enhances its compatibility in tight enclosures, a common requirement for modern ultra-compact and low-profile builds.
What sets this variant apart is its form factor, which measures just 167 x 69 x 18.4 mm—thinner than many consumer-grade GPUs while still delivering professional-grade performance. This makes it an attractive option for OEMs and enthusiasts building systems where space is at a premium, such as mini PCs or all-in-one workstations. The card's single-slot design aligns with Intel's reference specifications, suggesting a focus on integration into existing low-profile platforms.
While no official release date or pricing has been confirmed, the appearance of this GPU at CES 2026 signals a growing emphasis on compact, high-performance workstation solutions. Gunnir, known for its specialization in professional-grade graphics cards, is likely to target the Chinese market first, where demand for such products is strong. This move also follows Intel's recent launches in the Arc Pro series, including the B770 and B60 GPUs, which have been spotted in software libraries and listed at prices starting from $349.
The collaboration between Gunnir and Minisforum, a well-known mini PC manufacturer, underscores the practical applications of this GPU. Minisforum's booth at CES 2026 showcased not only the Arc Pro B50 LP variant but also another low-profile graphics card from Vastarmor, the Radeon RX 9060 XT LP with 16 GB of memory. This dual display of professional-grade GPUs in a low-profile form factor highlights the industry's push toward more versatile and space-efficient hardware solutions.
Looking ahead, this development could pave the way for more compact workstation configurations, particularly in industries where power efficiency and form factor are critical. The Arc Pro B50 LP variant is expected to compete with other professional GPUs, including Intel's own Arc Pro B60, which was spotted at a price point of $599 earlier this year. As the market continues to evolve, such innovations may redefine what is possible in terms of performance density and thermal management.
