Unboxing and Setup of Intel ARKA380: A Closer Look at the New Graphics Card

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing and Setup
3. Design and Features
4. Performance testing 4.1. Benchmark Comparison 4.2. Gaming Performance
5. Software and Driver Installation
6. Temperature and Cooling
7. Conclusion
8. Pros and Cons
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Unboxing and Setup

Welcome to my review of Intel's new graphics card, ARKA380! In this article, we will take a closer look at the unboxing experience and the setup process for this highly anticipated product. So let's dive in and see what's inside the box.

When I received the Package, I immediately noticed that the Intel ARKA380 graphics card was surprisingly lightweight compared to other GPUs I've used in the past. The packaging itself was also quite simple, containing only the card itself and a user manual. The card features a plastic fan with the Intel ARKA branding and an exposed circuit board without a backplate. Its compact size makes it suitable for ITX builds.

One aspect that concerned me was the absence of a heat sink or heat pipe, which made me question the card's cooling capabilities. However, upon further inspection, I found that the fan size was 9.5cm and the length of the card was around 175-180mm, making it ideal for smaller form factor builds. The lack of a backplate and the overall design gave it an entry-level graphics card aesthetic.

In terms of connectivity, the ARKA380 offers one HDMI and three DisplayPort outputs, along with a single power connector. The GPU core is manufactured by DSMC and features advanced process rules, promising improved power efficiency and performance. Additionally, it has GDDR6 memory with a clock speed of 4400MHz, providing ample bandwidth for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks.

Despite its promising specifications, the ARKA380 comes at a relatively high price of 29,680 yen. This might make it less cost-effective compared to other graphics cards available in the market. However, let's move on to the setup process to see how it performs in real-world scenarios.

Continue Reading:

After unboxing the Intel ARKA380 graphics card and familiarizing ourselves with its design and features, let's move on to the setup process and see how it performs in various tasks. Whether you're a gamer or a content creator, the performance of a graphics card is crucial for achieving smooth gameplay and high-quality visuals.

To begin the setup, I installed the ARKA380 into a system powered by an Intel Core i9-12900K processor and an ASRock motherboard. I opted to use an Intel SSD for convenience and maintained the same memory configuration as before. I followed the instructions provided in the user manual and downloaded the latest driver from Intel's website.

Once the card was installed and the driver was successfully installed, I proceeded to test its performance. During my testing, I decided to compare the ARKA380 with other graphics cards in its league, such as the RX6600 and GTX1650. I conducted benchmark tests and played several demanding games to evaluate its gaming capabilities.

In terms of benchmark performance, the ARKA380 delivered a solid score of 248 FPS in the FF14 benchmark, positioning it among mid-range graphics cards. However, when compared to its competitors, the ARKA380's cost-effectiveness might come into question. The RX6600 and GTX1650 offer similar performance at a lower price point, making them more attractive options for budget-conscious consumers.

Moving on to gaming performance, the ARKA380 showcased its potential in popular titles such as Minecraft and Final Fantasy 15. In Minecraft, the card delivered an impressive average FPS of 70 in Java Edition and maintained a smooth gaming experience in standard HD settings. However, the lack of real-time ray tracing support hindered its performance in ray tracing-enabled worlds.

As for Final Fantasy 15, the ARKA380 achieved an average FPS of 31 in Full HD high-quality settings. While the card struggled to handle 4K gaming, it successfully ran the Game in Full HD resolution. However, it's worth mentioning that without enabling the resizable BAR feature, the performance was limited to around 17 FPS in Full HD settings.

Regarding temperature and cooling, the ARKA380 remained relatively cool during my testing, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 70 degrees Celsius. The fan cooling system effectively managed the card's heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance throughout the testing period.

To summarize, the Intel ARKA380 graphics card offers decent performance and cooling capabilities, but its cost-effectiveness might be a concern for potential buyers. With alternatives like the RX6600 and GTX1650 offering similar performance at a lower price point, consumers might find it challenging to justify the ARKA380's higher price. However, if you're an avid supporter of Intel and are looking to complete an all-Intel system, the ARKA380 could be a viable option for you.

Pros:

• Compact size suitable for ITX builds
• Effective cooling system
• Decent gaming performance in Full HD resolutions

Cons:

• Relatively high price compared to competitors
• Limited ray tracing support
• Not recommended for 4K gaming

Overall, the Intel ARKA380 graphics card has its strengths and weaknesses. It's important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a purchase decision.