Why Intel Arc A380? A Comprehensive Review of Intel's Latest Graphics Card

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Intel Arc
3. Why Choose Intel Arc?
4. The Three Versions of Intel Arc
   • 4.1 Intel Arc 3
   • 4.2 Intel Arc 5
   • 4.3 Intel Arc 7
5. Comparison with Other Graphics Cards
6. Design and Appearance
7. Installation Process
8. Performance Benchmarks
   • 8.1 Benchmarking Games
     • 8.1.1 Final Fantasy XIV
     • 8.1.2 APEX Legends
     • 8.1.3 Microsoft Flight Simulator
     • 8.1.4 Valorant
     • 8.1.5 Fortnite
   • 8.2 AV1 Encoding
9. Pros and Cons of Intel Arc
10. Conclusion

Article:

💡 Intel Arc: A Comprehensive Review of Intel's Latest Graphics Card

In recent months, Intel quietly released their latest graphics card, the Intel Arc. Despite its lack of popularity and minimal buzz in the tech community, I felt obligated as an avid gamer to purchase and test this new offering from Intel. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Intel Arc, discussing its features, performance, and how it compares to other graphics cards on the market.

1. Introduction

The Intel Arc series of graphics cards marks Intel's long-awaited foray into the GPU market. Finally released after years of anticipation, the first model in the Intel Arc lineup is the Intel Arc A380. While previous models like the A770 and A750 have already been released, their availability in Japan remains uncertain. The flagship model, the Intel Arc 7, boasts a performance comparable to the RTX 3060. For this review, I will be focusing on the Intel Arc A380, the most affordable model priced at around 30,000 yen.

2. Overview of Intel Arc

The Intel Arc A380 may not make a strong first impression with its unassuming appearance, but its performance potential is worth exploring. Equipped with a single fan, the graphics card exudes a sense of simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Its compact form factor and black design may be indicators of Intel's strategy to create an affordable GPU. However, as an ardent Intel supporter, I was hoping for a more sleek and refined reference design.

3. Why Choose Intel Arc?

With cards like the GTX 1660 Super and RX 6600 available in the same price range, one might wonder if the Intel Arc A380 can truly compete. While the initial outlook seems grim, let's explore its performance in various gaming scenarios before making any judgments. After all, looks can be deceiving.

3.1 Intel Arc 3

3.2 Intel Arc 5

3.3 Intel Arc 7

4. The Three Versions of Intel Arc

The Intel Arc series can be broadly categorized into three models: the Intel Arc 3, Intel Arc 5, and Intel Arc 7. While the A770 and A750 have already been released, their availability in Japan remains uncertain. The Intel Arc 7 is rumored to possess performance similar to that of the RTX 3060. The model I have purchased, the Intel Arc A380, falls into the entry-level category with its affordable price of around 30,000 yen.

5. Comparison with Other Graphics Cards

In this section, we will compare the performance of the Intel Arc A380 with other graphics cards in the market.

One of the main contenders in this price range is the GTX 1660 Super. Additionally, the RX 6600 has also gained popularity among budget gamers. Can the Intel Arc A380 hold its ground against these competitors? Let's find out.

6. Design and Appearance

First impressions can often sway our opinions, and the design of a graphics card is no exception. In this section, we will examine the design and appearance of the Intel Arc A380, including its fan configuration, side panel, and ports.

While the Intel Arc A380 may not dazzle with its aesthetics, it bears the unmistakable marks of an ASRock product with the "Challenger" branding. Surprisingly, there is no mention of Intel anywhere on the card itself, leaving me, as a devoted Intel fan, somewhat disappointed. The side panel features a subpar design, with lackluster printing that gives the impression of a low-cost graphics card. The absence of a backplate further contributes to its overall cheap appearance. The port layout consists of one HDMI port and three DisplayPorts, which is standard for most graphics cards in this class.

7. Installation Process

Installing the Intel Arc A380 is a straightforward process, similar to that of any other graphics card. Despite being a first-generation product, the Intel Arc A380 booted up without any issues or unexpected hiccups. Unlike some other GPUs that may encounter stability issues upon release, the Intel Arc A380 performs admirably in terms of reliability.

8. Performance Benchmarks

To truly gauge the capabilities of the Intel Arc A380, we conducted an extensive series of performance benchmarks across multiple games. This section will provide a detailed analysis of the card's performance in popular gaming titles.

8.1 Benchmarking Games

With the Intel Arc A380 in HAND, we put it through its paces in several acclaimed games:

8.1.1 Final Fantasy XIV

8.1.2 Apex Legends

8.1.3 Microsoft Flight Simulator

8.1.4 Valorant

8.1.5 Fortnite

8.2 AV1 Encoding

Apart from gaming performance, the Intel Arc A380 also boasts AV1 encoding capabilities. AV1 is a cutting-edge video codec that offers superior compression compared to its predecessors, H.264 and H.265. In this section, we explore the Intel Arc A380's AV1 encoding performance and its implications for content creators and streamers.

9. Pros and Cons of Intel Arc

Like any product, the Intel Arc A380 comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will Outline the pros and cons of choosing the Intel Arc A380 as your graphics card.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intel Arc A380 is an intriguing addition to the budget GPU market. While its unimpressive design and mid-range performance may disappoint some users, its affordability and reliability make it an appealing option for entry-level gamers. However, with strong competitors like the GTX 1660 Super and RX 6600 already dominating this price range, the Intel Arc A380 faces an uphill battle. Ultimately, the choice of graphics card depends on individual preferences and requirements.