Since Intel launched Arc GPU, many people have wondered how good the current Arc series is. Considering that this is a brand new GPU and a rare independent display chip independently developed by Intel, many people hope that it can exert influence and stimulate the other two major GPU camps to adjust their R&D and pricing strategies. In a recent video, Korean Youtuber “BullsLab (뻘짓연구소)” used the Galaxy Book2 Pro, the first laptop equipped with Arc A350M GPU, as a platform to test the strength of this new GPU. He believes that this GPU basically beats the GeForce MX450 GPU, and the performance may even challenge the mobile GTX 1650. However, the stability of the driver makes this new GPU The experience is greatly reduced, and even the game cannot be executed well. This may be the most important problem that Arc GPU needs to overcome at this stage.
Korean Youtuber BullsLab introduced Intel’s recently released Arc GPU in a recent video. This new chip is not yet fully installed in all new models of Intel’s partners, but some models are already on sale. Samsung’s Galaxy Book2 Pro is one. According to BullsLab, the model he obtained is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1240P processor, which has 12 cores and 16 threads. Other features include 16 GB LPDDR5 memory, 15.6-inch 1080p 60Hz refresh rate AMOLED display, and a weight of 1 kg.
This new laptop, which is positioned as an entry-level product, is the platform used by BullsLab to verify the performance of the Arc A350M GPU. The machine was equipped with driver version 30.0.101.1660 when filming and running. Because in addition to the independent GPU chip Arc A350M, the machine also has the Intel Iris Xe GPU integrated in the Core i5-1240P processor. This means that this driver is responsible for both these two Intel-based GPUs. It also needs to reasonably schedule the performance ratio between them based on the system load requirements. Such a complex environment also makes the testing process a little more difficult. At least how to confirm which GPU is being tested is not an easy task.
Currently, the Arc A350M has been tested by many media. Judging from the 3DMark Time Spy and 3DMark Fire Strike scores, the Arc A350M’s score is right between the GTX 1650 (50W) and the GeForce MX450 (25W). Judging from this GPU chip with a power consumption of 30W, this result is at least a sure win over the MX450, and has the opportunity to challenge the higher power consumption of the GTX. 1650, this performance is enough to make people shine.
However, running points are running points, and game performance must also be included in the assessment. BullsLab also tested several well-known competitive games such as PUBG, Battlefield, and LoL. While the GPU benchmarks are great, the game performance is disappointing. When executing a game, the GPU clock will increase from the default 1150 MHz to 2200 MHz, consuming about 23W of power. Intel believes that this is because the GPU may stimulate a higher clock in an environment with limited power consumption and heat, which is why the clock will become extremely high. But even if the clock speed is set to such a high level, the game will still stutter when running. This means that Intel still has to work hard on optimizing the driver, which will take time to slowly improve. At this stage, I am afraid that we cannot expect the GPU to operate as efficiently as described in the briefing.
Intel Arc A series GPU is undoubtedly the new Cinebench R23 chip that many people are looking forward to, but its overall performance gives people a feeling of hasty release, at least there are still many problems to be solved in the driver. It’s not that Intel has never developed GPUs in the past. Even though it has paid little attention to the independent graphics field, it does not mean that Intel has no experience. The 3DMark score of Arc GPU shows that this GPU actually has great potential, at least in the entry-level market, it can really threaten the GeForce MX450. But when it comes to driver stability, Arc is not as good as products from NVIDIA and AMD.
Intel is expected to launch other products in the Arc series this summer, such as the rumored Arc 5 and Arc 7 GPUs. Desktop graphics cards based on this GPU may also be launched simultaneously. Based on Intel’s position in the industry, I believe that more efforts should be made in the driver during this time. It’s just that at this stage, users who are buying new laptops because of the gimmick of Intel’s independent graphics may have to be guinea pigs for a while before they can see the real power of Arc GPU.
BullsLab (뻘짓연구소) original video:
Source: KOCPC Chinese