Intel ARC A770顯示卡 - Intel重返市場24年後!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History of Graphics Cards
• Intel Arc Video Cards
• testing System Setup
• Driver Options and Features
• Game Testing and Performance
  • Dirt 3
  • Half-Life 2
  • Far Cry
  • Dead Space
  • OpenGL Performance
  • GTA 5
  • The Witcher 3
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider
  • Doom
  • Strange Brigade
  • Power Draw
• Video Capturing
• Fan Speed and Noise
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion
• Additional Resources

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the latest Intel Arc video cards and their performance in gaming. Graphics cards have come a long way since the early days, and Intel is now entering the market with their new Intel Arc lineup. We will be diving into the details of these cards and testing them on a variety of games to see how they stack up against the competition. So let's get started and see what Intel has to offer with their new video cards.

History of Graphics Cards

Before we jump into the Intel Arc video cards, let's take a moment to reflect on the history of graphics cards. It was 24 years ago that Intel launched their very first graphics card, the Intel i-740. This card had a mere 8 megabytes of video memory, which seems minuscule compared to the cards we have today. Over the years, graphics cards have evolved significantly, offering more power and performance with each generation. Now, let's see how Intel's latest offering fares in the market.

Intel Arc Video Cards

In 2022, Intel released their new Intel Arc video cards. These cards are aimed at the gaming market, competing with other giants like AMD and Nvidia. One of the viewers, Sam, recently purchased the Intel Arc a770 video card and offered it for testing. We gladly accepted the offer and got our hands on the card to see how it performs in real-world scenarios. In the following sections, we will delve into the testing system setup, driver options, game performance, and more.

Testing System Setup

To properly evaluate the Intel Arc video card, we set up a test system consisting of an MSI motherboard, an Intel i7-11700F processor with 16 gigabytes of RAM in a dual Channel configuration at 3200 megahertz. We made sure to load the BIOS default settings, enable the XMP profile, and check that resizable bar was enabled. After installing Windows 11 Pro and updating all the necessary drivers, we were ready to explore the capabilities of the Intel Arc video card.

Driver Options and Features

Before diving into game testing, we took some time to explore the driver options and features provided by Intel. One of the standout features we noticed was GPU scaling, which includes integer scaling for sharp images. However, it is important to note that this feature only works on the desktop and not in games. We also found support for anisotropic filtering and cmaa post-processing anti-aliasing technique. While these features are a good start, the options for anti-aliasing still felt limited compared to competitors like Nvidia and AMD.

Game Testing and Performance

Now, let's move on to the most important part of the review: game testing and performance. We selected a range of games to test the Intel Arc video card's capabilities, focusing on running games at 4K resolution with maximum details. Here are our findings for each game:

🎮 Dirt 3

At 4K resolution, Dirt 3 ran smoothly with all settings cranked up to ultra and 4x anti-aliasing. We experienced no noticeable issues, and the game consistently delivered over 60 frames per Second (FPS).

🎮 Half-Life 2

Running Half-Life 2 at 4K with all details maxed out resulted in a Flawless gaming experience. The video card handled the game without any noticeable issues, and we enjoyed a smooth performance throughout.

🎮 Far Cry

The original Far Cry supported 4K resolution with all details set to maximum, and the Intel Arc video card handled it with ease. We experienced no performance hiccups, and the game ran smoothly.

🎮 Dead Space

Dead Space provided an opportunity to test the V-sync toggle in the driver. Unfortunately, the V-sync toggle in the driver did not have an impact on the game, which limited us to a 30 FPS experience. Additionally, we encountered a render error with diagonal lines appearing on the screen and some texture anomalies.

🎮 OpenGL Performance

Moving on to OpenGL performance, we tested Doom 3 BFG and Wolfenstein: The New Order. Both games ran at 4K resolution with excellent performance, delivering over 60 FPS consistently. The Intel Arc video card showcased its capabilities in these Vulkan engine-based games.

🎮 GTA 5

GTA 5 performed well at 4K resolution with maximum details. The game hovered around 60 FPS, providing a smooth gaming experience overall. The graphics looked stunning, and we enjoyed playing without any major issues.

🎮 The Witcher 3

In The Witcher 3, we had to disable the Nvidia hair graphics effects in the game options. With all details maxed out, we achieved a stable 60 FPS at 4K resolution. The game looked impressive, and the video card handled it without any problems.

🎮 Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Running Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 4K resolution with ultra details resulted in just under 60 FPS. We also tested Intel's upscaling technology in this game, which improved the frame rate slightly. The game showcased the potential of the Intel Arc video card and looked stunning with the upscaling feature.

🎮 Doom

Doom, powered by the Vulkan engine, ran smoothly at 4K resolution with all details maxed out. The Intel Arc video card maintained excellent performance, delivering over 60 FPS consistently. The game looked amazing and played without any issues.

🎮 Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade, another Vulkan game, provided a similar experience to Doom. Running at 4K resolution with ultra settings, the game delivered well over 60 FPS. We were impressed with the Intel Arc video card's performance in this game.

Power Draw

During our testing, we observed power draw variations based on frame rates. When running games with an uncapped frame rate, the entire system pulled around 312 Watts at the wall. However, enabling V-sync or using a frame limiter to lock the frame rate at 60 FPS reduced power consumption significantly to 172 Watts. This highlights the potential for power savings by optimizing frame rates.

Video Capturing

In terms of video capturing, we tested two programs: OBS Studio and Bandicam. OBS Studio only exposed the h.264 encoder, while Bandicam provided support for both h.264 and h.265 encoders. Unfortunately, neither program supported the AV1 encoder. We hope to see improved support for various encoders in the future.

Fan Speed and Noise

One aspect we paid attention to was fan speed and noise levels. Under normal usage, especially when using a frame limiter or V-sync, the Intel Arc video card remained quiet. Even under full load, the fan noise was not excessive. However, it is worth noting that fan noise can vary depending on the workload and card usage.

Pros and Cons

Based on our testing and analysis, here are the pros and cons of the Intel Arc video card:

Pros:

• Impressive performance at 4K resolution
• Support for GPU scaling with integer scaling
• Good fan speed and noise levels
• Potential for power savings with frame rate optimization
• Strong game compatibility

Cons:

• Limited driver options for anti-aliasing compared to competitors
• Some features like V-sync toggle and image scaling not working as expected
• Minor graphical issues in certain games (e.g., Dead Space)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intel Arc video card shows a lot of promise with its impressive performance at 4K resolution. The card handled most games without any issues and delivered a smooth gaming experience. With 16 gigabytes of video RAM, it offers ample room for future growth. However, there are areas where improvements are needed, particularly in driver features and options. Intel has the resources to address these areas and compete with established players like AMD and Nvidia. It will be interesting to see how Intel evolves in the graphics card market in the coming years. Overall, the Intel Arc video card is a solid offering that has the potential to meet the needs of gamers looking for high-performance graphics.

Additional Resources

• Intel Arc Official Website

FAQ

Q: Are Intel Arc video cards compatible with Windows 10?

A: Yes, Intel Arc video cards are compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Q: Can the Intel Arc video cards handle ray tracing?

A: Yes, Intel Arc video cards support hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Q: What is the warranty period for Intel Arc video cards?

A: The warranty period for Intel Arc video cards varies depending on the specific model. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's website or product documentation for warranty information.

Q: Can the Intel Arc video cards be overclocked?

A: Yes, Intel Arc video cards can be overclocked, but it is important to follow proper overclocking guidelines and ensure proper cooling for optimal performance and stability.