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The Intel Arc GPU: Transforming gaming and creation on HP systems
Dwight Pavlovic
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March 26, 2024
Demand for better graphics and visual output continues to grow exponentially, thanks to an explosion of new applications and needs. Without the right components, routine tasks drag on and become tedious, while some games can end up totally unplayable. Fortunately, Intel® Arc™ can alleviate the bigger-than-ever technical burden on gamers and creatives.
One of the latest innovative hardware upgrades for boosting visual performance, the new Intel Arc GPU is designed to keep up with popular components from manufacturers like NVIDIA® and AMD. While each is a great option when it comes to quality, there are some key differences to bear in mind when shopping or outfitting a new PC.
A strong balance of affordability and performance makes the Intel Arc GPU an especially impressive choice for tight budgets. That also goes for users who want to save some of their budget for other important components. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Intel Arc graphics and which HP systems best fit your routine.
What is Intel Arc: A short introduction to the Intel Arc GPU
Named after the “arc” of a story, the Intel Arc GPU is a fairly fresh face compared to alternatives with similar performance benchmarks. Launched in the spring of 2022 with a range of integrated laptops, the discrete Intel Arc GPU made its appearance later in the year. The result is a new slate of affordable laptops with highly competitive visual performance.
Each generation is named in alphabetical order with its own whimsical letter designation, starting with “A” for Alchemist, “B” for Battlemage, and so on as development continues. In addition to availability for home desktop builders, the Intel Arc graphics card is expanding its footprint with a range of new laptop integrations to boost mobility and visual quality.
Important technical features of the Intel Arc GPU
But what makes the Intel Arc different from last-gen tech? Though good prices and affordability are always big enticements, it’s the technology behind Arc that makes it so desirable for gaming and creation. That includes support for hardware-based ray tracing and exceptionally smooth rendering thanks to AI-driven supersampling anti-aliasing (SSAA).
Thanks to the implementation of Microsoft’s latest version of DirectX 12 Ultimate, life is a lot easier for video editors and programmers with thin budgets. Variable Rate Shading allows for dynamic control over the level of detail in your renderings, making it easier to manage resources for tasks that are otherwise too bandwidth-heavy for lesser tech.
HP systems and Intel Arc GPU integration
For some gamers and creatives, a preloaded or customized desktop PC is a great way to build out your office and expand your capability. While you can buy or build an entirely new desktop rig around your preferred Intel Arc GPU, the easiest way to take advantage of lowered costs and increased performance is via laptop integrations.
That means a boost to your mobility and the opportunity to spend more on other components when you customize, like a bigger processor, more RAM, or deeper storage. Mid-range and premium laptop lines, like HP ENVY and Spectre, offer an outstanding balance of performance and price, with convertible 2-in-1 options and customizable powerhouses.
THE EASY AND AFFORDABLE HP ENVY LAPTOP (16-H1047NR)
Preconfigured for simplicity and low-stress shopping, the HP ENVY Laptop (16-h1047nr) is a build that focuses on functionality. In addition to the 16-inch touch-enabled WQXGA (2560 x 1600), you’ll feel like an alchemist with the benefits of discrete graphics thanks to the Intel Arc A370M. It’s no slouch for storage and memory either, boasting 16GB RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
The HP ENVY Laptop (16-h1047nr) provides great visual output thanks to WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600), plus a range of related amenities. That includes a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay and playback; edge-to-edge glass and a micro-edge for comfort and to minimize distractions; plus low blue light with an enviable 400 nit brightness.
Key specifications
- 13th Generation Intel Core™ i7 processor
- Intel Arc A370M graphics card
- 16” diagonal WQXGA (2560 x 1600) touch display
- 16GB memory; 1TB SSD storage
VERSATILITY AND PERFORMANCE THANKS TO HP SPECTRE X360
For a premium build that prioritizes both functionality and mobility, the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop (16-f2097nr) offers top-shelf hardware and a number of significant ergonomic improvements. Need to get around and bring the office with you? Convert from conventional laptop to tablet mode simply by folding your display against the back of your keyboard.
In addition to a discrete Intel Arc A370M GPU and a whopping 2TB of SSD storage, the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop (16-f2097nr) also offers a 16-inch diagonal touch display with rich UHD+ resolution (3840 x 2400). The display also incorporates anti-reflection Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT™ for safety and comfort, plus a vibrant 100% DCI-P3 color space.
Key specifications
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Intel Arc A370M graphics card
- 16” diagonal UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touch display
- 16GB memory; 2TB SSD storage
CUSTOMIZE TO PERFECTION WITH THE HP ENVY LAPTOP (16T-H1000)
Want to personally configure your entire laptop from top to bottom? The HP ENVY Laptop (16t-h1000) is the right system for you, with tons of options to customize during checkout. Opt for up to a powerful Intel Core i9-13900H processor, or stick with Arc configurations to save when you upgrade features like RAM (up to 32GB) and storage (as much as 2TB).
It also features a range of choices for your display configuration, with WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600) standard or an optional upgrade to 2.8K (2880 x 1800). Other standard features include low blue light, 400 nit brightness, the benefits of IPS technology, and a 120 Hz refresh rate. You can even opt for a touchscreen display to support a more varied routine.
Key specifications
- Up to Intel Core i9-13900H processor
- Starts with Intel Arc A370M graphics card
- Up to 16” diagonal 2.8K (2880 x 1800) with multitouch
- Up to 32GB memory; 2TB SSD storage
Enhancing gaming experiences
Traditionally, costs are among the biggest hurdles for gamers looking to improve or expand on their gaming experience. Developers have to think about the same problems. It’s hard to build a strong base of players around games that are too big, while lightweight builds risk seeming bland by comparison. That’s why access to affordable tech is so important for gamers.
Thanks to the introduction of Intel Arc and the expanding capabilities of next-gen GPUs, it’s easier for more and more gamers to meet the system requirements of most games. By extension, that makes developers more ambitious and raises the ceiling on what you might see in games of any size. For you, it means more Triple-A titles and a lower checkout price.
Boosting creative workflows
Artists and creative professionals are another demographic that traditionally has to struggle when it comes to balancing costs and performance. For the average video editor and engineer, the technical challenges of repeating even basic tasks can be enormous. The most complex processes and renderings need a strong foundation in hardware to be truly efficient.
The latest generation of graphics cards handles that in several ways, with Intel Arc standing out thanks to its improved AI acceleration and high-speed memory. AI acceleration and high-speed memory help run complex processes without eating up all your system bandwidth, simultaneously reducing the amount of data needed and boosting retention.
Quality output with Intel Arc GPU software and driver support
There are also some new advantages and opportunities from Intel Arc GPUs on the software side. The latest software drivers are always important, and updates are a big part of any gamer’s routine. But in this case, Intel goes a few steps further and provides users with several different options to manage or improve their experience.
Use Intel Arc Control to manage your drivers or manually access the latest Beta and Pro options to get ahead of the curve. That’s important because the latest drivers often translate into significant performance gains with new gaming titles or software, with developers constantly working to make their GPU respond more efficiently to even the most complex tasks.
Summary
The end result is a potentially large qualitative and quantitative gain for a broad spectrum of users, expanding access to performance gaming and more complex visual tasks - particularly video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. Hopefully, that means a lower threshold for hobby gamers and artists eager to make the leap into professional-grade computing.
From HP, there are several laptop models that use Intel Arc to improve versatility and lower costs. The HP ENVY Laptop (16-h1047nr) is great for simplicity and ease of use, while the HP ENVY Laptop (16t-h1000) offers extensive options to customize. You can also prioritize ergonomics and performance with the convertible HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop (16-f2097nr).
