Intel’s “Balanced Builds” feature Arc A7 GPUs with Intel Core i5 CPUs under $899
The GPU and CPU makers propose matching gaming configurations.
Intel is now focusing on delivering the best gaming experience for the money. The company has seemingly found its place in the GPU market by offering 8GB and 16GB Arc A7 desktop GPUs at a mid-range price, offers still unmatched by competitors with their newer architectures.
However, as AMD is set to launch Radeon RX 7600 RDNA3 GPU and NVIDIA is now preparing its RTX 4060 TI SKUs, Intel will have to find a new way to convince gamers to switch to Intel. The latest idea involves CPU+GPU combos or full systems at a lower price. These bundles are called “Balanced Build”.
Ryan Shrout and Tom Petersen from Intel provided an example of tech reviewers’ GPU test systems which tend to prioritize flagship CPUs. By using cutting-edge architecture and the fastest CPUs on the market, reviewers can avoid bottlenecks and deliver more consistent results. However, this approach does not correspond to real-world use of such graphics cards, which are often paired with much more affordable processors.
To illustrate the issue, they provide examples of test systems from ‘top reviewers’ and some Redditors, who are more likely to use Core i5 or even Core i3 systems, not to mention other options from AMD. This CPU gap is an issue that Intel has been focusing on while making thousands of tests internally to recommend the best CPU and GPU configurations.
Intel Arc A770/A750 CPU options, Source: Intel
Intel determined that the sweet spot for Arc A7 GPUs is the Core i7 and Core i5 CPU option, while the Arc A3 series should be paired with Core i3 or Core i5 CPUs. One of the combos will feature Core i5-12600K and Arc A750 GPU at $423, with a full system available for less than $900. Those prices may not reflect all retailers because it will depend on the memory, storage and cooling options, but the components that really matter to gamers will be the same.
Intel Arc A750 systems, Source: Intel
Naturally, Intel’s proposed systems will not fit every consumer. Those systems are strictly for gamers, as content creators may require more powerful CPUs. But the important thing is, there are many partners on board, so some gamers should no doubt find some good deals.
Intel Balanced Builds partners, Source: Intel
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