Intel Arc GPUs could finally give AMD and Nvidia something to worry about
Overclocking support is planned
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Ever since we heard aboutIntel’s plans fordedicated Arc graphics cards, we’ve been wondering just how much of a threat they could be to Nvidia and AMD, but with news that the GPUs will offer some sort of support for overclocking, it looks like that threat level has just risen for the two established GPU makers.
In case you’re not aware, overclocking is a process that allows users to push their hardware to their very limits and eke out even more performance. By overclocking your CPU or GPU, you can get some noticeable performance improvements for no extra cost.
The process does have its risks, however, as if done incorrectly it can lead to components overheating, the PC becoming unstable and even (in some extreme cases) the components getting damaged. That’s why many manufacturers have tools that makes the process easier and safer.
So, when Roger Chandler, Intel’s Vice President and General Manager of Client Graphics Products and Solutions,mentions in a recent blog postthat the company is “integrating overclocking controls into the driver UI to give enthusiasts the tools they need to push the hardware to the limit,” we got pretty excited.
Going for the enthusiasts
While Intel has been in the GPU game for a long while now, most noticeably with its integrated graphics that come with its processors, Intel Arc represents a more concerted effort to woo PC gamers and enthusiasts, a market thatNvidiaandAMDdominate in.
The news we’ve been hearing about Intel Arc has certainly been promising – including information that means it could take onthe Nvidia RTX 3070 and AMD RX 6700 XT. The first Intel Arc GPU, codenamed ‘Alchemist’, is due in the first quarter of 2022 and will offer features such as ray tracing lighting effects.
The ability to overclock these GPUs in some capacity will make them more appealing to enthusiasts and gamers, then. This is Intel’s biggest challenge: breaking the gamer mindset that Nvidia and AMD GPUs are the only ones worth buying for the ultimate gaming experience.
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So, while overclocking won’t be the most important feature for a lot of people, it does show enthusiasts that Intel is getting serious, and that should worry Nvidia and AMD.
ViaTom’s Hardware
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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