Intel Arc A770: A Content Creator’s Perspective

In the world of computer hardware, Intel has recently re-entered the graphics card market with their Arc series. While there are plenty of benchmarks and reviews focusing on gaming performance, I wanted to delve deeper into the real-world experience for content creators, specifically for YouTube editing.

Timeline Performance and Editing Tools

For the most part, timeline performance with the Intel Arc A770 is adequate. Video playback is usually smooth at the correct frame rate, but occasional stutter or brief pauses when scrubbing through the timeline can occur. This suggests potential for optimization as driver updates roll out.

The card handles GPU-intensive editing tools like color grading and basic graphic overlays well, allowing for real-time playback. However, performance can drop noticeably when working with picture-in-picture elements, especially at 4K resolution. This is a common issue with graphics cards designed for demanding workloads.

Hardware and Software Considerations

I was using the Acer Predator Bifrost Intel Arc A770 with 16GB of VRAM, which is beneficial for handling large 4K projects. If you are considering this card, ensure your system supports resizable BAR (ReBAR) and enable it to maximize the card’s performance. It is also worth noting that I am using an AMD system, so I cannot comment on the performance of Intel’s Deep Link technology.

Export times are generally fast, especially for H.265 encoding. A noticeable 30-second improvement was observed when using a dedicated PCI Express 16 bandwidth without the capture card. AV1 encoding is an option for streaming, but I don’t personally use it. If you do stream, this card could be a valuable addition for its AV1 encoding and decoding capabilities.

Capture Card Compatibility

I have been using the Elgato 4K60 Pro Mark II capture card, which currently lacks official support for Intel Arc cards. While it does work with some limitations, the only consistent capture is 1080p 60fps for the Nintendo Switch. Attempting to capture 4K results in inconsistent performance or complete failure. This is a major drawback and requires Intel to work with capture card manufacturers for improved compatibility.

Bugs and Software Inconsistencies

During my testing, I encountered a few software-related issues. This includes a bug that caused a freeze and memory overload, requiring a system reboot. Additionally, I couldn’t use 10-bit video output through DisplayPort, even though my monitor supports it. However, this feature worked seamlessly with older Nvidia cards, indicating a driver issue that Intel needs to address.

The software experience is a bit fragmented. There are two separate software applications, which can be cumbersome to manage. While this is still a new product, addressing these software inconsistencies is a priority.

Overall Impression and Recommendations

Despite the occasional issues, I see significant potential in Intel’s Arc A770 for content creators, especially for those working predominantly at 1080p. The price point is very competitive, especially considering the current GPU market.

However, there are some important caveats:

* Capture card compatibility is a major concern. Consider using Nvidia or AMD graphics cards as your primary card for capture devices.
* Be mindful of pricing fluctuations. I purchased the card for $400, but the price dropped significantly shortly after. Seek out deals for optimal value.

Conclusion

The Intel Arc A770 is a promising first-generation product with great potential. While there are limitations and areas that need improvement, especially regarding software and capture card compatibility, the performance for content creation is generally good, particularly for those working at 1080p. Expect further development and improvements as the technology matures.

For those interested in a more in-depth comparison with the Nvidia 4070 TI, check out my upcoming video! I’ll be covering the same content creation workflows and providing a side-by-side comparison.