Tag: Intel Arc B390

  • MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Price Revealed with Arc G3 Extreme

    MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Price Revealed with Arc G3 Extreme

    Key Takeaway

    – MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ priced at $1,799.99 (MSI Store) and $1,699 (Newegg).
    – Significantly more expensive than the previous MSI Claw 8 AI+ model ($1,119).
    – Features Intel Arc B390 GPU, making it one of the most powerful handhelds available.
    – Includes an 80 Wh battery, 120 Hz 8-inch display, Hall-effect triggers/sticks, and Thunderbolt 4 ports.
    – Price increase attributed to the DRAM crisis; device costs as much as a mid-range gaming laptop.

    Pricing Finally Revealed

    The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ was officially unveiled at Computex in early June, though MSI had not yet confirmed any pricing details at launch. Finally, the MSI Store confirms the price, but its anything but affordable. Thats because the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel Arc G3 Extreme, 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8,533 RAM, and a 1 TB SSD costs $1,799.99.

    Retailers such as Newegg list the same model for $1,699. This makes the new model significantly more expensive than the older MSI Claw 8 AI+ ($1,119 on Amazon), which features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The higher list price is likely due in no small part to the DRAM crisis. Those willing to pay the price of a mid-range gaming laptop for a gaming handheld should at least recieve top-notch specs.

    Display and Controls Excellence

    Because with the Intel Arc B390, the device is among the most powerful handhelds on the market. The 8-inch display offers a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a decent brightness of 500 nits; it can fully display the sRGB color space. The triggers and analog sticks use Hall-effect sensors to prevent stick drift.

    MSI has equipped the device with an exceptionally large 80 Wh battery, which can be charged via USB-C at up to 65 watts. The Windows handheld can be easily transformed into a desktop PC via the two Thunderbolt 4 ports when connected to a docking station.

    Connectivity and Portability

    Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, a microSD Express slot, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and 2 x 2-watt stereo speakers round out the features of this 784-gram gaming handheld.

    • Intel Arc B390 processor
    • 32 GB LPDDR5x-8,533 RAM
    • 1 TB SSD
    • 8-inch display, 120 Hz, 500 nits
    • 80 Wh battery, 65W USB-C charging
    • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
    • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0
    • MicroSD Express slot
    • 3.5 mm headphone jack
    • 2 x 2-watt stereo speakers
    • Weight: 784 grams


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  • HP Slim 17-Inch Laptop with Arc B390 & Intel Panther Lake

    HP Slim 17-Inch Laptop with Arc B390 & Intel Panther Lake

    Key Takeaway

    – New OmniBook X 17 trades discrete GPU for Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics (dedicated RTX 5050 model coming in 2026).
    – Features a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio, 400 nits brightness, 100% sRGB, and touchscreen.
    – Configurable with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 storage.
    – All SKUs share the same 76 Wh battery.
    – Pricing starts at $1,499 (US), CAD 2,199 (Canada), €2,099 (Eurozone), varying by region and specs.

    HP has now started selling a new OmniBook X with a 17-inch display. To recap, the company introduced a Lunar Lake-based model last year (curr. $999 on Amazon). While the older OmniBook X 17 was available with up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, the newer model currently trades a discrete GPU for up to Intel’s Arc B390 integrated graphics. A GeForce RTX 5050-powered model should be launching later in 2026, though.

    Pricing and Memory Details

    HP offers its new 17.3-inch laptop with 24 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 2 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage, too. All SKUs ship with the same 76 Wh battery and 1080p IPS display, though. Featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio, the display also delivers 400 nits peak brightness with 100% sRGB colour space coverage and touchscreen support.

    Regional Pricing Variations

    The OmniBook X 17 starts at $1,499 in the US with a Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Limited SKUs means that the same laptop costs CAD 2,199 in Canada with the more powerful Core Ultra 7 355. Likewise, the 17-inch laptop costs at least €2,099 in the Eurozone by virtue of HP including 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD and the Core Ultra X7 358H with Arc B390 graphics. Please see HP’s website for more details.

     


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  • Prestige 16 2026 Runs Cyberpunk 2077 1080p Ultra at 45+ FPS Without Gaming Laptop

    Prestige 16 2026 Runs Cyberpunk 2077 1080p Ultra at 45+ FPS Without Gaming Laptop

    Key Takeaway

    1. The new Arc B390 GPU in the 2026 MSI Prestige 16 AI+ C3MTG significantly outperforms the previous year’s Arc 140T, with up to 80% gains in gaming performance.
    2. The Arc B390 enables modern titles to run at 1080p with most settings on High, showcasing impressive integrated GPU capability.
    3. Enabled XeSS upscaling can further boost gaming performance, such as increasing Cyberpunk 2077 FPS from 45 to 63.
    4. Both the 2025 and 2026 models operate under similar power envelopes (~60W), despite large performance differences.

    Upgrading Graphics Performance: From Arc 140T to Arc B390

    Last year’s Prestige 16 2025, equipped with the Arc 140T GPU, was already decent, but the new Arc B390 in the latest Panther Lake processors really makes a big difference, performance wise. This new integrated GPU allows gamers to enjoy modern titles at 1080p with high settings most of the time, which is quite remarkable for integrated graphics chips.

    Performance Leap in the 2026 Prestige 16 AI+ C3MTG

    The newest MSI Prestige 16 AI+ C3MTG for 2026 features the latest Arc B390 graphics, replacing the previous Arrow Lake options. When compared, the newer model easily beat the older 2025 version by up to 80%, depending on the game. That’s a big step up considering the Arc 140T is only about a year old. Our comparison graphs clearly illustrate how much more powerful the new GPU is, making it a compelling choice for users.

    Enhanced Gaming With XeSS Upscaling

    If the games support XeSS upscaling technology, the performance gets even better. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077 on 1080p Ultra settings with XeSS Quality enabled, the average frame rate jumps from 45 to 63 FPS. That’s a significant improvement and makes gameplay much smoother, providing a better gaming experience overall.

    Power Consumption and Efficiency

    Interestingly, despite the performance gap, both the 2025 and 2026 models run under similar power limits. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on both systems would use just over 60 W of power, demonstrating that the newer model’s increased performance doesn’t come with higher power demands. This balance between power and performance is important for users wanting efficiency without sacrificing performance.

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    • GPD Launches Mini PC with Panther Lake Chip and Fast MCIO eGPU Port

      GPD Launches Mini PC with Panther Lake Chip and Fast MCIO eGPU Port

      Key Takeaway

      1. The GPD Box is among the first mini PCs to feature a high-speed MCIO eGPU port with PCIe 5.0 x8 interface.
      2. It offers two configuration options powered by Intel Panther Lake CPUs, with only the lower-tier iGPU version supporting the MCIO port for eGPU setup.
      3. The device includes up to 64GB RAM, dual M.2 slots for up to 4TB storage, a compact 0.93-liter chassis, built-in 160W GaN PSU, dual USB4 v2 ports, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.

      Introduction to GPD’s New Mini PC with MCIO eGPU Port

      GPD recently announced a new mini PC named the GPD Box, which features the innovative MCIO eGPU port. This device is among a handful of systems now available that boast this high-speed interface. Its PCIe 5.0 x8 connection has been shown to outperform the more common PCIe 4.0 x4 OCuLink ports, making it a notable contender for power users requiring fast external GPU connections.

      Specifications and Processor Options

      The GPD Box will be powered by Intel’s Panther Lake processors, offering two main options. The first comes with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, equipped with an Intel Arc B390 iGPU. We’ve seen that this iGPU can match performance levels similar to the Nvidia RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. The second option features the Core Ultra 7 356H, which includes a 4-core Xe3 iGPU that compares to AMD’s Radeon 780M.

      Design and Connectivity Features

      Designers at GPD have emphasized that the mini PC will have a compact 0.93-liter chassis, with a built-in 160W GaN power supply to keep things efficient. The device also incorporates dual fans for cooling, along with multiple ports like two USB4 v2 ports, compatible with newer docks and peripherals. For wireless, it supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast, reliable connections.

      Memory, Storage, and Expansion

      In terms of upgradability, the GPD Box supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It includes two M.2 slots for SSDs, and GPD plans to let users install up to 4TB of storage, making it flexible for various storage needs.

      Pricing and Release Details

      There’s no official word yet on how much the mini PC will cost or its exact release date. However, since all specifications are now available, it’s expected to launch soon. Alongside the Box, GPD is also releasing the GPD G2 dock, which features the MCIIO port, allowing easy connection to external GPUs and other high-speed peripherals.


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    • Dell XPS 14 Arc B390 vs GeForce RTX 4050: 3DMark Insights

      Dell XPS 14 Arc B390 vs GeForce RTX 4050: 3DMark Insights

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Intel Arc B390 shows a significant lead in synthetic benchmarks, outperforming the RTX 4050 by 30 to 40 percent in tests like 3DMark.

      2. In real-world gaming scenarios, the performance gap between the Arc B390 and RTX 4050 is minimal, with only a 5 to 15 percent advantage for the Arc B390 in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077.

      3. Older games like GTA V and X-Plane tend to perform better on the RTX 4050 due to its larger size and higher power limits.

      4. In non-gaming tasks, the RTX 4050 outperforms the Arc B390 significantly in Blender benchmarks, achieving more than double the performance with Nvidia OptiX.

      5. The Arc B390 excels in power efficiency, using only 52 W for demanding tasks like gaming, compared to 95 W for the RTX 4050, making it a more efficient option overall.

      Excitement is soaring this month for Intel’s latest Arc B390, especially after CES 2026 and the recent first reviews of laptops using the integrated GPU. Bold claims about performance that rival or even exceed the GeForce RTX 4050 are tempting, yet how do these two GPUs truly stack up when comparing actual laptop models?

      Benchmark Comparisons

      The benchmarks below evaluate the 2026 Dell XPS 14, which has a Core Ultra X7 358H, against the 2024 Dell XPS 14 that features the RTX 4050. In synthetic testing, like 3DMark, the newer Dell with the Arc B390 shows a lead of 30 to 40 percent, indicating a clear edge in raw graphics capability. Claims of performance “better than RTX 4050” likely come from these 3DMark outcomes.

      Real-World Gaming Performance

      However, when it comes to real gaming scenarios, the gap between the Arc B390 and RTX 4050 nearly disappears. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3 exhibit only a 5 to 15 percent speed increase on average for the Arc B390 XPS 14 compared to the RTX 4050 XPS 14, while older games like GTA V and X-Plane tend to perform better on the RTX 4050 XPS 14. Moreover, numerous laptops featuring the RTX 4050 can outperform the Arc B390 XPS 14 due to their larger size and higher power limits. The performance advantage for Nvidia would increase even more with any applied DLSS versus XESS enhancements.

      Blender and Power Efficiency

      In non-gaming tasks, Blender benchmarks consistently show the RTX 4050 leading by margins greater than 2x when comparing Nvidia OptiX with OneAPI.

      Nevertheless, the Arc B390’s main strength is its low power requirement while still delivering high performance-per-watt. For instance, playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Arc B390 XPS 14 only uses 52 W, compared to 95 W on the RTX 4050-powered Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14. The Lenovo would only achieve about 20 percent higher frame rates before any AI enhancements are applied, making Intel’s iGPU a more efficient choice.

       

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    • Intel Panther Lake vs AMD Ryzen Strix Halo and RTX 4050 Benchmarks

      Intel Panther Lake vs AMD Ryzen Strix Halo and RTX 4050 Benchmarks

      Key Takeaways

      1. Intel’s new Panther Lake architecture features a mix of performance and efficiency cores, improving power efficiency and graphics performance.
      2. The Intel Arc B390 iGPU significantly outperforms AMD’s Radeon 890M by over 80% in certain games and shows nearly 80% improvement over the older Arc 140T.
      3. In specific titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, the Arc B390 performs nearly as well as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, while in Cyberpunk 2077, the Nvidia card is 20% faster.
      4. AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S can be twice as fast but is larger, more expensive, and less power-efficient.
      5. Performance depends on the power limit of the iGPU and RAM speed, with early tests showing smooth gameplay at 44 to 50 fps on 1080p “Ultra” settings.

      For a long time, AMD has been ahead of Intel when it comes to power efficiency and graphics performance. However, with the introduction of Panther Lake, Intel has tackled these past issues by launching a new CPU architecture. This architecture features a mix of up to four performance cores and twelve efficiency cores, alongside the new Arc B390 iGPU that includes twelve Xe2 cores.

      Performance Comparison

      The big question now is whether the Intel Arc B390 can challenge AMD’s lead in gaming handhelds and provide decent gaming capabilities in laptops without dedicated graphics cards. At CES 2026, we got the chance to test some games on a Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i to see how the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H with the Arc B390 iGPU stacks up against its top rivals.

      Our tests reveal that the Intel Arc B390 can outperform the AMD Radeon 890M by over 80% in certain games. When compared to the older Arc 140T, the Arc B390M shows nearly 80% improvement in specific titles. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the integrated GPU performs almost as well as the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, although in Cyberpunk 2077, the Nvidia card is 20% quicker. On the other hand, AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S can be twice as fast at times, but it is also larger, pricier, and less efficient in power usage.

      Key Factors Affecting Performance

      As is often the case, the actual performance of the Arc B390 will likely depend a lot on the power limit set for the iGPU and on the speed of the RAM in the laptop, which also acts as VRAM for the integrated GPU. That said, our early impressions are quite positive. Both Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3 run smoothly at 44 to 50 fps on 1080p resolution using the “Ultra” settings, and with XeSS set to “Quality” along with Frame Generation, frame rates can soar well above 160 fps.

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