Welcome to Technetbook! Today, we’re diving into a detailed comparison of two popular graphics cards in the sub-$300 range: the Intel Arc B580 and the RTX 3060 Ti. If you're hunting for a budget-friendly GPU, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Explore performance metrics across popular games and find the best value for 1440p gaming.
Overview: Intel Arc B580
The new Intel Arc B580 has garnered attention as a promising mainstream graphics card. However, availability is currently a challenge, with limited stock and fluctuating prices. This scarcity has led gamers to explore alternative options, including the older yet reliable RTX 3060 Ti.
RTX 3060 Ti: A Proven Performer
Released in 2020, the RTX 3060 Ti is still a competitive choice for 1440p gaming. With 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, it has been a favorite among budget-conscious gamers. While its 8 GB of VRAM might raise concerns for some, the card continues to deliver respectable performance across modern titles.
Testing Setup
The GPUs were tested at 1440p resolution across several popular titles. The RTX 3060 Ti is the original GDDR6 model, while the Arc B580 was tested using an external capture card on a PCI 4.0 system equipped with an Intel i9-14900K and Resizable BAR enabled. This setup ensures optimal performance for both cards.
Performance Comparison
Cyberpunk 2077
The RTX 3060 Ti delivered:
- 67 FPS (Average)
- 55 FPS (1% Low)
- 53 FPS (0.1% Low)
The Arc B580 achieved:
- 72 FPS (Average)
- 57 FPS (1% Low)
- 53 FPS (0.1% Low)
The Arc B580 edges out the RTX 3060 Ti here, but driver updates may further enhance its consistency.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The RTX 3060 Ti recorded:
- 88 FPS (Average)
- 71 FPS (1% Low)
- 47 FPS (0.1% Low)
The Arc B580 delivered:
- 83 FPS (Average)
- 69 FPS (1% Low)
- 46 FPS (0.1% Low)
Both cards performed similarly, with the Arc B580 offering slightly smoother gameplay.
Other Games
Forza Horizon 4:
- RTX 3060 Ti: 138 FPS (Average), 119 FPS (1% Low), 114 FPS (0.1% Low)
- Arc B580: 103 FPS (Average), 91 FPS (1% Low), 85 FPS (0.1% Low)
GTA V:
- RTX 3060 Ti: 138 FPS (Average), 87 FPS (1% Low), 60 FPS (0.1% Low)
- Arc B580: 132 FPS (Average), 84 FPS (1% Low), 57 FPS (0.1% Low)
The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen):
- RTX 3060 Ti: 107 FPS (Average), 83 FPS (1% Low), 53 FPS (0.1% Low)
- Arc B580: 121 FPS (Average), 95 FPS (1% Low), 73 FPS (0.1% Low)
Stalker 2:
- RTX 3060 Ti: 51 FPS (Average), 41 FPS (1% Low), 27 FPS (0.1% Low)
- Arc B580: 47 FPS (Average), 38 FPS (1% Low), 27 FPS (0.1% Low)
Head-to-Head Comparison
While the Arc B580 outperformed the RTX 3060 Ti in some tests, such as The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2, the 3060 Ti remains a strong contender due to its consistent performance across a wide range of games and its affordability in the secondhand market.
Considerations for Future-Proofing
Both GPUs offer excellent value, but the choice between them depends on your specific needs. The Arc B580 may improve further with driver updates, while the 3060 Ti's established track record makes it a reliable choice. Keep in mind the importance of VRAM for future titles and choose a GPU that aligns with your gaming preferences.
Both the Intel Arc B580 and RTX 3060 Ti deliver solid 1440p gaming experiences. If you’re on a budget and can find a secondhand 3060 Ti, it’s a great option. However, if you’re willing to invest in a newer card with potential for improvement, the Arc B580 is worth considering. Which GPU would you choose? Let us know in the comments!
