Thursday, February 1st 2024
Intel Arc A370M Laptop GPU Transforms into ITX-Sized Desktop GPU
Taiwanese tech maker Advantech has converted Intel's Arc A370M mobile GPU into a desktop graphics card named the EAI-3100. The new card utilizes the same Arc A370M mobile GPU based on the Xe-LP architecture chip as found in laptops but adds more robust cooling to enable desktop-level performance. Specifically, the EAI-3100 implements a large aluminium heatsink spanning the entire PCB, paired with a 40 mm fan active cooling fan. This allows the card to operate at up to 60 Watt TGP (total graphics power), a noticeable increase over the A370M's 35-50 Watt mobile power range. Despite the improved cooling, Advantech has not factory overclocked the EAI-3100, leaving its graphics clock speed unchanged at 1,550 MHz. The card also retains the same PCIe 4.0 x8 interface as the mobile A370M. An 8-pin PCIe power connector has been added, giving headroom for user overclocking attempts.
In terms of gaming performance, the A370M and, by extension, the EAI-3100 deliver playable frame rates at 1080p resolution with medium image quality settings. The card is comparable to NVIDIA's mobile RTX 3050 GPU. As Intel continues optimizing Arc drivers, more gains are expected. The EAI-3100's dual-slot, 6.61-inch design allows compatibility with most desktop PC cases. Between its small size and the A370M's solid 1080p capabilities, this transformed card represents an interesting budget option for gamers seeking a discounted route to Arc's architecture. Despite the diminutive size, this custom cooling solution keeps the A370M at appropriate temperatures for sustained operation, possibly delivering more than the laptop form factor SKU. For video output, the card features two HDMI 2.0b and two DP 1.4a ports.
In terms of gaming performance, the A370M and, by extension, the EAI-3100 deliver playable frame rates at 1080p resolution with medium image quality settings. The card is comparable to NVIDIA's mobile RTX 3050 GPU. As Intel continues optimizing Arc drivers, more gains are expected. The EAI-3100's dual-slot, 6.61-inch design allows compatibility with most desktop PC cases. Between its small size and the A370M's solid 1080p capabilities, this transformed card represents an interesting budget option for gamers seeking a discounted route to Arc's architecture. Despite the diminutive size, this custom cooling solution keeps the A370M at appropriate temperatures for sustained operation, possibly delivering more than the laptop form factor SKU. For video output, the card features two HDMI 2.0b and two DP 1.4a ports.