Intel launched its first Arc Alchemist desktop graphics card, the A380, in mid-June exclusively in China. And now our add-in board (AIB) partners are starting to roll out their products. ASRock has joined the Arc A380 Hardware Party with the new Intel Arc A380 Challenger ITX 6GB OC. Finally the Gunnir Arc A380 Photon 6GB OC is finally competing.
ASRock has shared the full specifications of the new Intel Arc A380 Challenger ITX 6GB OC on its dedicated website. product page on a Chinese site. It is an overclocked (OC) model, like the previously released Gunnil. Note that the ASRock card has a GPU boost clock of 2,250 MHz, 200 MHz lower than its twin-fan cooled rival.
A better cooler helps with sustained maximum GPU clocks. According to specs, ASRock with 8% slower GPU will perform noticeably slower than Gunnir. A Chinese reviewer has commented that the Gunnir is a solidly built model and perhaps the ASRock Challenger is its strongest erm… not the Challenger. We should also see Arc A380 graphics cards from Intel partners such as MSI.
|
Ark A380 Reference |
Gunilark A380 Photon OC |
ASRock A380 Challenger ITX OC |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
GPU clock |
2,000MHz |
2,5450MHz |
2,250MHz |
|
memory |
15.5Gbps GDDR6 |
15.5Gbps GDDR6 |
15.0Gbps GDDR6 |
|
size |
none |
222×114×42mm |
190×124×39mm |
|
weight |
none |
668g |
400g |
|
Power |
75W |
1x 8-pin, 92W |
1x 8-pin, n/a |
|
port |
eDP 1.4, DP 2.0 up to UHBR 10, HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0b |
1x HDMI2.0, 3x DP (up to 2.0) |
1 x HDMI 2.0b, 3 x DisplayPort 2.0 with DSC |
The ASRock card is 250 MHz faster than the reference, well worth the product’s OC suffix. A single fan and less heat compared to Gunnir means his OC is less impressive here.
ASRock’s cards seem to offer a slightly slower rated GDDR6. However, we are unable to determine this specification at this time. The data is from the official product specs page, but the bullet point highlighting suggests it’s 15.5 Mbps GDDR6. So two different values listed on the same product page.
ASRock has a favorable ITX form factor. It remains 2 slots wide but is 190mm long, allowing it to fit into more compact chassis options. Other Features ASRock Highlights: Challenger ITX OC uses a uniquely designed striped axial fan to improve airflow. When not under load, ASRock’s 0dB technology causes the fans to spin down and stop. ASRock says they pay close attention to details like the thermal paste (with Nanotech paste) and precise screw torque for optimal heat dissipation.
ASRock’s Intel Arc A380 Challenger ITX 6GB OC Now Available On Chinese JD.com (opens in new tab) 1,299 Chinese yuan (approximately $192), including 13% sales tax.
It will be interesting to see what designs come out of other Intel AIBs. However, we’re more concerned with the promised imminent debut of much more powerful Intel Arc Alchemist models like the Intel Arc A750 and Arc A770. Intel will also release its own branded special edition reference designs for these cards. For more information on Intel Arc graphics, check out Everything We Know.
