Intel's iGPU Gamble: Fast, But Not Fast Enough?

Intel's new iGPU is a monster—until you remember it's still an iGPU. The Arc B390 integrated graphics unit in the Core Ultra X9 388H delivers 64 FPS in 1080p gaming without upscaling, outperforming all previously tested iGPUs. But this falls short of the 81 FPS average from the RTX 4050 75W in the same tests.

"I am fully prepared to debate the term proper." This quote from a hardware analyst captures the tension between Intel's claims and real-world results. While Intel touts a 10% speed boost over the RTX 4050 in 60W laptops using 2x upscaling, the low-wattage RTX 4050 remains "not particularly quick by modern standards."

The Asus Zenbook Duo test unit—likely retailing for $2,000+—offers 11 hours of battery life but still lags behind under-$1,000 gaming laptops.

This raises questions about the B390's value proposition. "Traditional gaming laptops don't have too much to fear from Panther Lake, I reckon—but they do have some new competition," one reviewer concluded.