Threads
NVIDIA got quite some heat when it released the RTX 4060 with 8GB VRAM, which was even 4GB less than what the RTX 3060 came with, and that’s its predecessor. As you can expect, this led to a very underwhelming performance in any VRAM-demanding game. Just this week, we saw how the RTX 3060 outperformed the RTX 4060 in Indiana Jones because of its lack of VRAM.
As a final nail in the coffin for all these latest 8GB VRAM budget GPUs, the Intel Arc B580 is finally here, and the reviews look very positive, with the card beating both the RTX 4060 and the RX 7600 XT across all resolutions. The card packs 12GB VRAM with a 456 GB/s bandwidth and has a max clock speed of 2670 MHz, all at a very impressive $249.99 MSRP. For reference, the RTX 4060 came at $299.99.
NVIDIA’s Dominance Needs To End
There is no denying that NVIDIA has always ruled the GPU market, but now it takes up a significantly big 90% of the market share. Plus, with AMD walking out from the high-end GPU segment, anyone looking for a flagship high-performance card has to rely on Team Green.
Such dominance is why NVIDIA gets away with pairing a GPU with 8GB VRAM and even misleading its customers with confusing names. However, the Intel Arc B580 changes a lot of things. It is one thing to offer 12GB VRAM in a budget-end card; it is another to undercut NVIDIA’s offering by $50.
This is great news for budget gamers, as competition in the affordable GPU market is finally heating up. Until now, this has been the weakest segment in terms of value for money. While the SUPER series GPUs are solid for 1440p and 4K, and AMD’s RX 7800 XT and 7900 XT deliver great high-end performance, those looking for a wallet-friendly option have been left disappointed. The only choices so far have been the RTX 4060 and RX 7600, and they really don’t offer good value for the money.
Is VRAM Really That Important?
Let me be clear: VRAM is not the only aspect that should be used to compare two different graphics cards, but it is definitely very important. If you want an in-depth explanation of a graphics card’ VRAM, I suggest you check out our guide on VRAM.
In simple terms, visually demanding games come with a lot of textures and assets that need to be stored in the GPU’s VRAM. The VRAM allows the GPU cores to access and process these files quickly. If the VRAM runs out of space and there’s still more to load, you’ll likely experience framerate drops or stuttering.
The higher the resolution, the more VRAM you’ll need. At 1080p with low settings, a GPU with less VRAM might be fine, but at 1440p or 4K, it’s a different story. For example, Star Wars Outlaws can use over 20GB of VRAM at 4K. So, if you want smooth gameplay at higher resolutions—even at 1440p—you’ll need a GPU with plenty of VRAM.
What About Frame Gen And DLSS?
Okay, NVIDIA’s DLSS is indeed very good and can deliver a serious uplift in performance if the GPU’s hardware is lacking. However, there is only a limit to how much NVIDIA can rely on DLSS and game developer’s optimizations instead of packing its GPUs with decent specs. I mean, if the card can’t run natively with even 60 FPS, what is the point of frame gen? Even AMD says that for an optimal FSR experience, the game should be running at least 60 FPS, and then frame gen can kick in and give you a boost.
Dear NVIDIA, Don’t Repeat The Same Mistake
In short, NVIDIA has great software, and DLSS works quite well, but it needs to make sure the RTX 5060 at least has 10GB VRAM or, ideally, 12GB with competitive pricing to offer good value. Budget GPUs have been neglected for far too long, but hopefully, both NVIDIA and AMD will follow Intel and take big steps to change that.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[Hardware Reviewer]
Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.
Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com
Join Our Community
