Intel Arc B370: Integrated Graphics Panther Lake Next to B390

Intel Arc B370 is embedded Xe3 graphics for Panther Lake processors, rather than a separate graphics card. It sits below the Arc B390 in the lineup, but initial tests show a smaller gap than the specifications suggest.

The main purpose of the B370 is to shift the baseline level of Intel's integrated graphics. A laptop without a discrete graphics card no longer has to be weak in gaming: under normal power limits and cooling, the B370 is suitable for 1080p gaming with compromises, speeds up modern video codecs, and manages multiple displays and light GPU tasks.

iGPU limitations still exist. The Arc B370 uses system memory, shares power with the CPU, and is dependent on the manufacturer's settings. The name B370 denotes its class but does not guarantee FPS.

Where Arc B370 Fits in the Intel Lineup

Arc B370 is one of the higher-end integrated graphics options in Panther Lake. Above it is the Arc B390, while below are last-generation solutions like the Arc 140V and Arc 140T. In terms of class, the B370 is closer to higher-end iGPUs than to basic graphics for office laptops.

The point of the B370 is not in records but in establishing a new baseline for graphics without a discrete GPU. A laptop without a dGPU can no longer be automatically dismissed from gaming scenarios.

Why Arc B370 May Be Close to Arc B390

In terms of specifications, the Arc B390 is stronger: it has more execution units, higher frequency, and peak AI performance. However, integrated graphics are almost always limited by thermal design power, system memory, and manufacturer's settings.

As a result, the difference between the B370 and B390 in laptops is often less than the specifications indicate. In a thin chassis with moderate power limits, the higher B390 does not always get enough power and cooling to show a complete advantage. In such a scenario, the B370 appears as a practical version with fewer units.

The gap becomes more pronounced where a laptop can maintain a high power limit for an extended period. Then, the B390 reveals additional cores and achieves a higher result. Therefore, these GPUs cannot be compared solely based on specifications.

Performance: A Step Above Basic iGPU

In synthetic benchmarks, the Arc B370 significantly outperforms previous integrated Intel GPUs. The benchmarks are as follows: about 5900 points in 3DMark Time Spy Graphics, around 14700 points in Fire Strike Graphics, and about 5350 points in Steel Nomad Light.

These results place the B370 in the class of gaming iGPUs for 1080p. This is no longer just graphics for older games at minimum settings. However, it usually falls short of discrete gaming graphics like the RTX 4050 Laptop, especially in demanding games.

Compared to the Arc 140V and Arc 140T, the new B370 is a significant step forward. In the context of the Radeon 890M, it can already be considered a direct competitor, but comparison should be made based on specific laptops, not just the GPU name.

The main takeaway is simple: the Arc B370 gives a laptop without a discrete graphics card a real graphics boost.

Gaming: 1080p Possible, But Not on Max Settings

In light and medium games, the Arc B370 can be considered a fully-fledged gaming iGPU. Esports, racing, older AAA titles, and not overly demanding modern projects should run fine at 1080p with reasonable settings.

In heavy games, the limitations become apparent immediately. Cyberpunk 2077 can run at 1080p with acceptable FPS, but for new AAA titles, this is not a “set high settings and forget” mode. In projects with a high GPU load, quality settings will need to be lowered, upscaling enabled, and high FPS at “ultra” settings should not be expected.

The B370 breaks the old barrier that limited Intel's integrated graphics mainly to simple games. However, it does not eliminate the difference between iGPUs and discrete graphics cards.

XeSS for B370 - A Way to Maintain FPS

For the Arc B370, XeSS is not just a bonus feature but a method to maintain an acceptable frame rate where performance is insufficient without upscaling.

In games that support XeSS, it is possible to lower the internal resolution and achieve more stable FPS without significant quality loss. This is especially important for thin laptops and portable gaming devices: every watt affects heating, noise, and battery life.

However, XeSS cannot be considered a guaranteed advantage. If a game does not support Intel's upscaling, the B370 remains at its base performance level. Therefore, it's more accurate to say that the Arc B370 performs significantly better in games with XeSS, but without it, the limitations of integrated graphics quickly become evident.

Media and AI: Video More Important than Local Models

The Arc B370 features a modern media block, hardware acceleration for video codecs, and Quick Sync support. This is useful for watching high-resolution videos, screen recording, streaming, editing, and transcoding files.

What the Arc B370 offers beyond gaming:

• Reduces CPU load when working with video;
• Accelerates encoding and decoding of modern formats;
• Assists in screen recording and streaming;
• Suitable for working with multiple displays;
• Accelerates local AI functionalities in applications.

One should not overestimate the AI capabilities. The practical scope of the B370 includes AI filters, localized features in applications, and some inference tasks. For heavyweight models, it is hindered by shared memory and GPU class.

Where Arc B370 May Disappoint

The main risk is choosing a laptop solely based on the GPU name. It’s especially easy to make mistakes with integrated graphics: the same B370 can perform differently in different devices.

Before purchasing, one should look at:

• Type and speed of the memory;
• Power limit of the processor;
• Thickness of the chassis;
• Cooling system;
• Manufacturer's settings;
• Real tests for that specific laptop model.

In one device, the B370 may maintain high frequencies for longer, while in another, it may quickly hit thermal limits and reduce performance. Therefore, the graphics name indicates potential but does not replace tests of a specific laptop.

Who is Intel Arc B370 Suitable For

The Arc B370 is suitable for those choosing a laptop without a discrete graphics card but do not want to limit themselves to office tasks. It is a good option for everyday use, multimedia, light editing, and 1080p gaming with compromises.

Best scenarios for Arc B370:

• Thin laptop without discrete graphics;
• Portable gaming device;
• Work, video, and multiple displays;
• Light editing and transcoding;
• Esports and non-demanding games;
• 1080p gaming with XeSS or reduced settings.

It is not advisable to choose the B370 if the main goal is demanding AAA games at high settings, stable high FPS, QHD gaming, or replacing a laptop with an RTX 4050. Discrete graphics are needed for these tasks.

Conclusion

Intel Arc B370 is not a basic integrated graphics solution but a variant adjacent to the higher B390. It lags behind the B390 in configuration but can be close to it in real laptops, especially if the system is limited in power and cooling.

The main value of the B370 lies in establishing a new baseline for laptops without a discrete GPU. Such a laptop can now handle not only browsing, video, and simple games but also real 1080p gaming with reasonable settings.

Limitations remain stringent: system memory, power limits, cooling, drivers, and XeSS support. But if the manufacturer has not choked the graphics with settings, the B370 stands out as one of the strongest integrated GPUs Intel has in this generation.