Intel’s Arc A770 entered the GPU market as a bold first step into discrete graphics, aiming to compete with midrange offerings from NVIDIA and AMD. By 2026, however, the big question for gamers is simple: Is the Arc A770 still good for gaming today?
Let’s break it down by performance, driver maturity, modern game support, and overall value in 2026.
Intel Arc A770: Quick Overview
Release era: 2022
VRAM: 16GB GDDR6 (also available in 8GB)
Target segment: Midrange gaming
Key features:
- Hardware ray tracing
- XeSS upscaling
- AV1 encode/decode support
- DirectX 12 Ultimate
While the hardware hasn’t changed, the software ecosystem around it has evolved significantly.
Gaming Performance in 2026
1080p Gaming
At 1080p, the Arc A770 still performs well in many modern titles:
- High to Ultra settings in most esports and AAA games
- Smooth frame rates in well-optimized DirectX 12 and Vulkan games
- Excellent performance in newer engines designed with modern APIs
Competitive games like shooters, MOBAs, and battle royales remain very playable.
1440p Gaming
For 1440p, the A770 is more situational:
- Medium to High settings in recent AAA titles
- Older or well-optimized games run comfortably
- Ray tracing often requires upscaling (XeSS) to maintain smooth performance
The 16GB VRAM model is a clear advantage here, helping avoid memory bottlenecks in newer games.
Driver Maturity and Stability
One of the biggest criticisms of Arc GPUs at launch was driver inconsistency, especially in older DirectX 9 and 11 titles. By 2026:
- Intel’s drivers are far more stable
- Performance in legacy games has improved significantly
- Day-one driver support for major releases is now common
While NVIDIA still leads in driver polish, Intel has closed much of the gap.
Ray Tracing and Upscaling
Ray Tracing
The Arc A770 supports hardware ray tracing, but expectations should be realistic:
- Entry-to-mid-level ray tracing performance
- Best used at 1080p or 1440p with settings dialed back
- Not ideal for heavy RT workloads without upscaling
XeSS Upscaling
Intel’s XeSS has matured into a strong alternative to DLSS and FSR:
- Works on both Intel and non-Intel GPUs
- Delivers solid image quality
- Often essential for maintaining playable frame rates in newer games
Content Creation and Streaming
Even in 2026, the Arc A770 shines beyond gaming:
- AV1 encoding is excellent for streamers and video creators
- Strong performance in video editing workloads
- Good value for mixed-use gaming and productivity builds
If you stream or edit videos alongside gaming, the A770 remains appealing.
Power Efficiency and System Requirements
Compared to newer GPUs:
- Power efficiency is average by 2026 standards
- Requires a solid power supply and modern CPU
- Works best with Resizable BAR enabled, which is essentially mandatory for Arc performance
Without a compatible system, performance can drop noticeably.
Price and Value in 2026
On the used or discounted market, the Arc A770 often stands out:
- Competitive pricing compared to similarly aged GPUs
- 16GB VRAM offers better longevity than many alternatives
- Great option for budget-conscious gamers
At full original MSRP, newer GPUs offer better efficiency and features—but at lower prices, the A770 becomes very compelling.
Who Should Buy the Arc A770 in 2026?
Good choice if you:
- Game at 1080p or 1440p
- Want lots of VRAM on a budget
- Play mostly modern DirectX 12/Vulkan games
- Stream or create content using AV1
Not ideal if you:
- Play many older DirectX 9/11 titles
- Want top-tier ray tracing performance
- Prefer plug-and-play simplicity with minimal tuning
Final Verdict: Is Arc A770 Still Good in 2026?
Yes—with caveats.
The Intel Arc A770 is still a capable midrange gaming GPU in 2026, especially for modern titles and budget builds. Its generous VRAM, improved drivers, and strong media features give it staying power. While it can’t match newer GPUs in efficiency or ray tracing, it remains a solid option for gamers who understand its strengths and limitations.
If you can find it at the right price, the Arc A770 continues to be a smart, practical choice in 2026.
