Intel has published its latest blog post, announcing the Intel Arc Balanced Builds, an initiative that pairs up Intel Arc GPUs with Intel Core CPUs, creating balanced configurations that match Intel Arc graphics cards to the "best-fitting" Intel Core CPU. Starting at $423 for the GPU and CPU and $899 for the full system, Intel claims these combinations come from thousands of test runs and hundreds of hours in the lab, leading up to 15,000 datapoints and 22 GB of data.

According to Intel's own testing, which includes a wide variety of Intel Core processors in different configurations and games, there is a perfect CPU range for both its entry level Intel Arc A380 graphics card, as well as the Intel Arc A750 and Arc A770 graphics cards. Of course, for those with a big or unlimited budget, there is always the best configuration that money can buy, but making a balanced build is what makes sense for many others.According to Intel's own data, the Intel Arc A380 hits the CPU limit with a Core i3 and some Core i5 CPUs, while the Intel Arc A750 and the Arc A770 graphics card can hit peak performance with a Core i5 or a Core i7 CPU from the 12th and 13th generations. Intel's own testing also show that with DirectX 12 API, graphics cards like Arc A750 show minimal CPU sensitivity, showing similar results on the Core i5-12400F CPU as with higher-end CPUs.Intel was also keen to note that the performance of its Arc A-series graphics cards has been improved significantly with driver updates, Game On support, and Xe Super Sampling, especially in DirectX 9, averaging 43 percent more FPS in games like CS:GO.

Intel is teaming up with a bunch of retailers/e-tailers and system builders worldwide, including Amazon, Newegg, Maingear, CyberpowerPC, PCSpecialist, ECOM, and others, where you will be able to find discounted Intel GPU + CPU bundles, as well as fully built systems based on those configurations. You can check out the full list of partners over at Intel's bundle website.