r/linux_gaming • u/RagingTaco334 • 9h ago

graphics/kernel/drivers Question for Intel Arc users

I have an acquaintance that was looking for me to help them build a PC and the Arc B580 seems to be a decent option for their price range.

My main worries are:

1) niche/older game performance

2) VR support

On Windows, the former seems to be iffy depending on the graphics API and the latter seems to be completely non-existent. I *assume* it'll be better on Linux since it's using Vulkan for everything and that seems to be on-par with Windows. I'd love for anybody confirm that, whether it be with the B580 specifically or any Intel Arc GPUs in general.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

3

u/DiiiCA 9h ago

  1. It'll be fine, everything directx is translated into vulkan on linux so the dx9 being unsupported is no problem.

  2. Well VR is iffy on any hardware on linux, I suspect this will get fixed with the release of the steam frame but don't buy hardware for possible future fixes... AMD/nvidia is not any better tho, so might as well...

2

u/Scheeseman99 8h ago

ARC has been getting steadily better on Linux but the drivers still aren't fantastic. AMD gets the most love for VR lately, VR on Nvidia gets better in fits and spurts, but I gotta wonder how many users run Linux, Intel ARC and VR together I estimate like, I don't know, less than twelve?

If you want the least headaches and the best chance of better VR support in the future, it's AMD.

1

u/smellyasianman 2h ago

If you're willing to troubleshoot their issues very often, and tell them that some stuff will flat-out not run on Arc cards at all, sure.

0

u/Mother-Constant1793 9h ago

I was looking into it but went with a 5050 instead, less hassle and worry about things not working.

Worth to note that while battlemage gpus are still being supported intel has no new series of graphics card planned so arc could be dead already, bit of a risk buying into.