Innovative ARC GPUs
Sparkle has shown off its new concept designs based on Arc.
When it comes to Intel Arc GPUs, only two companies matter: GUNNIR and Sparkle. The latter did not immediately launch its Arc GPUs, but once they did, numerous options became available. As it turns out, the company is innovating further.
At Computex, Sparkle showcased three interesting Arc-based GPUs. One of these GPUs featured a BTF design , seemingly inspired by ASUS’s “Back to The Future” series with hidden power connectors. ASUS developed a motherboard and GPU design that, instead of using standard power connectors, uses an extra PCI slot dedicated solely to power delivery. From the image, the connector appears identical, indicating collaboration between the companies.
Sparkle BTF Concept, Source: Benchlife
In fact, Sparkle displayed their card connected to an ASUS TUF BTF board in one of the demo systems, confirming their design for ASUS power delivery. These connectors can deliver up to 600W and are also used by the RTX 4090 GPU. This setup replaces the 12VHWPR connector, eliminating the need for any cables to the GPU. Instead, the connector attaches directly to the motherboard.
BTF Advanced, Source: ASUS
Sparkle has also showcased its hybrid and fully liquid-cooled GPU designs. While ARC GPUs are not typically suited for water cooling due to their relatively conservative power requirements, Sparkle may be preparing for the next generation of Intel Battlemage GPUs, which could require more power. In any case, Sparkle should be ready with their designs.
The company presented a hybrid cooling design with integrated liquid cooling, similar to what we mentioned in the previous post about the MSI FUZION series . Another design features an external AIO cooler, common among high-TDP models like the RTX 4080/4090, but not typically for a 225W Arc GPU.
Sparkle Liquid Based ARC GPUs, Source: Benchlife
Sparkle is definitely a company to watch. Since it quit the consumer GPU business, its return has “sparked” several interesting designs, and the company seems to be all-in with Arc GPUs, regardless of when they launch.
Source: Benchlife