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Arc B390 vs Radeon 890M, 780M and 680M: Best Mini PC iGPU?

by KamruiPC 17 Aug 2026 0 comments
Short answer: Intel Arc B390 is the fastest GPU in this comparison when it is paired with fast LPDDR5X memory and enough sustained power. Radeon 890M is the strongest AMD option. Radeon 780M is the best current value for many mini PC buyers, while Radeon 680M remains a practical budget choice for esports, emulation and lighter 1080p gaming. The system's memory, cooling and power limits can matter as much as the GPU name.

Integrated graphics have moved far beyond basic desktop output. A compact PC can now run popular esports titles, accelerate video work and handle many modern games without a separate graphics card. But four names that look close on a product page - Intel Arc B390, AMD Radeon 890M, Radeon 780M and Radeon 680M - represent different architectures, performance classes and price levels.

This guide compares the GPUs as they appear in representative mini PC and mobile platforms. Official specifications establish what each design contains. Independent benchmarks show the performance direction. Because KAMRUI has not tested all four GPUs in the same chassis, this article does not present the third-party numbers as KAMRUI laboratory results.

Arc B390 vs Radeon 890M, 780M and 680M at a glance

Buying question Winner Why
Fastest overall iGPU Intel Arc B390 Large lead in current independent 1080p tests when fully powered
Best AMD iGPU Radeon 890M 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units and broad AMD software support
Best KAMRUI value option Radeon 780M Strong 1080p light-gaming performance 
Best lower-cost choice Radeon 680M Still useful for esports, emulation and older games at sensible settings
Best media-feature set Intel Arc B390 AV1 encode/decode plus VVC decode on supported systems

The ranking is not a promise that every Arc B390 computer beats every Radeon 890M computer. An iGPU shares memory bandwidth and cooling capacity with the CPU. A thin system at a conservative power limit can lose to a better-cooled machine with faster memory.

Specifications: four different generations

GPU Architecture Graphics units Representative clock Representative processor Memory platform
Intel Arc B390 Xe3 12 Xe cores Up to 2.5 GHz Core Ultra X9 388H / X7 368H / X7 358H LPDDR5X up to 9600 MT/s
Radeon 890M RDNA 3.5 16 CUs 2.9 GHz on HX 370; up to 3.1 GHz on select AI 400 Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 / HX 470 LPDDR5X/DDR5, platform dependent
Radeon 780M RDNA 3 12 CUs Up to 2.8 GHz on Ryzen 9 8945HS Ryzen 7040/8040; Ryzen 9 8945HS DDR5 or LPDDR5X
Radeon 680M RDNA 2 12 CUs 2.2 GHz on Ryzen 7 7735HS Ryzen 6000/7035; Ryzen 7 7735HS DDR5 or LPDDR5X

Sources: Intel Core Ultra X9 388H specifications; AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 specifications; AMD Ryzen 8040 guide; AMD Ryzen 7000 mobile guide

Intel Arc B390: the new performance leader

Arc B390 is the full 12-Xe-core integrated GPU offered with select Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Intel's official Core Ultra X9 388H specification lists a 2.5 GHz maximum graphics frequency, 122 INT8 GPU TOPS, DirectX 12 Ultimate, AV1 hardware encode/decode and VVC hardware decode. The same processor supports LPDDR5X memory up to 9600 MT/s, giving the iGPU more shared-memory bandwidth than many earlier compact systems.

The model name matters. Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 family also contains processors with four or two Xe cores that use the generic Intel Graphics name. A seller listing 'Core Ultra Series 3' does not automatically mean the computer has Arc B390. Buyers should confirm both the processor SKU and the GPU name.

Radeon 890M vs 780M

Radeon 890M: AMD's strongest mainstream integrated option

Radeon 890M increases the graphics count to 16 compute units and uses the RDNA 3.5 architecture. In the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, AMD specifies a 2.9 GHz graphics clock. Newer Ryzen AI 400 variants can run the same 890M name at up to 3.1 GHz, so two systems labeled Radeon 890M can still perform differently.

The 890M remains attractive for buyers who prefer the AMD ecosystem or want a balanced Ryzen AI platform. It is clearly above the 780M and 680M on paper, but the actual gain depends on memory speed, firmware and sustained package power.

Radeon 780M: the value sweet spot

Radeon 780M has 12 RDNA 3 compute units, but its maximum graphics clock varies by processor. A Ryzen 9 8945HS implementation can run the GPU at up to 2.8 GHz, while the Ryzen 7 8745HS configuration used in the KAMRUI AM21 reaches up to 2.6 GHz. Actual performance also depends on memory bandwidth, cooling and sustained processor power. In a well-configured mini PC, the Radeon 780M remains capable enough for esports, emulation, photo editing, hardware-accelerated video work and many 1080p games at low or medium settings.

For a KAMRUI system built around this GPU, see the KAMRUI AM21 Mini PC with Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M. Its 32 GB dual-channel DDR5-5600 memory, USB4 connectivity and support for up to four displays make it a practical choice for buyers who want strong integrated graphics for gaming, creative work and multi-monitor productivity.

Radeon 680M: older, but still useful

Radeon 680M uses 12 RDNA 2 compute units. In the Ryzen 7 7735HS it runs at up to 2.2 GHz. That makes it the oldest and slowest design here, but 'slowest in this comparison' does not mean unusable. It remains well suited to League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Minecraft, many emulators and older PC games. Demanding new releases usually require low settings, upscaling or a lower rendering resolution.

Independent gaming results: Arc B390 vs Radeon 890M

PC Gamer tested an Arc B390 in an Asus Zenbook Duo against a Radeon 890M in an Asus Zephyrus G16. The following results were recorded at 1080p without upscaling. They are useful for direction, but they are not a controlled same-chassis test: the computers have different processors, memory, cooling and power settings.

Game Settings Arc B390 avg / 1% low Radeon 890M avg / 1% low Observed avg lead
Cyberpunk 2077 Medium 64 / 52 41 / 35 +23 avg FPS
Black Myth: Wukong Medium 39 / 31 23 / 20 +16 avg FPS
F1 24 Medium 113 / 100 74 / 65 +39 avg FPS
Horizon Zero Dawn Original, tested preset 82 / 58 54 / 12 +28 avg FPS
Metro Exodus Enhanced High 49 / 33 27 / 7 +22 avg FPS

In this test set, the B390 led the 890M in every listed game. The size of the lead varied substantially, which is exactly why a single synthetic score should not be treated as a universal gaming percentage. Game engine, driver, memory bandwidth and power behavior all change the result.

Why power and memory can change the ranking

Notebookcheck measured the Arc B390 at several package-power settings. In its Core Ultra X9 388H system, Time Spy Graphics rose from 4,567 points at 20 W to 6,830 at 45 W, while Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra increased from 27.2 fps to 41.2 fps. The same GPU name therefore covered a very wide performance range.

Shared memory creates the second major variable. An iGPU does not have its own GDDR memory. It uses system RAM, so bandwidth and channel configuration directly affect graphics performance. Fast LPDDR5X can benefit B390 and 890M designs, while a poorly configured DDR5 system can hold back a 780M or 680M. Capacity matters too: the GPU reserves part of system memory, leaving less available to Windows and applications.

Radeon 890M vs 780M: is the upgrade worth it?

Radeon 890M is the more capable design. It moves from 12 RDNA 3 compute units in the 780M to 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units, and it is commonly paired with newer, faster memory. That makes it a better target for demanding integrated-graphics gaming and newer Ryzen AI systems.

The upgrade is not automatically the best value. A mature Radeon 780M mini PC can cost less while still delivering a good 1080p experience in esports and lighter games. Buyers should compare the complete system price, RAM capacity, storage, USB4, networking and cooling rather than paying for the GPU name alone.

If the processor platform is also part of the decision, read Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 vs Ryzen 9 8945HS for mini PCs. It explains what the newer Ryzen AI platform changes beyond graphics.

Radeon 780M vs 680M: evolution, not a different product category

Radeon 780M and 680M both contain 12 compute units, but the 780M uses RDNA 3, runs at higher clocks on representative processors and is commonly paired with newer 4 nm Ryzen platforms. The result is a meaningful improvement, especially in newer graphics APIs and some compute workloads.

However, both GPUs still belong to the integrated-graphics class. A well-cooled 680M machine with fast dual-channel memory can remain competitive in lighter workloads, while neither GPU should be sold as a replacement for a modern high-power discrete graphics card. Upgrading from 680M to 780M makes the most sense when the new computer also improves CPU performance, memory capacity, I/O or storage.

Sources: Notebookcheck Radeon 780M analysis; Notebookcheck Radeon 680M database

Which iGPU is best for each mini PC workload?

Workload First choice Good alternative Budget option What to verify
Competitive esports B390 890M / 780M 680M Prioritize fast memory and good cooling for stable 1% lows
Modern AAA games B390 890M 780M / 680M Use low settings and upscaling; a dGPU is safer for high quality
Emulation B390 / 890M 780M 680M CPU and emulator compatibility can matter more than raw GPU rank
Photo and light video work B390 / 890M 780M 680M Check codec support and application acceleration
AV1 creation and modern media B390 890M / 780M 680M Confirm the exact application's hardware-encode support
Lowest-cost compact gaming 780M / 680M - - Value depends on total system price, not benchmark rank

Gaming features: XeSS, FSR and frame generation

Arc B390 supports Intel's XeSS ecosystem, including newer frame-generation features in supported games. Radeon 890M, 780M and 680M can use AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution when a game supports it. These technologies can raise displayed frame rates, but they do not remove CPU limits, memory bottlenecks or weak base frame rates.

For a buying comparison, native-resolution performance should come first. Upscaled and frame-generated results should be labeled separately. Frame generation is most useful when the game already runs at a stable base frame rate; it is not a substitute for responsive native performance.

Content creation and media engines

Intel lists hardware encode and decode for H.264, HEVC and AV1 on the Arc B390, plus decode-only support for VVC. That makes it particularly interesting for compact media systems and current video workflows. Radeon 890M and 780M also support modern hardware-accelerated media workloads, but application support should be checked because Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, HandBrake and streaming tools do not always treat every media engine identically.

Creators should compare export time, timeline playback and driver stability in the actual software they use. A GPU can lead in a gaming benchmark and still produce a different result in OpenCL, DirectML or a codec-specific task.

Which one should you buy?

Choose Arc B390 if maximum integrated-graphics performance is the priority and you are buying a properly configured Core Ultra X9/X7 system with fast LPDDR5X memory. Verify the exact processor SKU, sustained power behavior and price. B390 is not present in every Core Ultra Series 3 computer.

Choose Radeon 890M if you want AMD's fastest mainstream integrated option, a newer Ryzen AI platform or a balanced AMD system. It is the clearest AMD competitor to B390, even though current independent tests generally place a fully powered B390 ahead.

Choose Radeon 780M if price-to-performance matters more than winning every benchmark. For KAMRUI shoppers, the G1 is the most direct current match: its Ryzen 9 8945HS, 32 GB DDR5 and Radeon 780M form a strong compact platform for productivity, media and light 1080p gaming.

Choose Radeon 680M if the system is meaningfully cheaper and your workload is esports, emulation, streaming, office work or older games. The E3B 7735HS configurations provide practical entry points, but confirm the selected processor and memory configuration before purchase.

Bottom line: Arc B390 wins the performance comparison. Radeon 890M is the best AMD iGPU here. Radeon 780M is the strongest current KAMRUI value choice, and Radeon 680M is still viable when price matters. Buy the whole mini PC - memory, power, cooling, ports and price - rather than buying an iGPU name in isolation.

Ready to compare available systems? Explore KAMRUI AMD mini PCs or browse mini PCs for gaming and graphics. Match the processor, RAM and ports to your actual games and applications before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is Intel Arc B390 faster than Radeon 890M?

In the current independent tests cited in this guide, a fully powered Arc B390 was faster than the tested Radeon 890M across the listed 1080p games. The size of the lead depends on power, memory, cooling, driver and game engine, so the result is not identical in every computer.

Is Radeon 890M much faster than Radeon 780M?

Radeon 890M has 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units, while Radeon 780M has 12 RDNA 3 compute units. The 890M is the faster design, but the practical value of upgrading depends on the price and the complete system configuration.

Is Radeon 780M better than Radeon 680M?

Yes. Radeon 780M uses the newer RDNA 3 architecture and typically runs at a higher clock than the RDNA 2-based 680M. Both remain integrated GPUs, and fast dual-channel memory is important for both.

Which integrated GPU is best for a gaming mini PC?

Arc B390 is the performance leader in this comparison. Radeon 890M is the strongest AMD choice. Radeon 780M is often the more affordable balance, while Radeon 680M is suitable for lighter games and esports.

Can Radeon 680M run modern AAA games?

It can run some modern games at 1080p or a lower internal resolution with low settings and upscaling. Results vary widely, and a discrete GPU is the safer choice for consistently high settings or high frame rates.

Does RAM affect integrated graphics performance?

Yes. An integrated GPU shares system memory with the CPU. Memory speed, channel configuration and capacity can materially affect frame rates and 1% lows. Compare the installed RAM, not only the GPU name.

Does every Core Ultra Series 3 PC include Arc B390?

No. Intel lists Arc B390 only on select Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors. Other Series 3 processors can use a smaller Arc B370 or generic Intel Graphics with fewer Xe cores.

Sources 



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