TLDR Review: Sparkle Intel Arc A380 ELF
Pros
- •Excellent performance for encoding and transcoding tasks, making it ideal for media server applications like Jellyfin, Plex, and Plex on Linux systems.
- •Compact, nearly dualot design fits easily in most PC cases, great for small form factor builds.
- •Runs cool and quiet, with the fan only activating under heavy load, resulting in minimal noise during typical use.
- •Overclocking significantly boosts gaming performance, increasing frame rates from around 65 FPS up to 90-100 FPS on demanding titles at ultra settings.
- •Delivers smooth gaming experience at 1080p and 1440p with high frame rates, including over 200 FPS on some esports titles.
- •Low power consumption, rarely exceeding 100W under load, and very low idle power usage around 18W.
- •Frequent driver updates continue to improve stability and performance across Windows and Linux platforms.
- •Weluilt, sturdy design requiring only one 8-pin PCIe power connector.
- •Supports smooth VSync (similar to Enhanced Sync) for enjoyable gameplay without tearing.
- •Compatible and performant on various operating systems including TrueNAS, Debian, Windows, and Ubuntu, with fairly straightforward setup on Linux.
Cons
- •Fan can produce a bothersome droning noise with frequent ramps and downs, which some users find very distracting.
- •Fan noise fluctuations are reduced but not eliminated by firmware updates, and controlling fan speed can be tricky on lockeown systems like TrueNAS Scale.
- •Performance without overclocking is only moderate; unlocking full potential requires manual overclocking.
- •Lacks a backplate, which may expose the PCB to potential damage unless users add protective tape.
- •Inferior to larger, fulize Arc A380 cards like the Asrock model if you have space for a bigger build and want slightly better performance.
- •Minor initial driver glitches reported, though these have generally been resolved with updates.
Bottom Line
The Sparkle Intel Arc A380 ELF SA380E-6G is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious gamers and media enthusiasts focused on transcoding and streaming workloads. Its compact size, efficient cooling, and solid performance at 1080p make it a versatile option for small builds and NAS setups. However, if you’re sensitive to fan noise or want out-of-the-box higher gaming performance without overclocking, you might want to look at larger alternatives like the Asrock Arc A380, which offers better cooling and performance for bigger systems. For media server use cases, this card shines thanks to excellent Linux compatibility and energy efficiency.
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