How to use ReBAR on Arc GPUs

A gaming GPU from Intel? It might sound like blasphemy, but the new Arc chip line proves otherwise. In fact, we’re seriously impressed with Intel’s gaming graphics cards, calling them “the right GPU at the right time” with their excellent 1440p performance, competitive ray tracing, and prices that are somehow relatively reasonable. They even work – dare we say it – quite well with AMD Ryzen processors.

But there’s a small catch: you need to make sure Resizable BAR is turned on if you want to get full performance. In fact, Intel has bluntly stated that Arc GPUs must use Resizable BAR (shortened to ReBAR by Intel) for proper game optimization. If you are a new Arc GPU owner, learn how to use ReBAR here.

What is Resizable BAR?

Resizable BAR stands for Resizable Base Address Registers. It is an optimization technology that allows processors to access the VRAM memory of graphics cards more effectively. This in turn leads to performance upgrades for certain types of games because it reduces CPU bottlenecks. It’s available as Resizable BAR on the latest Nvidia cards, Smart Access Memory for newer AMD GPUs, and now as ReBAR for Intel’s Arc lineup.

We have a more complete guide on what ReBAR is and how it actually works, but the bottom line is that certain games, especially games that require a lot of memory, may run better on your gaming rig. It can be particularly noticeable on loading screens, when changing scenes, and in similar situations.

In addition to Intel’s own suggested use of ReBAR, our testing of Arc cards also found enough performance improvements to consider the discontinuation significant.

How to enable ReBAR on Intel Arc GPUs

Step 1: Check if you have a supported processor. Only certain processors can actually use Resizable BAR features. The good news is that many chips in recent years are compatible with it. This includes most 10th Gen Intel chips or newer, as well as most Ryzen 3000 (except 3000G), 5000, and 7000 chips. Check your specific processor for compatibility if unsure.

Note that motherboards require a full-size PCI Express 3.0 or newer x16 slot for ReBAR. This isn’t as important if you already have a compatible processor, but you should check your connections if you have a particularly unique setup.

Step 2: If you haven’t already, install the Intel Arc GPU and download any necessary drivers. Intel’s control software may give you notifications of Resizable BAR support at this time, which can be a helpful confirmation of your status. Once you are sure that the GPU is working properly, restart your PC and press the Extinguish Key during boot to enter BIOS/UEFI.

That Extinguish The key usually takes you to UEFI, but sometimes it is Esc key or a function key like F1. Check your PC model if nothing seems to work. Windows 10 and 11 also have one Advanced startup possibility one Updates & Security which you can use to boot directly into UEFI if needed.

Step 3: Note that you need to be in the UEFI version of your settings, not any BIOS emulation modes. This means you may need to disable settings like CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or Legacy Mode. Anything that makes UEFI look like the older BIOS settings should be disabled. You may also need to enable a UEFI boot mode if it’s not already enabled. If necessary, do so now.

Step 4: This is where things start to vary a lot depending on what components you’re using. Different system builders use different wording for the same thing and bury options in different menus. This may mean doing some searching or reading your motherboard manual. Ultimately, though, what you’re looking for are these two important settings:

Turn on first About 4G decoding if it is available. You should see an option Enableturn on or switch automobile mode, any of which should suffice. If you don’t see an option for Above 4G Decoding, continue to the next step. If you do, enable it, reboot, and go back to UEFI before proceeding.

Step 5: Now look for a setting called Re-Size BAR support. Could also mean Smart Access storage on Ryzen machines or sometimes Smart Access Storage. Activate it. Our example shows what it looks like on an Asus motherboard, but yours may look different depending on the motherboard and UEFI version.

Step 6: Now reboot from UEFI. Opening the Intel Arc Control app usually confirms that ReBAR is working and you shouldn’t have to adjust any additional settings this time. in the control settingscan you go system information and watch general information to confirm that Resizable BAR is supported and enabled. Just make sure your ARC GPU gets all available updates and keep playing!

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