GeForce RTX 3070 vs Iris Xe MAX Graphics

CPU

GPU

GeForce RTX 3070

2020Core: 1500 MHzBoost: 1725 MHz

Popular choices:

•••••••••

Iris Xe MAX Graphics

2020Core: 300 MHzBoost: 1650 MHz

Popular choices:

•••RTX 3070••••••

Performance Spectrum - GPU

GeForce RTX 3070

8 GB 220

22,172

+1024.3%

GeForce RTX 2070 (Mobile)

GeForce GTX 1070 Ti

RTX 2000 Ada Generation

GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU

GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU

GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

Iris Xe MAX Graphics

Shared System RAM 25

1,972

0.0%

Arc A530M

Arc A770M

Arc B580

About G3D Mark

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 3070

2020

Why buy it

✅+1024.3% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Delivers 23.9% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 44.4 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($499 MSRP vs $55 MSRP).
✅Access to DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020).
✅100+% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (8 GB vs Unknown).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌780% higher power demand at 220W vs 25W.

Iris Xe MAX Graphics

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $444 less on MSRP ($55 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 220W, a 195W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (1,972 vs 22,172).
❌Less VRAM, with Unknown vs 8 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No DLSS support; it relies on Upscaling support instead.
❌Very weak future-proofing: 2020-era hardware with Unknown of VRAM is already obsolete for modern gaming and is hard to recommend today.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 44.4 G3D/$ ($55 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).

GeForce RTX 3070

2020

Iris Xe MAX Graphics

2020

Why buy it

✅+1024.3% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Delivers 23.9% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 44.4 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($499 MSRP vs $55 MSRP).
✅Access to DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020).
✅100+% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (8 GB vs Unknown).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Why buy it

✅Costs $444 less on MSRP ($55 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 220W, a 195W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌780% higher power demand at 220W vs 25W.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (1,972 vs 22,172).
❌Less VRAM, with Unknown vs 8 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No DLSS support; it relies on Upscaling support instead.
❌Very weak future-proofing: 2020-era hardware with Unknown of VRAM is already obsolete for modern gaming and is hard to recommend today.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 44.4 G3D/$ ($55 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3070 better than Iris Xe MAX Graphics?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3070 is clearly the better overall GPU here. You are also looking at 22,172 vs 1,972 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 3070 is a 2020 card with DLSS Super Resolution, while Iris Xe MAX Graphics is a 2020 model from an older generation with no meaningful modern upscaling stack. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 3070 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 1024.3% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 8 GB instead of Unknown, better upscaling support with DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) instead of no meaningful modern upscaling stack, and a 8nm process instead of 10nm. That leaves it with more room for heavier textures, tougher ray tracing loads, and higher-end 1440p or 4K gaming over the next few years.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 3070 is the smarter buy by a wide margin. GeForce RTX 3070 is about 807.3% more expensive on MSRP at $499 MSRP versus $55 MSRP, and you are getting 1024.3% higher G3D Mark. Iris Xe MAX Graphics really only makes sense now as a very cheap stopgap or a used-market placeholder.

Is Iris Xe MAX Graphics still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

No, not for a fresh gaming build. Iris Xe MAX Graphics is 2020 hardware with Unknown of VRAM, 1,972 in G3D Mark, and no meaningful modern upscaling stack. That is simply too far behind to be an easy modern recommendation.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce RTX 3070 Benchmark Check

Iris Xe MAX Graphics Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
1080p
low	158 FPS	44 FPS
medium	140 FPS	31 FPS
high	123 FPS	22 FPS
ultra	104 FPS	11 FPS
1440p
low	134 FPS	35 FPS
medium	109 FPS	22 FPS
high	96 FPS	12 FPS
ultra	86 FPS	6 FPS
4K
low	80 FPS	11 FPS
medium	67 FPS	8 FPS
high	52 FPS	4 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	3 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3070 Open Iris Xe MAX Graphics

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
1080p
low	470 FPS	77 FPS
medium	405 FPS	50 FPS
high	327 FPS	33 FPS
ultra	277 FPS	24 FPS
1440p
low	294 FPS	52 FPS
medium	246 FPS	29 FPS
high	213 FPS	21 FPS
ultra	179 FPS	16 FPS
4K
low	141 FPS	25 FPS
medium	120 FPS	15 FPS
high	105 FPS	12 FPS
ultra	83 FPS	9 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3070 Open Iris Xe MAX Graphics

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
1080p
low	885 FPS	89 FPS
medium	712 FPS	71 FPS
high	619 FPS	59 FPS
ultra	499 FPS	44 FPS
1440p
low	692 FPS	67 FPS
medium	557 FPS	53 FPS
high	473 FPS	44 FPS
ultra	374 FPS	33 FPS
4K
low	479 FPS	44 FPS
medium	388 FPS	35 FPS
high	330 FPS	30 FPS
ultra	249 FPS	22 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3070 Open Iris Xe MAX Graphics

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
1080p
low	600 FPS	89 FPS
medium	527 FPS	71 FPS
high	433 FPS	59 FPS
ultra	385 FPS	44 FPS
1440p
low	489 FPS	67 FPS
medium	433 FPS	53 FPS
high	339 FPS	44 FPS
ultra	297 FPS	33 FPS
4K
low	292 FPS	44 FPS
medium	270 FPS	35 FPS
high	238 FPS	30 FPS
ultra	200 FPS	22 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3070 Open Iris Xe MAX Graphics

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3070 and Iris Xe MAX Graphics

GeForce RTX 3070

The GeForce RTX 3070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1500 MHz to 1725 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 220W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 22,172 points. Launch price was $499.

Iris Xe MAX Graphics

The Iris Xe MAX Graphics is manufactured by Intel. It was released in October 31 2020. It features the Generation 12.1 architecture. The core clock ranges from 300 MHz to 1650 MHz. It has 768 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 25W. Manufactured using 10 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,972 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3070 scores 22,172 versus the Iris Xe MAX Graphics's 1,972 — the GeForce RTX 3070 leads by 1024.3%. The GeForce RTX 3070 is built on Ampere while the Iris Xe MAX Graphics uses Generation 12.1, both on 8 nm vs 10 nm. Shader units: 5,888 (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 768 (Iris Xe MAX Graphics). Raw compute: 20.31 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 2.534 TFLOPS (Iris Xe MAX Graphics). Boost clocks: 1725 MHz vs 1650 MHz.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
G3D Mark Score	22,172+1024%	1,972
Architecture	Ampere	Generation 12.1
Process Node	8 nm	10 nm
Shading Units	5888+667%	768
Compute (TFLOPS)	20.31 TFLOPS+701%	2.534 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1725 MHz+5%	1650 MHz
ROPs	96+300%	24
TMUs	184+283%	48
L2 Cache	4 MB+300%	1 MB

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

The GeForce RTX 3070 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	Upscaling support
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3070 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the Iris Xe MAX Graphics has 0 MB. The GeForce RTX 3070 offers 100+% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 256-bit vs System. L2 Cache: 4 MB (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 1 MB (Iris Xe MAX Graphics) — the GeForce RTX 3070 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
VRAM Capacity	8 GB	Shared System RAM
Memory Type	GDDR6	Shared
Memory Bandwidth	448 GB/s	System
Bus Width	256-bit	System
L2 Cache	4 MB+300%	1 MB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 12.1 (Iris Xe MAX Graphics). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.1
Vulkan	1.4+8%	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3070) vs QuickSync (Iris Xe MAX Graphics). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs QuickSync. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3070) vs H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1 (Iris Xe MAX Graphics).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
Encoder	NVENC 7th gen	QuickSync
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	QuickSync
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9	H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3070 draws 220W versus the Iris Xe MAX Graphics's 25W — a 159.2% difference. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 1W (Iris Xe MAX Graphics). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Integrated. Card length: 242mm vs 0mm, occupying 2 vs 0 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3070	Iris Xe MAX Graphics
TDP	220W	25W-89%
Recommended PSU	650W	1W-100%
Power Connector	8-pin	Integrated
Length	242mm	0mm
Height	112mm	0mm
Slots	2	0-100%
Temp (Load)	75°C-6%	80
Perf/Watt	100.8+28%	78.9

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3070 launched at $499 MSRP, while the Iris Xe MAX Graphics launched at $55. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics costs 89% less ($444 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 44.4 (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 35.9 (Iris Xe MAX Graphics) — the GeForce RTX 3070 offers 23.7% better value.