Iris Xe Graphics MAX vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

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.

Iris Xe Graphics MAX vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 9800X3D to isolate GPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Iris Xe Graphics MAX vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each GPU makes more sense in practice: raw FPS, VRAM, features, power draw, pricing, and long-term headroom.

Iris Xe Graphics MAX

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $544 less on MSRP ($55 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1003.1% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 35.9 vs 3.3 G3D/$ ($55 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is already obsolete for modern gaming, so Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the less risky modern option long term.

Trade-offs

❌2020 hardware with Unknown of VRAM is already well past its comfortable zone for modern gaming, so it is hard to recommend now.
❌257.1% higher power demand at 25W vs 7W.

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 7W instead of 25W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌2018 hardware with Unknown of VRAM is already well past its comfortable zone for modern gaming, so it is hard to recommend now.
❌
989.1% HIGHER MSRP
$599 MSRPvs$55 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $55 MSRP).

Quick Answers

Which GPU is faster for gaming right now?

Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the faster gaming card right now based on the synthetic data we have. It leads by 1.3% in PassMark G3D (1,972 vs 1,947), which is the best performance signal available in this matchup.

Which GPU is the safer long-term pick for 2026 and beyond?

Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the safer long-term pick for 2026 and beyond. The case is simple: a newer 2020 generation instead of 2018. That makes it the less risky pick as game demands keep moving.

Which GPU is the better buy today?

Iris Xe Graphics MAX makes the most sense to buy today. It is $544 cheaper on MSRP at $55 vs $599, and it leads G3D-per-dollar by 1003.1% (35.9 vs 3.3), so the value case lines up with the gaming result.

Iris Xe Graphics MAX vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Iris Xe Graphics MAX

The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in October 31 2020. It features the Generation 12.1 architecture. The boost clock speed is 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.

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is manufactured by Qualcomm. It was released in December 6 2018. The thermal design power (TDP) is 7W. Manufactured using 7 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,947 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

The Iris Xe Graphics MAX scores 1,972 and the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 reaches 1,947 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.3% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance.

Feature	Iris Xe Graphics MAX	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
G3D Mark Score	1,972+1%	1,947
Process Node	10 nm	7 nm

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	Iris Xe Graphics MAX	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
Upscaling Tech	Upscaling support	Upscaling support
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	Standard	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

Both cards ship with 0 MB of Shared. Memory bus width is System on the Iris Xe Graphics MAX and System on the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3.

Feature	Iris Xe Graphics MAX	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
VRAM Capacity	Shared System RAM	Shared System RAM
Memory Type	Shared	Shared
Memory Bandwidth	System	Unknown
Bus Width	System	System

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The Iris Xe Graphics MAX draws 25W versus the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3's 7W — a 112.5% difference. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 1W (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 1W (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3). Power connectors: Integrated vs Integrated.

Feature	Iris Xe Graphics MAX	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
TDP	25W	7W-72%
Recommended PSU	1W	1W
Power Connector	Integrated	Integrated
Temp (Load)	85°C	—
Perf/Watt	78.9	278.1+252%

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Iris Xe Graphics MAX came in at $55, while the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 launched at $599. On MSRP, Iris Xe Graphics MAX was 90.8% cheaper ($544 less). Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 35.9 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 3.3 (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) — the Iris Xe Graphics MAX offers 987.9% better value. The newer card here is Iris Xe Graphics MAX (2020 vs 2018).

Feature	Iris Xe Graphics MAX	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
MSRP	$55-91%	$599
Performance per Dollar	35.9+988%	3.3
Codename	DG1	—
Release	October 31 2020	December 6 2018
Ranking	#685	#915

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