Iris Xe Graphics MAX vs GeForce RTX 3060
Iris Xe Graphics MAX
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GeForce RTX 3060
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Iris Xe Graphics MAX
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 761.8% higher G3D Mark score and 100+% more VRAM (12 GB vs 0 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Iris Xe Graphics MAX.
| Insight | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-761.8%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+761.8%) |
| Longevity | Generation 12.1 (2020−2021) (10nm) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $289 (vs $40), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 19.3% better value per dollar than the Iris Xe Graphics MAX.
| Insight | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+19.3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($40) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) |
Performance Check
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 7800X3D 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Iris Xe Graphics MAX and GeForce RTX 3060
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.
GeForce RTX 3060
The GeForce RTX 3060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 12 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 3584 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 170W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 28 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,995 points. Launch price was $329.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the Iris Xe Graphics MAX scores 1,972 versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 16,995 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 761.8%. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is built on Generation 12.1 while the GeForce RTX 3060 uses Ampere, both on 10 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 768 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060). Raw compute: 2.534 TFLOPS (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060). Boost clocks: 1650 MHz vs 1777 MHz.
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,972 | 16,995+762% |
| Architecture | Generation 12.1 | Ampere |
| Process Node | 10 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 768 | 3584+367% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 2.534 TFLOPS | 12.74 TFLOPS+403% |
| Boost Clock | 1650 MHz | 1777 MHz+8% |
| ROPs | 24 | 48+100% |
| TMUs | 48 | 112+133% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX comes with 0 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3060 has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 100+% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: System vs 192-bit.
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | Shared System RAM | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | Shared | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | System | 360 GB/s |
| Bus Width | System | 192-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12.1 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060). Vulkan: 1.0 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12.1 | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.0 | 1.3+30% |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: QuickSync (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060). Decoder: QuickSync vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060).
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | QuickSync | NVENC 7th Gen |
| Decoder | QuickSync | NVDEC 5th Gen |
| Codecs | H.264,HEVC,AV1 | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX draws 25W versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 170W — a 148.7% difference. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 1W (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 3060). Power connectors: Integrated vs 8-pin. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 75.
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 25W-85% | 170W |
| Recommended PSU | 1W-100% | 550W |
| Power Connector | Integrated | 8-pin |
| Length | — | 242mm |
| Height | — | 112mm |
| Slots | — | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 75-12% |
| Perf/Watt | 78.9 | 100.0+27% |
Value Analysis
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX launched at $55 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 and now averages $289. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX costs 86.2% less ($249 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 49.3 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) vs 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 19.3% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2020).
| Feature | Iris Xe Graphics MAX | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $55-83% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-86% | $289 |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.3 | 58.8+19% |
| Codename | DG1 | GA106 |
| Release | October 31 2020 | January 12 2021 |
| Ranking | #685 | #114 |
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