
Quadro M520 vs Iris Xe Graphics MAX

Quadro M520
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Iris Xe Graphics MAX
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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. The Quadro M520 is positioned at rank #145 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Quadro M520
Performance Per Dollar Iris Xe Graphics MAX
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX uses modern memory architecture. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The Quadro M520 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 3.1% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Quadro M520 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-3.1%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+3.1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | Generation 12.1 (2020−2021) (10nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+100+%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $40 versus $50 for the Quadro M520, it costs 20% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 28.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+28.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($50) | ✅More affordable ($40) |
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 Quadro M520 and Iris Xe Graphics MAX

Quadro M520
The Quadro M520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2017. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 1041 MHz to 1019 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 25W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,913 points.

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.
Graphics Performance
The Quadro M520 scores 1,913 and the Iris Xe Graphics MAX reaches 1,972 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 3.1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Quadro M520 is built on Maxwell while the Iris Xe Graphics MAX uses Generation 12.1, both on 28 nm vs 10 nm. Shader units: 384 (Quadro M520) vs 768 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX). Raw compute: 0.7995 TFLOPS (Quadro M520) vs 2.534 TFLOPS (Iris Xe Graphics MAX). Boost clocks: 1019 MHz vs 1650 MHz.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,913 | 1,972+3% |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Generation 12.1 |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 10 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 768+100% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.7995 TFLOPS | 2.534 TFLOPS+217% |
| Boost Clock | 1019 MHz | 1650 MHz+62% |
| ROPs | 8 | 24+200% |
| TMUs | 16 | 48+200% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Quadro M520 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the Iris Xe Graphics MAX has 0 MB. The Quadro M520 offers 100+% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs System.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | Shared System RAM |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | Shared |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | System |
Power & Dimensions
The Quadro M520 draws 25W versus the Iris Xe Graphics MAX's 25W — a 0% difference. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Quadro M520) vs 1W (Iris Xe Graphics MAX). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs Integrated.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 25W | 25W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 1W-100% |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | Integrated |
| Temp (Load) | — | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 76.5 | 78.9+3% |
Value Analysis
The Quadro M520 launched at $200 MSRP and currently averages $50, while the Iris Xe Graphics MAX launched at $55 and now averages $40. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX costs 20% less ($10 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 38.3 (Quadro M520) vs 49.3 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) — the Iris Xe Graphics MAX offers 28.7% better value. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2017).
| Feature | Quadro M520 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $200 | $55-73% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $40-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 38.3 | 49.3+29% |
| Codename | GM108 | DG1 |
| Release | January 11 2017 | October 31 2020 |
| Ranking | #695 | #685 |
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