
Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 vs Iris Xe Graphics MAX

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
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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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is positioned at rank #572 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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
Performance Per Dollar Iris Xe Graphics MAX
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.3% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.3%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.3%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2018 / Legacy) | Generation 12.1 (2020−2021) (10nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Iris Xe Graphics MAX offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $40 versus $300 for the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3, it costs 87% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 659.6% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+659.6%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($300) | ✅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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 and Iris Xe Graphics MAX
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.

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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 scores 1,947 and the Iris Xe Graphics MAX reaches 1,972 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.3% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,947 | 1,972+1% |
| Process Node | 7 nm | 10 nm |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | 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)
Both cards feature 0 MB of Shared. Bus width: System vs System.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | Shared System RAM | Shared System RAM |
| Memory Type | Shared | Shared |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | System |
| Bus Width | System | System |
Power & Dimensions
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 draws 7W versus the Iris Xe Graphics MAX's 25W — a 112.5% difference. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 1W (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) vs 1W (Iris Xe Graphics MAX). Power connectors: Integrated vs Integrated.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 7W-72% | 25W |
| Recommended PSU | 1W | 1W |
| Power Connector | Integrated | Integrated |
| Temp (Load) | — | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 278.1+252% | 78.9 |
Value Analysis
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 launched at $599 MSRP and currently averages $300, while the Iris Xe Graphics MAX launched at $55 and now averages $40. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX costs 86.7% less ($260 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 6.5 (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) vs 49.3 (Iris Xe Graphics MAX) — the Iris Xe Graphics MAX offers 658.5% better value. The Iris Xe Graphics MAX is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2018).
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe Graphics MAX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599 | $55-91% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $40-87% |
| Performance per Dollar | 6.5 | 49.3+658% |
| Codename | — | DG1 |
| Release | December 6 2018 | October 31 2020 |
| Ranking | #915 | #685 |
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