
Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 vs Iris Xe MAX Graphics

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
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Iris Xe MAX Graphics
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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. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is positioned at rank 572 and the Iris Xe MAX Graphics is on rank 139, so the Iris Xe MAX Graphics offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
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 MAX Graphics
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Iris Xe MAX Graphics 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 MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MAX Graphics 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 MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MAX Graphics
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 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
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 scores 1,947 and the Iris Xe MAX Graphics 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 MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MAX Graphics'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 MAX Graphics). Power connectors: Integrated vs Integrated.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 7W-72% | 25W |
| Recommended PSU | 1W | 1W |
| Power Connector | Integrated | Integrated |
| Length | — | 0mm |
| Height | — | 0mm |
| Slots | — | 0 |
| Temp (Load) | — | 80 |
| 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 MAX Graphics launched at $55 and now averages $40. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics 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 MAX Graphics) — the Iris Xe MAX Graphics offers 658.5% better value. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2018).
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Iris Xe MAX Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | #686 |
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