
Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 vs Quadro M520

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
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Quadro M520
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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 Quadro M520 is on rank 145, so the Quadro M520 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 Quadro M520
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 uses modern memory architecture. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.8% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Quadro M520 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.8%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.8%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2018 / Legacy) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+100+%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Quadro M520 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $50 versus $300 for the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3, it costs 83% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 489.5% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+489.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($300) | ✅More affordable ($50) |
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 Quadro M520
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.

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.
Graphics Performance
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 scores 1,947 and the Quadro M520 reaches 1,913 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.8% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,947+2% | 1,913 |
| Process Node | 7 nm | 28 nm |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 comes with 0 MB of VRAM, while the Quadro M520 has 2 GB. The Quadro M520 offers 100+% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: System vs 64-bit.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | Shared System RAM | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | Shared | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | System | 64-bit |
Power & Dimensions
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 draws 7W versus the Quadro M520'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 350W (Quadro M520). Power connectors: Integrated vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 7W-72% | 25W |
| Recommended PSU | 1W-100% | 350W |
| Power Connector | Integrated | PCIe-powered |
| Perf/Watt | 278.1+264% | 76.5 |
Value Analysis
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 launched at $599 MSRP and currently averages $300, while the Quadro M520 launched at $200 and now averages $50. The Quadro M520 costs 83.3% less ($250 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 6.5 (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) vs 38.3 (Quadro M520) — the Quadro M520 offers 489.2% better value. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is the newer GPU (2018 vs 2017).
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599 | $200-67% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $50-83% |
| Performance per Dollar | 6.5 | 38.3+489% |
| Codename | — | GM108 |
| Release | December 6 2018 | January 11 2017 |
| Ranking | #915 | #695 |
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