Graphics cards or Graphics Processing Units (GPU) can make or break a performance PC. This critical component renders the high-speed, high-resolution images required by demanding graphics applications. Some examples include gaming, CGI animation, Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D rendering, video editing, and machine learning.
Throughout this article, we'll go over the spec comparisons and more when it comes to NVIDIA and Intel Iris XE graphics.
The utility and demand for graphics cards has led to rapid advancements in GPU technology. Subsequently, companies like NVIDIA and Intel have become renowned for their development of high-performance graphics cards that consistently deliver the acceleration these video-intensive tasks need.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a graphics card as part of your PC build or need to upgrade existing hardware, Intel Iris XE graphics and NVIDIA cards may be on your radar. In this article, we compare Intel Iris XE and NVIDIA's specs and more, to help you select the right GPU for your machine.
Intel Iris XE Graphics vs. NVIDIA: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a side-by-side comparison of some key specifications of the Intel Iris XE graphics card versus the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU:
| Specification | Intel Iris XE | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | January 26, 2021 | September 17, 2020 |
| Influential developers | Intel | NVIDIA |
| Graphics Max Dynamic Clock | 1500MHz | 1500MHz (base), 1725MHz (boost) |
| PCI Express Configuration | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 3.0/4.0 |
| TDP | 28W | 220W |
| Graphics Memory Speed | 267Gbps | 1750MHz, 14Gbps effective |
| Graphics Memory Bandwidth | 68GB/s | 448GB/s |
| Graphics Memory Interface | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| Graphics Memory Size/Type | Shared system memory | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Graphics Outputs | HDMI 2.0b/ DisplayPort 1.4 w/ HDR |
HDMI 2.1/ DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Max Resolution (HDMI) | 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz | 1920×1080 / 2560×1440 / 3840×2160 |
| Max Resolution (DisplayPort) | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz |
| DirectX Support | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| Vulkan Support | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| OpenGL Support | 4.6 | 4.6 |
As we can see, while there is parity in some areas like DirectX and OpenGL support, the Nvidia RTX 3070 clearly outpaces the Iris XE overall. The dedicated GDDR6 video memory, higher memory bandwidth, more advanced display outputs and significantly higher TDP give the RTX 3070 the edge.
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Enhanced Tensor and RT cores
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What’s the Difference Between the Intel Iris Xe and Nvidia?
Intel and NVIDIA both manufacture performance graphics cards, but NVIDIA is recognized as the market leader because of its specialist production of extremely powerful graphics processors.
The Intel's Iris XE Graphics is a competent graphics processor, but Intel aimed it at the consumer or entry-level market. In short, they have simply not developed this onboard graphics card to take on the gaming-class GPUs that NVIDIA makes.
In particular, Intel scrimps on the memory of the Intel Iris Xe graphics card, integrating it with the main Intel CPU. Of course, this keeps costs down. However, this is a massive weakness, as the Intel Iris Xe does not have its own video memory, like the NVIDIA graphics cards.
Benchmarking the Intel Iris XE Graphics Card and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
Thousands of enthusiasts have put both the Intel Iris XE graphics card and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 through their paces with GPU benchmarking. Subsequently, a comparison of the speed, efficiency, and performance of these two video cards demonstrates the marked differences between them.
However, here are the most important points, referenced from over half a million user builds on UserBenchmark.com:
- NVIDIA eclipses Intel's Iris XE on speed, with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 achieving speeds that are over 900% faster than that of the Intel Iris XE card. In particular, GeForce delivers the higher effective 3D speeds that gamers crave.
- The NVIDIA card makes a clean sweep in all areas of GPU performance including lighting speeds (+1,149% faster), reflection handling (+762% faster), gravity/NBody calculation (+551%), and multi-rendering (+1,091%).
- The visual quality, resolution, and responsiveness of real-world image sequences from these cards also have a substantial difference, with Intel's Iris XE scoring lower on fine detail and texture. In addition, NVIDIA’s graphics processor has the speed and power to keep up with advanced rendering techniques like path tracing.
Clearly the benchmark data shows Nvidia‘s utter dominance when it comes to graphics performance. If you‘re looking to game or use GPU-accelerated creative applications, the GeForce RTX 3070 is the obvious choice.
About the Intel Iris XE Graphics
Intel has developed their Iris XE to deliver enhanced GPU and graphics performance on consumer PCs and laptops. Though the Intel Iris XE is not a gaming graphics card, PCs with Intel Iris Xe graphics can deliver faster, richer imaging and gaming experiences than a regular integrated GPU.
Intel aimed this graphics processor at gamers, creators, and people who want to watch HD video on their PC or laptop. In addition, an AI-enhanced engine supports image-intensive tasks like photo or video editing.
However, one feature that targets consumers but diminishes the performance of this card is its low-power architecture. Though it boosts the battery life of laptops and other devices and helps users multitask, it means that this card simply cannot go toe-to-toe with the power-hungry NVIDIA cards.
About the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3070 graphics cards are a formidable range of graphics cards that are designed specifically for the most demanding video games. In addition, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 has proprietary architecture, along with high-speed memory and streaming multiprocessors, to deliver outstanding image quality and speed.
Further, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 cards also use NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). NVIDIA has developed this deep learning image enhancement technology to render high-resolution images from a lower-resolution graphics pipeline using artificial intelligence.
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Features Intel‘s Iris XE 28W Integrated Graphics
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16GB RAM included
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The Nvidia cards really showcase the pinnacle of consumer graphics technology with their advanced architectures. If budget isn‘t a concern, NVIDIA GPUs like the RTX 3070 deliver a level of performance that Iris XE simply can‘t match.
Intel Iris XE Graphics vs. NVIDIA: Must-Know Facts
Here are some other must-know facts when comparing Intel Iris XE and NVIDIA graphics:
- Rugged technology manufacturer Getac Technology Corporation has integrated the 12th generation Intel Core i5/i7 processor with Intel's Iris Xe graphics in its latest line of rugged laptops.
- Intel’s Iris Xe graphics feature in the Intel NUC 12 Pro portable PC, again alongside the 12th generation Intel Core i5/i7 processor, which it draws memory from.
- Many of the latest Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, and HP laptops, for an uplift in the graphics performance of these consumer laptops, also used the Intel Iris Xe graphics card.
- A bug that has affected its latest GeForce driver has hit NVIDIA. The driver is producing an unwelcome uptick in CPU usage, with spikes of up to 10-15% of usage cycles, after closing games. A hotfix for the problem was released on March 7th, 2023.
- NVIDIA has a dedicated GeForce Now game streaming service. This cloud gaming hub has over 1500 games that you can steam across almost all platforms.
- There are rumors that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is soon to be succeeded by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 which has up to 16 GB of VRAM.
Intel Iris XE Graphics vs. NVIDIA: Which is better?
The Intel Iris XE graphics card never stood a chance against the NVIDIA GeForce GPU. In short, these two cards are simply not in the same league.
For instance, NVIDIA’s powerful specialty gaming cards and dedicated memory eclipses the more pedestrian specs and performance of the Intel Iris Xe.
However, the Intel Iris Xe card is slowly but surely finding its feet in the consumer market where it delivers tangible performance benefits. Many PC and laptop owners appreciate enhanced PC graphics, especially if they vlog or do graphic design. Subsequently, the Iris Xe card will be at home at this level of the market.
Therefore, which graphics card is better for you will depend on your needs. So, should you have a lower budget and less stringent graphics requirements, choose Intel. However, should you need excellent performance, while having a high budget, choose NVIDIA.
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Therefore in summary:
- For gaming, 3D rendering, video editing, CAD etc – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- For basic home/office needs – Intel Iris XE
The choice comes down to budget and intended graphics workload. NVIDIA dominates the high end, while Iris XE is a decent integrated solution.
Hopefully this guide has helped explain the key differences between the Intel and NVIDIA graphics cards. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
