Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics
Intel graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
IntelIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics Specifications
GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.
Iris Xe MAX Graphics Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the Iris Xe MAX Graphics's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics by Intel dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
Intel's Iris Xe MAX Graphics Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Iris Xe MAX Graphics's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.
Iris Xe MAX Graphics by Intel Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the Iris Xe MAX Graphics, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.
Iris Xe MAX Graphics Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.
Generation 12.1 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is built on Intel's Generation 12.1 architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the Iris Xe MAX Graphics will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the Iris Xe MAX Graphics to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
Iris Xe MAX Graphics by Intel Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
Intel API Support
Graphics and compute APIs
API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.
Iris Xe MAX Graphics Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is manufactured by Intel as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the Iris Xe MAX Graphics by Intel represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
About Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is an Intel discrete GPU built on the DG1 chip, using the Generation 12.1 architecture and manufactured on a 10 nm process. It packs 768 shading units, 48 texture mapping units, and 24 ROPs, with a base clock of 300 MHz and a boost clock of 1650 MHz. The memory subsystem consists of 4 GB of LPDDR4X on a 128-bit bus, delivering 68.26 GB/s of bandwidth. Its single Geekbench OpenCL score is 14315, placing it at the 55th percentile among all GPUs in the database. The product is marked as end-of-life, with a release date of October 30, 2020, and a successor named Alchemist.
Benchmark Performance
The only available benchmark for the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is Geekbench OpenCL, where it scores 14315. This result places it at the 55th percentile, meaning it outperforms 55% of all GPUs tracked in the database. The nearest rivals, based on average scores, are all within a 0.5% margin, indicating that the Iris Xe MAX sits in a tightly contested performance band.
Against the AMD Radeon RX Vega 11, the delta is exactly 0% — the rival’s average score of 14314 is essentially identical to the Iris Xe MAX’s 14315. This is a statistical tie. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER trails by just 0.2%, with an average score of 14286, placing the Intel part marginally ahead. Conversely, the AMD Radeon Vega 11 (non-RX variant) posts a score of 14352, which is 0.3% higher than the Iris Xe MAX. The AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT leads the group with 14389, a 0.5% advantage over the Intel GPU.
These deltas are negligible in real-world terms; a 0.5% difference is within run-to-run variance for most OpenCL workloads. The data indicates that the Iris Xe MAX delivers compute performance that is effectively on par with these four rivals. Its FP32 throughput is 2.534 TFLOPS, and FP16 performance reaches 5.069 TFLOPS (2:1 ratio), which aligns with the observed OpenCL score. The pixel rate is 39.60 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 79.20 GTexel/s, both consistent with the 768 shading units and 48 TMUs. The memory bandwidth of 68.26 GB/s, while modest by modern standards, is sufficient for the compute tasks that this GPU can handle given its 4 GB LPDDR4X frame buffer.
Given that the score is derived solely from OpenCL, the data does not reflect gaming performance directly. However, the close proximity to the RX Vega 11 and RX 5500 XT suggests that in compute-oriented benchmarks, the Iris Xe MAX is a capable contender. The 55th percentile also indicates that it sits above the median GPU in the database, which includes many older and lower-end parts.
Ray Tracing and Feature Set
The FACT PACK lists no dedicated ray tracing cores and no tensor cores for the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics. Consequently, this GPU does not offer hardware-accelerated ray tracing or AI-accelerated tensor operations. Its feature set is defined by the API support it provides: DirectX 12 (12_1), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4. These APIs cover a broad range of modern graphics and compute workloads, though without RT or tensor hardware, any ray tracing or machine learning tasks would rely on software or compute shaders, which is less efficient.
The GPU has no display outputs, as indicated by "No outputs" in the FACT PACK. This is a critical limitation: it cannot be connected directly to a monitor. The slot width is listed as "IGP", which suggests an integrated graphics package form factor, but the absence of outputs means it is not intended for standalone display driving. This reinforces the notion that the Iris Xe MAX is designed for compute acceleration or as a secondary processing unit rather than as a primary graphics solution.
Memory is 4 GB of LPDDR4X on a 128-bit bus, with a bandwidth of 68.26 GB/s. The memory clock is 2133 MHz, with an effective data rate of 4.3 Gbps. The bus interface is PCIe 4.0 x8, providing adequate bandwidth for data transfer to the host system. The GPU’s TDP is 25 W, and the suggested PSU is 200 W, indicating low power consumption. The die size is 95 mm², and the process node is 10 nm, reflecting a compact and efficient design.
The absence of RT and tensor cores, combined with the lack of display outputs, positions the Iris Xe MAX as a compute-focused part. Its API support (DirectX 12_1, OpenGL 4.6, Vulkan 1.4) ensures compatibility with modern compute frameworks, but the hardware lacks specialized accelerators for ray tracing or deep learning. The pixel and texture rates, along with the FP32/FP16 throughput, are the primary performance metrics available.
Who Should Consider It
Given the benchmark results and feature set, the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is suitable for users who require a low-power compute accelerator that can handle OpenCL workloads with performance comparable to the AMD Radeon RX Vega 11, GTX 1660 SUPER, Radeon Vega 11, and RX 5500 XT. The 25 W TDP makes it an energy-efficient option, and the PCIe 4.0 x8 interface allows for integration into systems with a spare slot.
However, the lack of display outputs means it cannot be used as a primary GPU for driving a monitor. It is not suited for gaming directly, as there is no way to connect a display. Instead, it may be considered for compute tasks such as OpenCL-based rendering, physics simulation, or data processing that can leverage its 4 GB memory and 68.26 GB/s bandwidth. The FP32 performance of 2.534 TFLOPS and FP16 of 5.069 TFLOPS provide a solid base for such workloads.
The 55th percentile ranking indicates that it outperforms the majority of GPUs in the database, which includes many older integrated and entry-level discrete parts. Its nearest rivals are all within 0.5% in OpenCL performance, so users comparing against those GPUs should see no significant difference in compute-bound applications. The end-of-life status suggests that it is no longer in production, but it may still be available in existing systems or as surplus hardware.
For those considering a GPU for compute tasks without the need for display output, the Iris Xe MAX offers a compact, low-power solution. Its 4 GB memory capacity is modest but adequate for many compute workloads. The lack of RT and tensor cores means it is not suitable for ray tracing or machine learning inference that relies on dedicated hardware. In summary, it is a niche product for compute acceleration in environments where power and space are constrained.
FAQ
Q: What is the Geekbench OpenCL score of the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics?
A: The GPU scores 14315 in the Geekbench OpenCL benchmark, placing it at the 55th percentile among all GPUs.
Q: Does the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics support ray tracing?
A: No. The FACT PACK lists no ray tracing cores, so hardware-accelerated ray tracing is not available.
Q: What is the memory configuration of the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics?
A: It has 4 GB of LPDDR4X memory on a 128-bit bus, with a bandwidth of 68.26 GB/s and an effective data rate of 4.3 Gbps.
Q: Can the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics be used to drive a display?
A: No. The FACT PACK indicates "No outputs", so it cannot be connected to a monitor.
Q: How does the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics compare to the AMD Radeon RX Vega 11?
A: The average score of the RX Vega 11 is 14314, which is a 0% difference from the Iris Xe MAX’s 14315, indicating essentially identical OpenCL performance.
Q: What API versions does the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics support?
A: It supports DirectX 12 (12_1), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.
How It Compares
AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 — The RX Vega 11 has an average score of 14314, which is exactly 0% different from the Iris Xe MAX’s 14315. This is a statistical tie, meaning users can expect identical OpenCL performance from these two GPUs. The Iris Xe MAX has the same compute throughput, but it lacks display outputs, while the RX Vega 11 is typically an integrated GPU with display capability.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER — The GTX 1660 SUPER scores 14286, which is 0.2% lower than the Iris Xe MAX. This places the Intel GPU slightly ahead in OpenCL performance, though the difference is negligible. The GTX 1660 SUPER is a dedicated desktop GPU with display outputs and more memory, but in compute workloads, the Iris Xe MAX is comparable.
AMD Radeon Vega 11 — The non-RX Vega 11 posts an average score of 14352, which is 0.3% higher than the Iris Xe MAX. This makes the AMD part marginally faster in OpenCL, but again, the gap is within noise. The Iris Xe MAX’s lower TDP (25 W) versus the Vega 11’s unspecified power may be a factor for certain use cases.
AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT — The RX 5500 XT leads this group with a score of 14389, a 0.5% advantage over the Iris Xe MAX. While the RX 5500 XT is a more powerful GPU in terms of raw compute and has display outputs, the Iris Xe MAX remains competitive in OpenCL benchmarks. The 0.5% delta is the largest among the nearest rivals, but still minor.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics are below.
Benchmark Scores
geekbench_openclSource
Geekbench OpenCL tests GPU compute performance using the cross-platform OpenCL API. This shows how Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics handles parallel computing tasks like video encoding and scientific simulations.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby PerformersPopular Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics Comparisons
See how the Iris Xe MAX Graphics stacks up against similar graphics cards from the same generation and competing brands.
Compare with Other GPUs
Select another GPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse GPUs