Intel
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics vs GeForce GTX 980
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
NVIDIA
GTX 980
Aggregate performance score
We've compared Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics and GTX 980 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗GTX 980 outperforms Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics by ~16% on the catalog index; this is not a measured FPS gain.+16%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better. How is this calculated?H2HBench Data Quality
Low confidenceSpecifications: Field verification not recordedVerified gaming results: 0Estimated / unverified results: 32Price record updated: Sep 6, 2026
Limited verified data
H2HBench Verdict
Higher catalog score: Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics (~8%)
The score difference is not a measured FPS improvement.
Reasons to consider Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics
- Lower stated power consumption
- Higher catalog value index
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 3.0 · XeSS
Reasons to consider GTX 980
- Higher catalog performance index
- More graphics memory
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 5.2 · Not supported
Catalog metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
Intel
NVIDIAPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
3237
10075
5545
5056
Graphics card ranking
Positions 119–124of 411
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
GeForce GTX 980
161 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
32
37Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
29
33Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
27
31Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100Better
75
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
43Better
40
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
Vulkan
DirectX
Release date
HDMI
DisplayPort
Max resolution
Max monitors
USB Type-C
OpenGL
TFLOPSBetter
Power consumptionBetter
Architecture
Memory type
Upscaling
Length
Transistor count
Compute API
Launch price—
Shader units / coresBetter
Interface
Die sizeBetter
Memory cacheBetter
Clock speedBetter
Base clockBetter
Boost clockBetter
Thickness
VRAM
Memory frequencyBetter
Memory busBetter
Memory bandwidthBetter
Power consumptionBetter
Process nodeBetter
Recommended PSUBetter
Device class
Power connector
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics and GTX 980 across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.
Intel Iris Xe MAX GraphicsGTX 980
Verified externalEstimatedSources ↗
Counter-Strike 2
1080p High
160 FPS
185 FPS
1080p Ultra
113 FPS
130 FPS
1440p Ultra
61 FPS
72 FPS
4K Ultra
22 FPS
25 FPS
Counter-Strike 2Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics160 FPSGTX 980185 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics113 FPSGTX 980130 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics61 FPSGTX 98072 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics22 FPSGTX 98025 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics103 FPSGTX 980119 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics89 FPSGTX 980103 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics44 FPSGTX 98053 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics15 FPSGTX 98017 FPS
Forza Horizon 5Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics130 FPSGTX 980150 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics84 FPSGTX 98097 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics55 FPSGTX 98065 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics32 FPSGTX 98036 FPS
Hogwarts LegacyIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics84 FPSGTX 98097 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics71 FPSGTX 98081 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics39 FPSGTX 98047 FPSIntel Iris Xe MAX Graphics15 FPSGTX 98017 FPS
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100323714%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 10038405%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100374213%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 100505611%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001007529%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100404512%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100394412%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100374213%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100424711%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100374315%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling
DirectX12.112.1
Vulkan1.41.4
OpenGL4.64.6
UpscalingXeSSNot supported
Compute APIOpenCL 3.0OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 5.2
Architecture and release
ArchitectureXe LPMaxwell 2.0
Process node10 nmBetter28 nm
Release date20202014
Device classMobileDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
Transistor countNot publicly specified5200 million
Die size95 mm²Better398 mm²
Shader units / cores7682048Better
Base clock300 MHz1126 MHzBetter
Boost clock1650 MHzBetter1216 MHz
Board size, power and compatibility
InterfacePCIe 4.0 x8PCIe 3x16
LengthOEM dependent267 mm
ThicknessIGPDual-slot
Recommended PSU200 WBetter450 W
Power connectorIntegrated laptop power6+6 pin
Display outputs and limits
HDMIOEM dependentHDMI 2.0
DisplayPortOEM dependentDisplayPort 1.2
USB Type-COEM dependentNo
Max monitorsOEM dependent5
Max resolutionDepends on host system7680 × 4320
Memory and compute throughput
VRAM4 GB LPDDR4X4 GB GDDR5
Memory typeLPDDR4XGDDR5
Memory bus128 bit256 bitBetter
TFLOPS2.5344.981Better
Other comparisons
Reviews and questions
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
Evidence details
Data coverage
- Verified gaming results
- 0
- Verified synthetic results
- 0
- Games with verified results
- 0
- Verified community results
- 0
- Estimated / unverified results
- 32
- Specifications
- 0 / 69
Calculated scores · How is this calculated?
Scores use the catalog model and may include estimated inputs. Open each score to see its origin and the methodology.
clamp(round(performance × 0.7 + (efficiency ?? 50) × 0.2 + (value is missing ? 0 : (value − 50) × 0.2)), 0, 100)Price evidence · View sources (3)
Verified community results
No verified community benchmarks yet.
Reviewed by
No individual editorial review is recorded for this comparison.
Comparison history
Show recorded changes (4)
- · Record updated: products
- · Record changed: product_prices
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
Why you can trust this comparison
Origin and confidence are evaluated from the evidence attached to each value. Unverified results are identified, and specification, benchmark and price dates remain separate.
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
Moderator reviewedHelpful to the communityExpert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics or GTX 980?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics has the higher overall gaming score, while Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
GTX 980 is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
GTX 980 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics offers more overall performance, while Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
GTX 980 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics leads in combined 1440p performance. Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.