What To Know
- The Intel Iris Xe is a graphics card built on the Xe architecture, featuring 96 Execution Units (EUs) and a 128-bit memory bus.
- In terms of raw performance, the Intel Iris Xe holds a slight edge over the AMD Radeon R7 260X, thanks to its higher core count and clock speeds.
- For 1440p gaming, the Intel Iris Xe is the better choice, as it can provide smoother gameplay at higher settings compared to the AMD Radeon R7 260X.
In the realm of graphics processing, AMD and Intel have long been fierce competitors, each offering a range of GPUs designed to cater to different performance and budget requirements. Two such GPUs that have garnered significant attention are the AMD Radeon R7 260X and the Intel Iris Xe. This comparative analysis aims to shed light on their respective strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision before choosing a graphics card for your gaming needs.
Architecture and Performance
AMD Radeon R7 260X:
The AMD Radeon R7 260X is a graphics card based on the GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture, featuring 896 stream processors and a 128-bit memory bus. It boasts a core clock speed of 1000MHz and a memory clock speed of 6000MHz, delivering a theoretical peak performance of 1.79 TFLOPs.
Intel Iris Xe:
The Intel Iris Xe is a graphics card built on the Xe architecture, featuring 96 Execution Units (EUs) and a 128-bit memory bus. It operates at a base clock speed of 400MHz and a boost clock speed of 1350MHz, providing a peak performance of 2.13 TFLOPs.
In terms of raw performance, the Intel Iris Xe holds a slight edge over the AMD Radeon R7 260X, thanks to its higher core count and clock speeds. However, it’s important to note that real-world performance can vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.
Memory and Bandwidth
AMD Radeon R7 260X:
The AMD Radeon R7 260X comes with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, providing a total bandwidth of 192GB/s. This is sufficient for most gaming applications at resolutions up to 1080p.
Intel Iris Xe:
The Intel Iris Xe offers either 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, delivering bandwidths of 384GB/s and 768GB/s, respectively. The higher bandwidth of the Intel Iris Xe can provide a noticeable advantage in games that demand large texture loads or high-resolution textures.
Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation
AMD Radeon R7 260X:
The AMD Radeon R7 260X has a typical power consumption of around 150W, requiring a 6-pin PCIe power connector. It utilizes a single-slot cooler to dissipate heat.
Intel Iris Xe:
The Intel Iris Xe is significantly more power-efficient, consuming only 25W of power. It integrates a passive cooling solution, eliminating the need for any external fans or power connectors.
Gaming Performance
1080p Gaming:
At 1080p resolution, both the AMD Radeon R7 260X and Intel Iris Xe can handle most modern games at medium to high settings. However, the Intel Iris Xe typically delivers slightly higher frame rates due to its higher core count and memory bandwidth.
1440p Gaming:
For 1440p gaming, the Intel Iris Xe is the better choice, as it can provide smoother gameplay at higher settings compared to the AMD Radeon R7 260X.
4K Gaming:
Neither the AMD Radeon R7 260X nor the Intel Iris Xe is suitable for 4K gaming at high frame rates. Both GPUs will struggle to maintain playable frame rates in demanding games at this resolution.
Features and Support
AMD Radeon R7 260X:
The AMD Radeon R7 260X supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan 1.1. It also features AMD‘s Eyefinity technology for multi-monitor setups.
Intel Iris Xe:
The Intel Iris Xe supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.2. It also offers Intel’s XeSS technology for upscaling and enhancing image quality.
Price and Availability
The AMD Radeon R7 260X was released in 2013 and is no longer available for purchase. The Intel Iris Xe is integrated into various laptops and pre-built systems, and its availability may vary depending on the specific model.
Verdict: Deciding the Winner
Choosing between the AMD Radeon R7 260X and Intel Iris Xe depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a dedicated graphics card for your desktop PC, the Intel Iris Xe is no longer an option due to its integration into laptops. However, if you’re considering a laptop with integrated graphics, the Intel Iris Xe offers better performance and features than the AMD Radeon R7 260X.
For gamers on a budget: The AMD Radeon R7 260X is a good choice if you can find it used or at a discounted price.
For gamers seeking higher performance: The Intel Iris Xe provides better gaming performance, especially at higher resolutions, and offers more modern features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which GPU is better for 1080p gaming?
A: Both the AMD Radeon R7 260X and Intel Iris Xe can handle 1080p gaming, but the Intel Iris Xe typically delivers slightly higher frame rates.
Q: Can the Intel Iris Xe handle 4K gaming?
A: No, neither the AMD Radeon R7 260X nor the Intel Iris Xe is suitable for 4K gaming at high frame rates.
Q: Is the Intel Iris Xe available as a dedicated graphics card?
A: No, the Intel Iris Xe is integrated into laptops and pre-built systems only.
Q: Which GPU consumes less power?
A: The Intel Iris Xe is significantly more power-efficient than the AMD Radeon R7 260X, consuming only 25W of power.
Q: Does the AMD Radeon R7 260X support DirectX 12?
A: Yes, the AMD Radeon R7 260X supports DirectX 12.
