When Intel launched the Iris Xe MAX, it marked the company’s first discrete GPU for laptops in years. Slim, power-efficient, and tuned for productivity, it quickly became a popular choice in ultrabooks. But if you’re buying a laptop in 2025, the big question is: What is the Iris Xe MAX equivalent today?
Whether you’re in the USA looking for budget gaming laptops or in India searching for thin, portable ultrabooks, knowing which GPU matches Iris Xe MAX performance helps you get the best deal.
Intel Iris Xe MAX: Quick Specs
- Architecture: Xe-LP (10nm SuperFin)
- VRAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
- TDP: 25W (ultra-efficient)
- Key Feature: Intel Deep Link (combines CPU + GPU for faster encoding and AI tasks)
Designed for casual gaming, content creation, and battery-efficient ultrabooks, not for hardcore AAA gaming.
Iris Xe MAX vs NVIDIA MX350: Entry-Level Rival
The MX350 was the go-to discrete GPU for budget laptops when Iris Xe MAX launched.
- Performance: MX350 is ~40% faster in gaming benchmarks.
- Gaming: Better FPS in CS:GO, Valorant, and League of Legends.
- Strength of Iris Xe MAX: Media encoding, AI workloads, and Deep Link give it an edge for creators.
Verdict: Gamers → MX350. Creators & multitaskers → Iris Xe MAX.
Iris Xe MAX vs NVIDIA GTX 1050: The Gaming Favorite
The GTX 1050 is still respected in the budget gaming space.
- Performance: Delivers up to 150% higher FPS than Iris Xe MAX.
- Games: Runs Fortnite, GTA V, and Overwatch smoothly at medium/high settings.
- Tradeoff: Consumes more power (75W vs 25W) → shorter battery life and heavier laptops.
Verdict: Gaming laptop buyers → GTX 1050. Thin & light ultrabook fans → Iris Xe MAX.
2025 Equivalents to Iris Xe MAX
If you’re buying a laptop now, here’s what matches or beats the Iris Xe MAX:
- NVIDIA MX550 → Modern replacement for MX350. Handles Fortnite at 60FPS (1080p Medium).
- AMD Radeon RX 6400 → ~20% faster, supports AMD FSR upscaling, good for budget gaming.
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 → A true step-up. Smooth GTA V at 1080p/High (~75 FPS). Ideal for entry-level creators.
- AMD Radeon 780M (integrated in Ryzen 7040U) → Matches Iris Xe MAX in Valorant and Minecraft, great for ultraportables.
Best Use Cases for Intel Iris Xe MAX
Where the Iris Xe MAX still makes sense:
- ✅ Content Creation: Works well for Photoshop, Premiere Rush, Canva.
- ✅ AI Workloads: Deep Link accelerates encoding & rendering tasks.
- ✅ Streaming & Productivity: Handles Zoom, Teams, and multitasking smoothly.
- ✅ Portability: Perfect for thin laptops with all-day battery life.
But for gaming or 3D-heavy work, modern GPUs like GTX 1650 or RX 6400 are better choices.
Benchmark Snapshot: Iris Xe MAX vs Equivalents
| GPU | Fortnite (1080p/Med) | Blender Render | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iris Xe MAX | ~45 FPS | ~18 mins | 25W |
| NVIDIA MX550 | ~58 FPS | ~15 mins | 25W |
| AMD RX 6400 | ~62 FPS | ~12 mins | 30W |
| NVIDIA GTX 1650 | ~75 FPS | ~9 mins | 50W |
Iris Xe MAX = great for casual use, but GTX 1650 = clear winner for gamers/creators.
Internal Links for SEO
- Best GPUs for Thin and Light Laptops
- Integrated vs Discrete Graphics: Which One is Right for You?
- How to Choose a Laptop GPU in 2025
Conclusion: Is Iris Xe MAX Still Worth It?
Yes—for office users, students, and casual creators. The Iris Xe MAX balances performance and efficiency, making it ideal for ultrabooks in India and USA.
But if your goal is gaming or heavy rendering, you’re better off with an MX550, RX 6400, or GTX 1650. These GPUs provide better frame rates and future-proofing for 2025 workloads.
Final Tip: If battery life matters → Iris Xe MAX. If gaming performance matters → GTX 1650 or RX 6400.
FAQs: Intel Iris Xe MAX Equivalent
Q1: Is Iris Xe MAX good for gaming?
Only for casual titles like CS:GO, Minecraft, and Rocket League at low/medium settings.
Q2: Is it better than integrated graphics?
Yes, Iris Xe MAX is ~2–3x faster than Intel UHD or standard Iris Xe iGPUs.
Q3: Which laptops come with Iris Xe MAX?
Select Acer Swift, Dell Inspiron, and ASUS VivoBook models.
Q4: What’s the best equivalent GPU today?
NVIDIA MX550 or AMD RX 6400 are closest modern equivalents.
Q5: Is Iris Xe MAX good for video editing?
Great for 1080p editing, but for 4K workflows, go with GTX 1650 or higher.
