Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 vs NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 SLI (Desktop)

Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200

The Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 (GT3e) is an integrated graphics card and the fastest GPU of the Broadwell generation. It is built into several high-end CPUs specified at 47 W TDP. The so-called GT3e GPU offers a fast eDRAM cache as well as 48 EUs (Execution Units) and therefore somewhat more shader power than the previous Iris Pro Graphics 5200. The clock range depends on the model it is built into (up to 1150 MHz with Turbo Boost).

Architecture and Features

Broadwell features a GPU based on the Intel Gen8 architecture, which has been optimized in various aspects compared to the previous Gen7.5 (Haswell). Inter alia, the shader arrays called "subslice" have been reorganized and now offer 8 Execution Units (EUs) each. Three subslices form a "slice" for a total of 24 EUs. Combined with other improvements such as larger L1 caches and an optimized frontend, the integrated GPU has become faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

The Iris Pro Graphics 6200 represents the high-end "GT3e" version of the Broadwell GPU family and consists of two slices with 48 EUs in total. In addition, there is also a fast eDRAM cache (128 MB), which can be found only on the Iris Pro.

All Broadwell GPUs support OpenCL 2.0 and DirectX 12 (FL 11_1). The video engine can now decode H.265 using both fixed function hardware as well as available GPU shaders. Up to three displays can be connected via DP 1.2/eDP 1.3 (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz) or HDMI 1.4a (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 24 Hz). HDMI 2.0, however, is not supported.

Performance

Depending on the benchmark, the Iris Pro Graphics 6200 performs similar to a dedicated GeForce GT 750M or GeForce 940M. Many games of 2014/2015 can be played fluently in WXGA resolution (1366 x 768) and medium detail settings. However, very demanding games such as The Witcher 3 will require lower resolutions and/or details.

Power Consumption

Utilizing a new 14 nm FinFET process, the Iris Pro Graphics 6200 is specified at 47 W TDP (entire chip including CPU, GPU and memory controller) and therefore suited for medium-sized notebooks. The TDP is flexible and can be further reduced (37 W), which has a significant impact on performance.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 SLI (Desktop)

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 SLI for desktops is a combination of two GTX 1070 graphics cards in SLI mode. Each card renders one frame at a time (AFR mode) but depends for most games on a good profile in the driver. Therefore, the performance can range from no gains over a single GTX 1070 to up to 90% faster performance. In most games with SLI support, the GTX 1070 SLI is therefore faster than a single GTX 1080. However, sometimes the combination also suffers from micro-stuttering.

The technical details of the card are identical to a single GTX 1070 (see for more information) and the power consumption is doubled (2x 150 = 300 Watt).