GeForce4 MX 460 vs GeForce 256
GeForce4 MX 460
Popular choices:
GeForce 256
Popular choices:
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The GeForce4 MX 460 is positioned at rank 384 and the GeForce 256 is on rank 750, so the GeForce4 MX 460 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce4 MX 460
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 256
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce 256 is significantly newer (2019 vs 2010). The GeForce 256 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce4 MX 460 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 256 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 25% higher G3D Mark score and 300% more VRAM (512 MB vs 128 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce4 MX 460.
| Insight | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-25%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+25%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / Fermi (2010−2014)) | Pascal (2016−2021) (14nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+300%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce4 MX 460 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $15 versus $20 for the GeForce 256, it costs 25% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 6.7% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+6.7%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($15) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($20) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce4 MX 460 and GeForce 256
GeForce4 MX 460
The GeForce4 MX 460 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 12 2010. It features the Fermi architecture. The core clock speed is 675 MHz. It has 336 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 160W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 4 points. Launch price was $229.
GeForce 256
The GeForce 256 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 20 2019. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 937 MHz to 1038 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 10W. Manufactured using 14 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce4 MX 460 scores 4 versus the GeForce 256's 5 — the GeForce 256 leads by 25%. The GeForce4 MX 460 is built on Fermi while the GeForce 256 uses Pascal, both on 40 nm vs 14 nm. Shader units: 336 (GeForce4 MX 460) vs 384 (GeForce 256). Raw compute: 0.9072 TFLOPS (GeForce4 MX 460) vs 0.7972 TFLOPS (GeForce 256).
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 4 | 5+25% |
| Architecture | Fermi | Pascal |
| Process Node | 40 nm | 14 nm |
| Shading Units | 336 | 384+14% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.9072 TFLOPS+14% | 0.7972 TFLOPS |
| ROPs | 32+100% | 16 |
| TMUs | 56+133% | 24 |
| L1 Cache | 448 KB+211% | 144 KB |
| L2 Cache | 512 KB | 512 KB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce4 MX 460 comes with 128 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce 256 has 512 MB. The GeForce 256 offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.125 GB | 0.5 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 128-bit+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 KB | 512 KB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 7.0 (GeForce4 MX 460) vs 7.0 (GeForce 256). OpenGL: 1.3 vs 1.2. Maximum simultaneous displays: 1 vs 1.
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| OpenGL | 1.3+8% | 1.2 |
| Max Displays | 1 | 1 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce4 MX 460) vs None (GeForce 256). Decoder: No vs MPEG-2 Motion Comp.
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | None |
| Decoder | No | MPEG-2 Motion Comp |
| Codecs | MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce4 MX 460 draws 160W versus the GeForce 256's 10W — a 176.5% difference. The GeForce 256 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce4 MX 460) vs 350W (GeForce 256). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs Legacy. Card length: 165mm vs 165mm, occupying 1 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 60°C vs 60°C.
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 160W | 10W-94% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | Legacy |
| Length | 165mm | 165mm |
| Height | 100mm | 100mm |
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 60°C | 60°C |
| Perf/Watt | 0.0 | 0.5 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce4 MX 460 launched at $179 MSRP and currently averages $15, while the GeForce 256 launched at $199 and now averages $20. The GeForce4 MX 460 costs 25% less ($5 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 0.3 (GeForce4 MX 460) vs 0.3 (GeForce 256) — the GeForce 256 offers 0% better value. The GeForce 256 is the newer GPU (2019 vs 2010).
| Feature | GeForce4 MX 460 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179-10% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-25% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Codename | GF104 | GP108B |
| Release | July 12 2010 | February 20 2019 |
| Ranking | #652 | #643 |
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