GeForce 256
NVIDIA
G3D Mark
5
MSRP
$199
AVG Price
$20
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.
Overview
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce 256 is positioned at rank #750 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 256
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for GeForce 256 across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D to isolate GPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of GeForce 256 specifications and capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 256 scores 5 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Entry Level tier as a Legacy generation graphics card. It is built on the Pascal (2016−2021) architecture (codename: GP108B), manufactured on a 14 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 384 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 24 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 16 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 0.7972 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 1038 MHz from a base of 937 MHz.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 5 |
| ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation | Pascal (2016−2021) |
| CodenameInternal GPU die codename | GP108B |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 384 |
| TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling | 24 |
| ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending | 16 |
| Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load | 1038 MHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency | 937 MHz |
| Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance | 0.7972 TFLOPS |
| Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second | 24.91 GTexel/s |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Transistor Count | 1,800 million |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #643 |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce 256 is equipped with 0.5 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 128-bit memory bus, delivering Unknown of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 0.5 GB |
| VRAM TypeMemory technology generation | GDDR5 |
| Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth | 128-bit |
| Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate | 8 Gbps |
| BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM | Unknown |
| L1 Cache | 144 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB |
Advanced Features & APIs
Graphics API support: DirectX 7.0, OpenGL 1.2— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA Reflex | ❌ Not Supported |
| DLSS Frame Generation | ❌ Not Supported |
| DLSS Super Resolution | ❌ Not Supported |
| DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version | 7.0 |
| OpenGLLegacy graphics API | 1.2 |
Display & Media
Display outputs: 1x VGA — supports up to 1 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: None, decoder: MPEG-2 Motion Comp— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: MPEG-2.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| VGA PortsNumber of VGA display connectors | 1x |
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 1 |
| Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version | None |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | MPEG-2 Motion Comp |
| CodecsSupported video compression formats | MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 256 draws 10 Watt under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: Legacy. Physical size: 165mm long, 100mm tall, occupying 1 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 35°C at idle, 60°C under load.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 10 Watt |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 350W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | Legacy |
| Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance | 165mm |
| Card Height | 100mm |
| Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied | 1-slot |
| Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle | 35°C |
| Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load | 60°C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $199). It holds Rank #750 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #643 among all indexed GPUs.
| Specification | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $20 |
| Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position | #750 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #643 |
| Release Date | February 20 2019 |
| Release Year | 2019 |
Similar Performance
Graphics cards with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
NVIDIA (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for GeForce 256
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare GeForce 256
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