GeForce GT 420M
GPU·Budget

GeForce GT 420M

NVIDIA

G3D Mark

392

March 22 2012
32 Watt
Kepler (2012−2018)

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 GT 420M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 22 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from Up to 625 MHz to 645 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 32W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 392 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce GT 420M is positioned at rank #113 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar GeForce GT 420M

#103
Radeon RX 550X (móvel)
MSRP: $35|Avg: $35
277%
#105
251%
#106
250%
#110
GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
228%
#111
Radeon RX 6300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
226%
#113
GeForce GT 420M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#114
Radeon RX 470 (móvel)
MSRP: $179|Avg: $40
100%
#116
GeForce GTX 880M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $150
98%
#117
GeForce MX570
MSRP: $150|Avg: $120
98%
#118
Radeon RX 6500
MSRP: $199|Avg: $150
98%
#119
GeForce 825M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $30
97%
#121
Radeon HD 6970M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $48
97%
#123
Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
96%
#126
GeForce GT 550M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $30
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of GeForce GT 420M specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The GeForce GT 420M scores 392 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 Kepler (2012−2018) architecture (codename: GK107), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 384 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 32 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 16 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 0.48 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 645 MHz from a base of Up to 625 MHz.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score392
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationKepler (2012−2018)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameGK107
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient28 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute384
TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling32
ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending16
Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load645 MHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequencyUp to 625 MHz
Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance0.48 TFLOPS
Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second20.00 GTexel/s
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationPCIe 3.0 x16
Transistor Count1,270 million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#909
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GT 420M 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.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures0.5 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationGDDR5
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth128-bit
Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate8 Gbps
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAMUnknown
L1 Cache32 kB
L2 Cache256 kB

Advanced Features & APIs

Graphics API support: DirectX 11.0, Vulkan None, OpenGL 4.0— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
NVIDIA Reflex❌ Not Supported
DLSS Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
DLSS Super Resolution❌ Not Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version11.0
VulkanCross-platform graphics APINone
OpenGLLegacy graphics API4.0
Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL)CUDA 2.1
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Display & Media

Display outputs: 1x Internal — supports up to 1 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: No, decoder: PureVideo HD VP4— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
Internal PortsNumber of Internal display connectors1x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors1
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine versionNo
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionPureVideo HD VP4
CodecsSupported video compression formatsMPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP
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Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GT 420M draws 32 Watt under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: PCIe-powered. Physical size: 0mm long, 0mm tall, occupying 0 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 45°C at idle, 75°C under load.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
TDPPower consumption under load32 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable typePCIe-powered
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance0mm
Card Height0mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied0-slot
Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle45°C
Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load75°C
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Value Analysis

It holds Rank #113 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #909 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationGeForce GT 420M
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#113
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#909
Release DateMarch 22 2012
Release Year2012

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