GeForce GT 520
NVIDIA
G3D Mark
323
MSRP
$59
AVG Price
$15
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 520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in August 20 2015. It features the Maxwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 1024 MHz to 1188 MHz. It has 768 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 90W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 323 points. Launch price was $159.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce GT 520 is positioned at rank #214 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 GT 520
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of GeForce GT 520 specifications and capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GT 520 scores 323 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 Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019) architecture (codename: GM206), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 768 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 48 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 32 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 1.825 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 1188 MHz from a base of 1024 MHz.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 323 |
| ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation | Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019) |
| CodenameInternal GPU die codename | GM206 |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 768 |
| TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling | 48 |
| ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending | 32 |
| Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load | 1188 MHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency | 1024 MHz |
| Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance | 1.825 TFLOPS |
| Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second | 57.02 GTexel/s |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Transistor Count | 2,940 million |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #425 |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GT 520 is equipped with 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 64-bit memory bus, delivering Unknown of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 2 GB |
| VRAM TypeMemory technology generation | GDDR5 |
| Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth | 64-bit |
| Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate | 8 Gbps |
| BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM | Unknown |
| L1 Cache | 288 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB |
Advanced Features & APIs
Graphics API support: DirectX 11.0, Vulkan None, OpenGL 4.1— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA Reflex | ❌ Not Supported |
| DLSS Frame Generation | ❌ Not Supported |
| DLSS Super Resolution | ❌ Not Supported |
| DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version | 11.0 |
| VulkanCross-platform graphics API | None |
| OpenGLLegacy graphics API | 4.1 |
| Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL) | CUDA 2.1 |
Display & Media
Display outputs: 1x DVI, 1x VGA, 1x HDMI — supports up to 2 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.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| DVI PortsNumber of DVI display connectors | 1x |
| VGA PortsNumber of VGA display connectors | 1x |
| HDMI PortsNumber of HDMI display connectors | 1x |
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 2 |
| Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version | No |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | PureVideo HD VP4 |
| CodecsSupported video compression formats | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GT 520 draws 90 Watt under load (TDP) — a 250W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: None. Physical size: 145mm long, 111mm tall, occupying 1 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 40°C at idle, 65°C under load.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 90 Watt |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 250W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | None |
| Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance | 145mm |
| Card Height | 111mm |
| Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied | 1-slot |
| Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle | 40°C |
| Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load | 65°C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $59), the GeForce GT 520 delivers 22 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #214 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #425 among all indexed GPUs.
| Specification | GeForce GT 520 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $59 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position | #214 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #425 |
| Release Date | August 20 2015 |
| Release Year | 2015 |
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