GeForce GT 520M
GPU·Budget

GeForce GT 520M

NVIDIA

G3D Mark

284

MSRP

$60

January 9 2013
50 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 520M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 9 2013. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from 941 MHz to 967 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 50W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 284 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce GT 520M is positioned at rank #253 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower 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 520M

#243
Radeon RX 550X (móvel)
MSRP: $35|Avg: $35
574%
#245
520%
#246
519%
#250
GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
472%
#251
Radeon RX 6300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
468%
#253
GeForce GT 520M
MSRP: $60|Avg: N/A
100%
#254
100%
#257
GeForce GTX 770M SLI
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $80
99%
#262
GeForce 945A
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
98%
#263
Intel UHD Graphics P630
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
98%
#264
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire
MSRP: $300|Avg: $75
97%
#265
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of GeForce GT 520M specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The GeForce GT 520M scores 284 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: 0.7427 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 967 MHz from a base of 941 MHz.

SpecificationGeForce GT 520M
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score284
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 load967 MHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency941 MHz
Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance0.7427 TFLOPS
Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second30.94 GTexel/s
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationPCIe 3.0 x16
Transistor Count1,270 million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#792
💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GT 520M is equipped with 1 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 520M
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures1 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 520M
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
🖥️

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 520M
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
🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GT 520M draws 50 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, 70°C under load.

SpecificationGeForce GT 520M
TDPPower consumption under load50 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 load70°C
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $60, the GeForce GT 520M delivers 5 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #253 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #792 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationGeForce GT 520M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$60
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#253
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#792
Release DateJanuary 9 2013
Release Year2013

Our Recommendation for GeForce GT 520M

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare GeForce GT 520M

See how this GPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other GPUs