NVIDIA produces the Geforce GTX 980MX, a specialized mobile graphics chipset. Due to the fact that it is a mobile chipset for tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices, it is less powerful than the fully unlocked GeForce GTX 980.
An outdated laptop can be upgraded with this chipset. Users with desktop computers or more modern kinds of laptops should proceed, nevertheless.
One of the most important differences between the GTX 980MX and the GTX 980 is the number of shading units that have been unlocked in the chipset.
In comparison to the 980's 2048 shaders when fully unlocked, the 980MX has only 1664 accessible.
However, it contains 104 texture mapping units and 64 render output units. A partial loss results from losing those locked shader units. To help the chipset reach the target shader counts, it was decided to lock a portion of shader units.
Here is all the information you require about this chipset if you decide to purchase it.
Is the Nvidia Geforce GTX 980MX Worth the Money?
1. This chipset was first made available on June 1, 2016, and it is built on the GM204 graphics processor, which was created utilizing a 28-nanometer semiconductor manufacturing process.
The 980MX's GPU supports DirectX 12, which makes it possible for the chipset to run modern games well.
2. The 980MX is compatible with OpenGL 4.6, Vulkan 1.3, OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 5.2, and Shader Model 6.4.
3. The 980MX, unlike the fully unlocked GTX 980, does not require additional power connectors.
However, its maximum power usage is rated at 148 W and it lacks display connectivity because it was made for laptops and notebooks that use the host computer's output.
Gaming Performance
The performance of this chipset, a piece of gaming hardware, is really weak, and it might only be able to support indie system requirements. This GPU can support standards up to DirectX 12.
How well can games published in 2022 be played on an 8GB mobile graphics chipset? The most recent versions have been looked at, and a frames-per-second analysis utilizing Ultra graphics settings has been done.
297 of the most resource-demanding games available right now can be played with this 8GB chipset when configured to the recommended settings.
We looked at how well this chipset can run Days Gone at 1080p as that is now the most common gaming resolution and found that it produced playable frame rates at the following graphics settings:
The frame rates are: Ultra: 37, Medium: 77, High: 52, and Low: 98. When performance is compared, Forza Horizon 5 only manages to deliver a pitiful 19 FPS at Ultra 1080p.
Nvidia Geforce GTX 980mx screen refresh rate:
The refresh rate is how many times per second a display device renders the data that is being sent to it. Higher refresh rates result in a continuously refreshed image, which helps lessen eyestrain and improve the viewing experience.
The maximum screen refresh rate of 240 Hz is offered by laptops with Nvidia Gtx 980mx graphics cards. It implies that 240 frames can be shown on the screen at once.
In the category of 44Hz laptops, the minimum refresh rate is 44Hz, which produces 44 frames per second on the display screen.
It's crucial to realise that the efficiency of the GPU directly correlates with the refresh rate of the screen display; the greater the GPU, the more frames can be shown on the screen.
The higher refresh rate is not being used if your monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz but the GPU only provides 30 frames per second.
The same goes for producing a high refresh rate display if the GPU is unable to produce enough frames.
How much does it cost?
High-end graphics card Nvidia Geforce 980mx was introduced in the beginning of 2016. It features 2048 shader processing units, 128 TMUs, and 64 ROPs and is based on the GM204 chip.
Both the base and boost clocks of the card are at 1126 MHz. It has 7.0 Gbps memory clock and 4 GB of built-in GDDR5 memory. The card needs a 6-pin PCIe power connector and has a 120 watt TDP.
The cost is about $500.
Is it worth buying it?
The chipset is currently on the verge of becoming obsolete and will most likely do so within a few years.
Additionally, the 980MX is priced similarly to more recent cards that get firmware updates more regularly. One of those cards will therefore presumably be more advantageous to you in the long term if you decide to upgrade.
Another factor to take into account is the card's mobile processor. These chipsets are inappropriate for desktop systems due to their significant constraints.
You will therefore need a laptop that you can practically open, one with a non-proprietary motherboard that appears working, is otherwise GPU-free, and doesn't have a chipset fused with a GPU.
In other words, even if it were a strong, recent card, only a select group of contemporary computer builders would be able to use it. If you're upgrading a gaming laptop, you'll probably need a suitable PC.
Regardless of whether you are replacing a gaming laptop, there are just more, better mobile chipsets available. Therefore, there is no reason to purchase a chipset that will essentially self-destruct in three years if a software upgrade sneezes at it.
Final Words
Despite having a significant impact on the laptop sector, the Nvidia Geforce GTX 980MX is already far past its prime. You would therefore be better off spending your money on a more recent card that won't expire.
