GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce 305M

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

512 MB
VRAM
MHz Boost
14W
TDP
64
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce 305M Specifications

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GeForce 305M GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce 305M GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.

Shading Units
16
Shaders
16
TMUs
8
ROPs
4
SM Count
2
⏱️

305M Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce 305M's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The GeForce 305M by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
525 MHz
Memory Clock
700 MHz 1400 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
1150 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce 305M Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce 305M's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.

Memory Size
512 MB
VRAM
512 MB
Memory Type
GDDR3
VRAM Type
GDDR3
Memory Bus
64 bit
Bus Width
64-bit
Bandwidth
11.20 GB/s
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GeForce 305M by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the 305M, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.

L2 Cache
32 KB
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305M Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce 305M against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.

FP32 (Float)
36.80 GFLOPS
Pixel Rate
2.100 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
4.200 GTexel/s
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Tesla 2.0 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce 305M is built on NVIDIA's Tesla 2.0 architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the 305M will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Tesla 2.0
GPU Name
GT218
Process Node
40 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
260 million
Die Size
57 mm²
Density
4.6M / mm²
🔌

NVIDIA's GeForce 305M Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 305M determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the GeForce 305M to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
14 W
TDP
14W
Power Connectors
None
📐

GeForce 305M by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce 305M are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Slot Width
IGP
Bus Interface
PCIe 2.0 x16
Display Outputs
Portable Device Dependent
Display Outputs
Portable Device Dependent
🎮

NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce 305M. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.

DirectX
11.1 (10_1)
DirectX
11.1 (10_1)
OpenGL
3.3
OpenGL
3.3
OpenCL
1.1
CUDA
1.2
Shader Model
4.1
📦

GeForce 305M Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce 305M is manufactured by NVIDIA as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the GeForce 305M by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.

Manufacturer
NVIDIA
Release Date
Jan 2010
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 200M
Successor
GeForce 400M

GeForce 305M Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce 305M

When evaluating the price-to-performance ratio of a legacy GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce 305M, it's crucial to temper expectations against modern demands. Launched in early 2010, this 512MB GDDR3 card was positioned as an affordable entry into discrete graphics for budget notebooks, not a powerhouse. Its value today is almost entirely historical, suitable only for the most basic tasks and very old games at low settings. For a buyer considering used hardware, the GeForce 305M represents the absolute bottom rung, where even integrated graphics from later generations will likely outperform it. The 14W TDP hints at its ultra-low-power design, which was a selling point for battery life over capability. Therefore, any price paid must be minimal, as its performance envelope is extremely limited by contemporary standards. Investing in this GPU only makes sense if it's a free inclusion in a used laptop for web browsing or office work.

In terms of market positioning and future-proofing, the NVIDIA GeForce 305M was never built with longevity in mind. Based on the aged Tesla 2.0 architecture, it lacks support for modern APIs and features, making it obsolete for current gaming and creative applications. When considering pairing suggestions, you must build a system that matches its severe constraints:

  • Pair only with legacy-era dual-core CPUs like Intel Core 2 Duo or early AMD Athlon IIs.
  • Stick to 4GB of system RAM maximum to avoid a severe bottleneck with the GPU's limited VRAM.
  • Use a 32-bit operating system like Windows 7 to avoid memory management overhead.
  • Connect only to a 720p monitor, as the GeForce 305M will struggle with higher resolutions.
  • Power it with a modest, low-wattage PSU, as the entire system will be low-draw.

Ultimately, the GeForce 305M is a relic; its future-proofing value is zero. For any modern use case, from HD video playback to casual gaming, this GPU has been thoroughly surpassed. A buyer investigating this chip should see it as a component for maintaining a period-correct older system, not for building a usable modern machine.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce 305M

Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 480 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Radeon RX 480

AMD • 8 GB VRAM

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