NVIDIA GeForce 305M
NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
NVIDIA GeForce 305M Specifications
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GeForce 305M Benchmark Scores
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.
Popular NVIDIA GeForce 305M Comparisons
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