GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce 315M

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

512 MB
VRAM
MHz Boost
14W
TDP
64
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce 315M Specifications

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GeForce 315M GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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
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315M Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce 315M'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 315M by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
606 MHz
Memory Clock
790 MHz 1580 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
1212 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce 315M Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce 315M'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
12.64 GB/s
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GeForce 315M by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the 315M, 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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315M Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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)
38.78 GFLOPS
Pixel Rate
2.424 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
4.848 GTexel/s
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Tesla 2.0 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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 315M 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
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NVIDIA's GeForce 315M Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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 315M to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
14 W
TDP
14W
Power Connectors
None
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GeForce 315M by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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
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NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce 315M. 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
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GeForce 315M Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce 315M 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 315M 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 2011
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 200M
Successor
GeForce 400M

GeForce 315M Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce 315M

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The NVIDIA GeForce 315M, released in January 2011, represents an entry-level mobile graphics solution designed for basic multimedia tasks and light gaming. Built on NVIDIA's Tesla 2.0 architecture with a 40 nm process, the GeForce 315M integrates 512 MB of GDDR3 memory, providing adequate bandwidth for casual gaming and video playback. Featuring a PCIe 2.0 x16 interface, this graphics card balances performance with power efficiency, operating at a modest 14 W TDP, which makes it ideal for thin-and-light laptops. While not designed for cutting-edge gaming, the GeForce 315M offers sufficient horsepower for older game titles and mainstream applications, delivering reliable performance for everyday computing.

In terms of gaming capabilities, the NVIDIA GeForce 315M graphics card provides a solid foundation for entry-level gaming experiences. Its 512 MB VRAM capacity and memory bandwidth are sufficient to handle graphics-intensive tasks at lower resolutions, supporting smooth frame rates in older or less demanding games. While benchmark data is unavailable, user reports indicate that the GeForce 315M can manage popular titles from the early 2010s, provided users adjust settings to medium or low. The card's architecture ensures compatibility with DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3, enabling modern graphical effects without excessive power consumption, making it a versatile choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Cooling considerations for the GeForce 315M are minimal due to its low thermal design power, which allows manufacturers to implement passive cooling solutions in some models. This design choice not only reduces noise but also enhances reliability, as fewer moving parts minimize the risk of overheating. However, users should ensure proper ventilation in their laptops to maintain optimal performance. The GeForce 315M's efficiency in heat management contributes to its suitability for long gaming sessions, ensuring stable performance without thermal throttling, even during extended use.

The optimal use cases for the NVIDIA GeForce 315M graphics card include casual gaming, multimedia consumption, and general productivity tasks. Its balanced performance and power efficiency make it an excellent choice for students, professionals, and home users who require reliable graphics without the need for high-end hardware. Additionally, the GeForce 315M supports hardware acceleration for video decoding, enhancing playback quality for high-definition content. Overall, the NVIDIA GeForce 315M remains a competent graphics solution for users seeking affordable performance, particularly in older laptops and budget-oriented systems.

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The AMD Equivalent of GeForce 315M

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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