GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

256 MB
VRAM
MHz Boost
100W
TDP
256
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Specifications

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GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 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.

TMUs
16
ROPs
16
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6800 Ultra DDL Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL'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 6800 Ultra DDL by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
400 MHz
Memory Clock
550 MHz 1100 Mbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL'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
256 MB
VRAM
256 MB
Memory Type
GDDR3
VRAM Type
GDDR3
Memory Bus
256 bit
Bus Width
256-bit
Bandwidth
35.20 GB/s
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6800 Ultra DDL Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 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.

Pixel Rate
6.400 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
6.400 GTexel/s
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Curie Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL is built on NVIDIA's Curie 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 6800 Ultra DDL will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Curie
GPU Name
NV40
Process Node
130 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
222 million
Die Size
287 mm²
Density
773.5K / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 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 6800 Ultra DDL to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
100 W
TDP
100W
Power Connectors
None
Suggested PSU
300 W
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GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 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
Dual-slot
Length
305 mm 12 inches
Bus Interface
AGP Pro 8x
Display Outputs
2x DVI
Display Outputs
2x DVI
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NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL. 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
9.0c (9_3)
DirectX
9.0c (9_3)
OpenGL
2.0.3 (full) 2.1 (partial)
OpenGL
2.0.3 (full) 2.1 (partial)
Shader Model
3.0
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GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 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 6800 Ultra DDL 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
Apr 2004
Launch Price
599 USD
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce FX
Successor
GeForce 7 AGP

GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL

The NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL arrives as a high‑end offering that still commands attention despite its age. With a 256 MB GDDR3 pool on a 130 nm Curie core, it delivers a bandwidth envelope that was class‑leading at launch. Its 100 W TDP is modest for an AGP Pro 8× card, meaning it can be powered by most mid‑range PSUs without sacrificing stability. Priced at $599 USD at release, the card positioned itself as a premium solution for enthusiasts seeking raw rasterization power. The combination of a wide 256‑bit memory interface and a 130 nm process translates into a respectable pixel fill‑rate for the era’s most demanding titles. While modern GPUs have eclipsed its raw numbers, the Ultra DDL still offers a compelling price‑to‑performance ratio on the secondary market for legacy builds.

In the 2004 graphics hierarchy, the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL sat at the apex of the AGP segment, directly competing with ATI’s Radeon X850 XT. Its Curie architecture leveraged a dual‑pipeline design that excelled in shader‑heavy workloads, giving it an edge in titles that utilized early DirectX 9 features. The card’s 256 MB of GDDR3 memory placed it well above the 128 MB baseline common among mainstream offerings, ensuring smoother texture streaming at high resolutions. The AGP Pro 8× interface provided ample bandwidth for the card’s internal bus, minimizing bottlenecks in data‑intensive scenarios. Although the market was transitioning toward PCI‑Express, the Ultra DDL’s performance ceiling kept it relevant for users locked into AGP‑only platforms. Consequently, it became the go‑to choice for power users building high‑resolution, multi‑monitor rigs before the PCIe era fully matured.

From an investment perspective, the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL represents a niche asset that can retain value among collectors of classic gaming hardware. Its limited production run and status as the flagship of the Curie family mean that well‑preserved units often fetch premiums on secondary markets. The card’s 256 MB of GDDR3 remains a functional amount for legacy titles, allowing it to run games at 1600×1200 with acceptable frame rates. Because it operates on a 100 W TDP, the Ultra DDL does not demand exotic cooling solutions, reducing long‑term maintenance costs. The AGP Pro 8× connector is still supported by a handful of legacy motherboards, ensuring that the card can be integrated into existing systems without extensive redesign. When factoring in the original $599 launch price, the current resale value often represents a modest appreciation, making it a sensible speculative purchase for enthusiasts who value both performance heritage and potential resale upside.

For builders targeting a retro‑gaming workstation, pairing the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL with a dual‑core Pentium 4 or early AMD Athlon 64 provides a balanced CPU‑GPU ratio. A motherboard featuring an AGP Pro slot, such as the ASUS P4T8X, ensures stable electrical delivery and the necessary BIOS support for the card’s 130 nm core. Complementing the GPU with 1 GB of DDR‑400 RAM and a 500 GB SATA drive creates a system capable of handling both classic titles and modern emulation workloads. Adequate cooling can be achieved with a mid‑tower case and a 120 mm rear exhaust fan, as the Ultra DDL’s 100 W TDP does not generate excessive heat

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL

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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