GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

128 MB
VRAM
MHz Boost
50W
TDP
64
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE Specifications

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GeForce 8400 SE GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE 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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8400 SE Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce 8400 SE'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 8400 SE by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
459 MHz
Memory Clock
400 MHz 800 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
918 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce 8400 SE Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce 8400 SE'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
128 MB
VRAM
128 MB
Memory Type
DDR2
VRAM Type
DDR2
Memory Bus
64 bit
Bus Width
64-bit
Bandwidth
6.400 GB/s
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GeForce 8400 SE by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the 8400 SE, 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
16 KB
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8400 SE Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE 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)
29.38 GFLOPS
Pixel Rate
1.836 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
3.672 GTexel/s
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Tesla Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE is built on NVIDIA's Tesla 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 8400 SE will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Tesla
GPU Name
G86S
Process Node
80 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
210 million
Die Size
127 mm²
Density
1.7M / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce 8400 SE Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE 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 8400 SE to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
50 W
TDP
50W
Power Connectors
None
Suggested PSU
250 W
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GeForce 8400 SE by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE 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
Single-slot
Length
168 mm 6.6 inches
Bus Interface
PCIe 1.0 x16
Display Outputs
1x DVI1x VGA1x S-Video
Display Outputs
1x DVI1x VGA1x S-Video
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NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE. 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_0)
DirectX
11.1 (10_0)
OpenGL
3.3
OpenGL
3.3
OpenCL
1.1
CUDA
1.1
CUDA SDK
6.5
Shader Model
4.0
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GeForce 8400 SE Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE 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 8400 SE 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
Aug 2008
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 7 PCIe
Successor
GeForce 9

GeForce 8400 SE Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE

The NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics card positions itself as an entry-level solution for users with modest graphical requirements. Its value proposition lies in providing basic display functionality and support for high-definition video playback, making it suitable for building home theater PCs or office computers. For users upgrading from older integrated graphics, the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE offers a noticeable improvement in desktop composition and video clarity. It is not intended for gaming but serves as a cost-effective way to enable a multi-monitor setup. The card's main appeal is its low power consumption, which simplifies system builds by reducing demands on the power supply. When considering this card, buyers should prioritize basic functionality over performance. Ultimately, the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics card is a tool for a specific, limited set of tasks.

When evaluating competitive alternatives, the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE faced rivals from AMD's HD 2000 and 3000 series. Buyers considering the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics should compare it against cards like the ATI Radeon HD 3450, which offered similar entry-level features. Key differentiators to examine include:

  1. Amount and type of video memory (VRAM)
  2. Support for specific video decoding technologies
  3. Driver support and software features
  4. Power consumption and thermal design
  5. Overall compatibility with older systems
Many alternatives provided comparable performance, making driver stability and brand preference deciding factors. The market for such cards was highly competitive, focusing on value and reliability.

Assessing the investment value of the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics requires a realistic perspective on its capabilities. As a product from 2008, its performance is severely outdated for modern applications and operating systems. The investment is only justifiable for specific legacy systems that need a basic, compatible PCIe graphics adapter. There is no resale value to speak of, and it holds no appeal for collectors. For any contemporary use, even basic web browsing, the limited 128MB of DDR2 memory is a significant bottleneck. Therefore, the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics card represents a minimal investment suited only for breathing life into very old hardware.

For those proceeding with a build, specific recommendations are crucial to avoid compatibility issues. A system built around the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE should use a compatible motherboard with a PCIe x16 slot, even if it is version 1.0. Pair it with a low-wattage power supply, as the card's 50W TDP means even a 300W unit is more than sufficient. The ideal use case is a dedicated machine for:

  1. Displaying output on a secondary monitor
  2. Playing back 1080p video content
  3. Running legacy business applications
  4. Functioning as a basic file server
  5. Serving as a troubleshooting spare part
Do not pair it with a high-resolution monitor or a powerful CPU, as the card will become the system's bottleneck. The NVIDIA GeForce 8400 SE graphics card fits into a very narrow niche of computing needs.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce 8400 SE

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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