GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

512 MB
VRAM
MHz Boost
65W
TDP
256
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT Specifications

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GeForce 9800M GT GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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
96
Shaders
96
TMUs
48
ROPs
16
SM Count
12
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9800M GT Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce 9800M GT'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 9800M GT by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
500 MHz
Memory Clock
800 MHz 1600 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
1250 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce 9800M GT Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce 9800M GT'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
256 bit
Bus Width
256-bit
Bandwidth
51.20 GB/s
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GeForce 9800M GT by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the 9800M GT, 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
64 KB
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9800M GT Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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)
240.0 GFLOPS
Pixel Rate
8.000 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
24.00 GTexel/s
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Tesla Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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 9800M GT will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Tesla
GPU Name
G92
Process Node
65 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
754 million
Die Size
324 mm²
Density
2.3M / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce 9800M GT Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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 9800M GT to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
65 W
TDP
65W
Power Connectors
None
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GeForce 9800M GT by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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
MXM Module
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 9800M GT. 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
Shader Model
4.0
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GeForce 9800M GT Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT 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 9800M GT 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
Jul 2008
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 8M
Successor
GeForce 100M

GeForce 9800M GT Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT

Unveiling the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT: A Legacy of Performance

Released in July 2008, the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT marked a significant step in mobile graphics capabilities, blending 512 MB of GDDR3 memory with Tesla architecture to deliver smooth visuals for its era. Designed for notebooks, this PCIe 2.0 x16 GPU balanced power efficiency and performance with a 65W TDP, making it a versatile choice for mid-range gaming laptops. While modern titles may strain its 65nm design, the 9800M GT once handled DirectX 10 games like *Crysis* and *Call of Duty 4* at medium settings, offering a playable experience for casual gamers. Its memory bandwidth and clock speeds prioritized stability over raw power, reflecting NVIDIA’s focus on balanced mobile solutions during the late 2000s. Despite lacking current benchmark data, historical context positions the GeForce 9800M GT as a transitional card bridging entry-level and high-end mobile GPUs of its generation.

Modern Rendering Meets Practical Design

NVIDIA’s GeForce 9800M GT leveraged Tesla architecture to support advanced rendering techniques, including enhanced shadow mapping and dynamic lighting effects that enriched gaming realism. The 512 MB GDDR3 VRAM, though modest by today’s standards, was sufficient for 1080p multimedia tasks and shader-heavy applications of the time, ensuring compatibility with Windows Vista’s Aero interface. Notebook manufacturers appreciated its thermal efficiency, as the 65W TDP allowed integration into thinner chassis without requiring excessive cooling systems. Gamers experienced improvements in anti-aliasing and texture filtering compared to predecessors, though performance gains were most noticeable in titles optimized for NVIDIA’s CUDA technology. This GPU’s focus on steady frame rates over peak performance made it a reliable option for users prioritizing stability in long gaming sessions or multimedia use.

Optimal Scenarios for the GeForce 9800M GT

While the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GT struggles with modern AAA titles, it excels in retro gaming and lightweight creative workflows, serving as a nostalgic yet functional piece of hardware. Its 65nm process and PCIe 2.0 interface made it a staple in budget-focused notebooks aimed at students and professionals needing discrete graphics for design or video playback. Thermal performance remained a highlight, with the 65W TDP ensuring laptops stayed cool during extended use, a critical factor in pre-thinner laptop eras. Enthusiasts repurposing this GPU today might find it suitable for older esports titles or 1080p media centers, where its video decoding capabilities still hold relevance. Though eclipsed by newer architectures, the 9800M GT remains a testament to NVIDIA’s iterative progress in mobile graphics, blending pragmatism with the innovation of its time.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce 9800M GT

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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