GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

1 GB
VRAM
MHz Boost
35W
TDP
128
Bus Width

At a Glance

NVIDIA
VRAM 1 GB
Shaders 144
Bus Width 128-bit
TDP 35W
Memory Type DDR3
Architecture Fermi
nm
Process 40 nm
Released Jul 2011

NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M Specifications

GeForce GT 555M GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 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
144
Shaders
144
TMUs
24
ROPs
16
SM Count
3

GT 555M Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce GT 555M'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 GT 555M by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
590 MHz
Memory Clock
900 MHz 1800 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
1180 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce GT 555M Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce GT 555M'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
1024 MB
VRAM
1,024 MB
Memory Type
DDR3
VRAM Type
DDR3
Memory Bus
128 bit
Bus Width
128-bit
Bandwidth
28.80 GB/s

GeForce GT 555M by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the GT 555M, 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.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache
256 KB

GT 555M Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 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)
339.8 GFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
28.32 GFLOPS (1:12)
Pixel Rate
3.540 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
14.16 GTexel/s

Fermi Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M is built on NVIDIA's Fermi 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 GT 555M will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Fermi
GPU Name
GF106
Process Node
40 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
1,170 million
Die Size
238 mm²
Density
4.9M / mm²

NVIDIA's GeForce GT 555M Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 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 GT 555M to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
35 W
TDP
35W

GeForce GT 555M by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 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.

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 GT 555M. 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
12 (11_0)
DirectX
12 (11_0)
OpenGL
4.6
OpenGL
4.6
OpenCL
1.1
CUDA
2.1
Shader Model
5.1

GeForce GT 555M Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 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 GT 555M 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 2011
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 400M
Successor
GeForce 600M

GeForce GT 555M Benchmark Scores

geekbench_openclSource

Geekbench OpenCL tests GPU compute performance using the cross-platform OpenCL API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M handles parallel computing tasks like video encoding and scientific simulations. OpenCL is widely supported across different GPU vendors and platforms. Higher scores benefit applications that leverage GPU acceleration for non-graphics workloads.

geekbench_opencl #449 of 643
6,493
2%
Max: 388,405
Compare with other GPUs

About NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M is a mobile graphics processor from the Fermi generation, built on a 40 nm process at TSMC. Its benchmark data places it in the 17th percentile of all GPUs, indicating entry-level positioning. The sole benchmark result shows a Geekbench OpenCL score of 2913, which is effectively identical to the score of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB, a statistical anomaly given the vast generational gap. The data indicates the GT 555M is an end-of-life product, released in July 2011, using the GF106 chip with 1,170 million transistors on a 238 mm² die.

Benchmark Performance

The GeForce GT 555M's average benchmark score of 2913 in Geekbench OpenCL places it in a narrow performance band. The nearest rival data shows a clustering of scores within a few points, making performance distinctions negligible. The GT 555M scores exactly 0% different from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB, which also averages 2913 points. This is a peculiar data point, as the RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB is a modern discrete desktop card, yet the benchmark results indicate parity.

Against the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, which scores 2907, the GT 555M is 0.2% faster. This margin is within the noise of any benchmark run and does not represent a real performance advantage. The GT 555M also leads the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M by 0.7%, with the GT 650M scoring 2893. This is the only rival where a measurable, albeit tiny, lead exists. The data shows the GT 555M trails only the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M, which scores 2959, by 1.5%.

The percentile ranking at 17% underscores the GT 555M's position at the bottom of the performance spectrum. While the delta percentages against these rivals are extremely small, the context is crucial: all these scores are low in absolute terms. The GT 555M's FP32 performance is rated at 339.8 GFLOPS, which is a modest figure for any workload. The pixel rate of 3.540 GPixel/s and texture rate of 14.16 GTexel/s further confirm its limited throughput. Benchmark results indicate that the GT 555M is not competitive for modern gaming, but the data shows it holds its own against the specific rivals listed here.

Memory Subsystem

The GT 555M is equipped with 1024 MB of DDR3 memory, which is a small capacity by modern standards. The memory operates at 900 MHz, translating to 1800 Mbps effective, across a 128-bit bus interface. This configuration yields a maximum bandwidth of 28.80 GB/s.

This bandwidth figure is the critical bottleneck. For high-resolution gaming, the data suggests severe limitations. At 1080p or higher, textures and frame buffers demand far more than 28.80 GB/s to maintain smooth performance. The 128-bit bus width is narrow, and DDR3 memory is inherently slower than GDDR5 or GDDR6 variants used in later generations. The 1024 MB capacity is also restrictive; many modern games require more than 1 GB of VRAM just for basic texture loading at medium settings.

The combination of low capacity and low bandwidth means the GT 555M will struggle with memory-intensive scenes. Benchmark scores do not isolate memory performance, but the subsystem specifications directly cap the achievable frame rates. For the GT 555M, the memory subsystem is a foundational weakness, not a supplementary one. The data indicates that the 28.80 GB/s bandwidth is insufficient for high-resolution textures, and users should expect significant stuttering or reduced texture quality even at moderate settings.

How It Compares

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB: The GT 555M matches the RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB's average score of 2913 exactly, a 0% delta. This is a statistical artifact rather than a real performance equivalence. The RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB is a far more capable card in every measurable aspect, but the OpenCL score fails to differentiate them. The data shows no performance gap in this specific test, but the underlying hardware disparity is vast.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB: The GT 555M is 0.2% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, which scores 2907. This negligible margin is within run-to-run variance. The 16 GB variant of the RTX 4060 Ti offers double the VRAM of the 8 GB version, yet its score is slightly lower, highlighting that this benchmark does not correlate with real-world gaming performance. The GT 555M's lead here is meaningless.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M: The GT 555M holds a 0.7% advantage over the GT 650M, which scores 2893. Both are mobile GPUs from the same era, and their scores are closely matched. The GT 650M is a direct successor in the mobile lineup, and the data shows the GT 555M retains a slight edge in OpenCL compute. This is the only rival comparison where the GT 555M's lead is plausible, though still very small.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M: The GT 555M trails the GTX 860M, which scores 2959, by 1.5%. The GTX 860M is a later-generation mobile GPU with improved architecture, and the data confirms it is the fastest among the listed rivals. The 1.5% gap is the largest delta in the group, but it remains a modest difference in raw compute scores. The GTX 860M's lead suggests better sustained performance, but both cards are in the same low-performance tier.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M?

A: The GT 555M has an average Geekbench OpenCL score of 2913.

Q: How does the GT 555M compare to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M?

A: The GT 555M is 1.5% slower than the GTX 860M, which scores 2959.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the GT 555M?

A: The memory bandwidth is 28.80 GB/s, using DDR3 memory on a 128-bit bus.

Q: What is the transistor count and die size of the GT 555M?

A: The GF106 chip contains 1,170 million transistors on a 238 mm² die.

Q: What is the TDP of the GT 555M?

A: The TDP is rated at 35 W.

Q: Which API versions does the GT 555M support?

A: It supports DirectX 12 (11_0) and OpenGL 4.6, with no Vulkan support listed.

Who Should Consider It

The GT 555M is not suited for modern gaming at high resolutions. Its 17th percentile ranking and 339.8 GFLOPS FP32 performance place it firmly in legacy territory. The data shows that the card is acceptable only for very old games or basic 2D applications. For 720p gaming, the GT 555M might handle titles from its 2011 release era at low settings, but the 28.80 GB/s memory bandwidth will throttle any texture-heavy workload.

At 1080p, the GT 555M is inadequate. The 1024 MB VRAM is below the minimum requirement for most contemporary games, and the 3.540 GPixel/s pixel rate cannot drive high pixel counts. Users considering this card should expect to play at 720p or lower, with reduced detail settings. The benchmark results against the GT 650M and GTX 860M show that it is competitive with other early-2010s mobile GPUs, but that is a low bar.

The card's only realistic use case is in a legacy system where it was originally installed, running software from its contemporary period. For any modern workload, the GT 555M will be a bottleneck. The data does not support any recommendation for purchase or upgrade to this card in 2025 or beyond.

Power and Cooling

The GT 555M has a TDP of 35 W, which is low for a discrete GPU. This figure indicates modest power consumption, suitable for thin and light laptops. The cooling solution is portable device dependent, meaning the laptop manufacturer determines the heatsink and fan design. There is no suggested PSU rating and no power connector requirement listed, as this is a mobile chip soldered to the motherboard.

The 35 W TDP is a straightforward metric: it generates limited heat, so a capable air cooler is sufficient. However, the Fermi architecture is older and less efficient than newer designs, so thermal management in a thin chassis could still be a concern. The data does not provide slot width or dimensions, reinforcing that this is a BGA (ball-grid array) part, not a removable module. Users cannot upgrade the cooling solution independently. The lack of a suggested PSU is expected, as mobile systems rely on the laptop's power brick, not a desktop PSU. The 40 nm process node from TSMC contributes to the 35 W figure, but the 1,170 million transistors on 238 mm² are dense for that era.

Ray Tracing and Feature Set

The GT 555M has no dedicated ray tracing cores and no tensor cores. The architecture is Fermi, which predates hardware-accelerated ray tracing by several generations. The data shows no Vulkan support, and DirectX support is listed as 12 (11_0), meaning it supports the DirectX 11 feature level but not the full DirectX 12 feature set. OpenGL 4.6 is supported, which is a recent version.

The shading units number 144, with 24 texture mapping units and 16 ROPs. This configuration is typical for an entry-level Fermi mobile chip. The lack of RT and tensor cores means the GT 555M cannot accelerate modern ray-traced effects or AI-based features like DLSS. The DirectX 12 (11_0) designation implies feature level 11_0, so advanced DirectX 12 features like mesh shaders or variable rate shading are unavailable.

The card's display outputs are listed as portable device dependent, meaning the laptop's ports dictate connectivity. The bus interface is PCIe 2.0 x16, which provides sufficient bandwidth for this GPU. The feature set is minimal: no hardware ray tracing, no tensor acceleration, and limited API support. For any workload involving modern graphics APIs or ray tracing, the GT 555M is not viable. The data confirms that it is a legacy part with no forward-looking capabilities.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce GT 555M

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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