GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

512 MB
VRAM
900
MHz Boost
45W
TDP
128
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition Specifications

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GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition 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
384
Shaders
384
TMUs
32
ROPs
16
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GT 650M Mac Edition Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition'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 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

Base Clock
900 MHz
Base Clock
900 MHz
Boost Clock
900 MHz
Boost Clock
900 MHz
Memory Clock
1254 MHz 5 Gbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition'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
GDDR5
VRAM Type
GDDR5
Memory Bus
128 bit
Bus Width
128-bit
Bandwidth
80.26 GB/s
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GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the GT 650M Mac Edition, 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
16 KB (per SMX)
L2 Cache
256 KB
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GT 650M Mac Edition Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition 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)
691.2 GFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
28.80 GFLOPS (1:24)
Pixel Rate
7.200 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
28.80 GTexel/s
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Kepler Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition is built on NVIDIA's Kepler 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 650M Mac Edition will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Kepler
GPU Name
GK107
Process Node
28 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
1,270 million
Die Size
118 mm²
Density
10.8M / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition 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 650M Mac Edition to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
45 W
TDP
45W
Power Connectors
None
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GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition 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 3.0 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 GT 650M Mac Edition. 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
Vulkan
1.2.175
Vulkan
1.2.175
OpenCL
3.0
CUDA
3.0
Shader Model
6.5 (5.1)
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GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition 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 650M Mac Edition 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 2012
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 500M
Successor
GeForce 700M

GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA targets users who need a modest graphics boost without breaking the bank. With a 512 MB GDDR5 memory pool and a fixed 900 MHz clock, it delivers performance that sits comfortably above integrated solutions of its era. Because the card is built on the 28 nm Kepler architecture, power draw stays low at 45 W, which translates into lower operating costs for laptop owners. When compared to contemporary entry‑level GPUs, its price‑to‑performance ratio is respectable, especially in the used market where depreciation has reduced the asking price. However, the lack of a boost clock means that gains over older mobile GPUs are incremental rather than transformative.

In the broader laptop GPU hierarchy, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA occupies the lower‑mid segment, bridging the gap between basic Intel graphics and the higher‑end 600‑series mobile cards. It is typically found in 13‑ to 15‑inch MacBook Pro models released around 2012, where space and thermal constraints limit the use of more powerful GPUs. The PCIe 3.0 x16 interface ensures sufficient bandwidth for the 512 MB of GDDR5, but the limited VRAM can become a bottleneck in texture‑heavy titles. Gamers looking to play older or less demanding games at 720p will find the card adequate, while modern AAA titles will require significant settings compromises. Consequently, its segment placement makes it a sensible choice for creative professionals who need modest acceleration for Photoshop or Lightroom without the premium price tag.

From an investment perspective, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition by NVIDIA offers a compelling case for budget‑conscious buyers who already own a compatible MacBook. The card’s 45 W TDP means it does not stress the laptop’s cooling system, extending the overall lifespan of the device. Because the GPU is based on a mature Kepler design, driver support remains stable, reducing the risk of compatibility issues with macOS updates. While resale values have declined, the low acquisition cost combined with decent performance for legacy applications can yield a favorable return on investment. Prospective owners should, however, weigh the limited future‑proofing against the immediate cost savings, as newer architectures deliver markedly better efficiency and feature sets.

To run the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M effectively, a laptop must provide at least a 45 W power budget and a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, which is standard in most MacBook Pro models from the 2012 generation. The system should also include a dual‑channel DDR3 memory configuration of 8 GB or more to prevent bottlenecks when the GPU accesses its 512 MB of GDDR5. Adequate cooling is essential; users should ensure that the internal fans are clean and that the chassis vents are unobstructed to maintain temperatures below 85 °C under load. For optimal performance in graphics‑intensive tasks, a solid‑state drive can reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness. Finally, keeping the macOS version within the supported range for Kepler drivers will guarantee stability and access to the latest performance optimizations.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce GT 650M Mac Edition

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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