NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M
NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M Specifications
GeForce GTX 780M GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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.
GTX 780M Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce GTX 780M'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 GTX 780M by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 780M Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce GTX 780M'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.
GeForce GTX 780M by NVIDIA Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the GTX 780M, 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.
GTX 780M Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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.
Kepler Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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 GTX 780M will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 780M Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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 GTX 780M to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
GeForce GTX 780M by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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.
NVIDIA API Support
Graphics and compute APIs
API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M. 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.
GeForce GTX 780M Product Information
Release and pricing details
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 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 GTX 780M by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
GeForce GTX 780M Benchmark Scores
geekbench_metalSource
Geekbench Metal tests GPU compute using Apple's Metal API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M performs in macOS and iOS applications that leverage GPU acceleration. Metal provides low-overhead access to Apple silicon GPUs.
geekbench_openclSource
Geekbench OpenCL tests GPU compute performance using the cross-platform OpenCL API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M handles parallel computing tasks like video encoding and scientific simulations.
geekbench_vulkanSource
Geekbench Vulkan tests GPU compute using the modern low-overhead Vulkan API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M performs with next-generation graphics and compute workloads. Vulkan offers better CPU efficiency than older APIs like OpenGL.
About NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M was a powerhouse for mobile gamers back in 2013, leveraging the Kepler architecture to deliver serious performance for its time. With a base clock of 771 MHz and a boost up to 797 MHz, this GPU tackled demanding titles with respectable frame rates at high settings. Its 4 GB of GDDR5 memory was a generous buffer for textures, though modern games can easily saturate that. The GTX 780 graphics card excelled in its era, with OpenCL and Vulkan scores hovering around 12,700 points, showing strong compute potential. Cooling was always a critical factor, as the 122W TDP required robust laptop cooling solutions to prevent thermal throttling during long sessions. For gamers seeking the best portable experience in the early 2010s, this chip was a top-tier contender.
When examining modern rendering features, the Kepler-based GeForce GTX 780M supports DirectX 11 and offered a taste of advanced GPU Boost technology. While it lacks support for contemporary ray tracing or DLSS, its architecture was optimized for the shader-heavy games of its generation. The 4 GB VRAM pool, while ample then, can be a limiting factor today with high-resolution texture packs. Benchmarks like the 7,582 Metal score indicate its capabilities in different API environments, though it's clearly a product of its time. The MXM-B interface meant this GPU was destined for high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations, not desktops. For playing esports titles or older AAA games at 1080p, the GTX 780 graphics card still holds up reasonably well if thermal management is solid.
Optimal use cases for this GPU now revolve around legacy gaming systems or as a historical benchmark for mobile GPU progress. With a TDP of 122 watts, it demanded a well-ventilated laptop chassis, making cooling considerations paramount for sustained performance. The NVIDIA GTX 780 graphics card sits in an interesting spot, outperforming many integrated solutions but being left behind by modern entry-level discrete parts. Its Geekbench scores confirm it had solid compute muscle, making it once suitable for content creation on the go. Today, finding a laptop with a GeForce GTX 780M means managing expectations for newer, more demanding titles. Ultimately, it represents a specific era of mobile gaming where high performance came with significant thermal trade-offs.
The AMD Equivalent of GeForce GTX 780M
Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 480 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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