NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB

The NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB is an end-of-life embedded compute module built around the GV10B chip on the Volta architecture, manufactured on TSMC's 12 nm process. It packs 9,000 million transistors into a 350 mm² die, with 384 shading units, 24 texture mapping units, 16 raster output units, and 48 tensor cores. The module runs at an 854 MHz base clock and 1100 MHz boost, delivering 844.8 GFLOPS of FP32 compute and 1.690 TFLOPS of FP16 compute. Its 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory on a 128-bit bus provides 59.71 GB/s of bandwidth, all within a 20 W TDP. The database places it at the 50th percentile among all GPUs, with no recorded benchmark scores and no nearest-rival entries.

How It Compares

The database contains no nearest-rival entries for the Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB, so direct percentage comparisons against competing parts are unavailable. What the data does show is a part positioned at the 50th percentile of all GPUs in the database, a mid-pack placement that reflects its hybrid role as both a compute module and a graphics processor. Its 20 W TDP and IGP slot width place it firmly in the embedded and edge-computing segment rather than the desktop discrete GPU market.

Within its own specifications, the comparison is between its raw compute and its memory bandwidth. The FP32 throughput of 844.8 GFLOPS and FP16 throughput of 1.690 TFLOPS (2:1 ratio) indicate a device designed for mixed-precision workloads, with the 48 tensor cores providing dedicated matrix math acceleration that general-purpose GPUs in the same power class may lack. The 17.60 GPixel/s pixel rate and 26.40 GTexel/s texture rate are modest figures that align with its 16 ROPs and 24 TMUs, suggesting that rasterization-heavy tasks will not be its strength.

The 50th percentile ranking is the only comparative metric available, and it should be read with the caveat that the benchmark score is recorded as zero, meaning no actual workload data has been captured. As an end-of-life product released on 2020-05-13, it competes in the used and embedded markets where its 12 nm process node and 9,000 million transistor count are now dated but still relevant for specific AI inference roles.

Who Should Consider It

The Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB is best suited for developers and integrators building edge AI systems. The 48 tensor cores and 1.690 TFLOPS of FP16 compute make it a capable platform for neural network inference, and the 16 GB LPDDR4X memory allows large model footprints to reside in memory without constant swapping. The 2:1 FP16 ratio means workloads that can tolerate reduced precision will see double the throughput of FP32, which is the standard operating mode for many inference frameworks.

For graphics workloads, the picture is different. The 384 shading units at an 1100 MHz boost clock produce 844.8 GFLOPS of FP32 performance, which is sufficient for lightweight 3D interfaces and basic rendering but will struggle with demanding games at high resolutions. The 17.60 GPixel/s pixel rate and 16 ROPs cap fill-rate-bound scenarios, so modest settings are the realistic ceiling for any interactive 3D application. The 59.71 GB/s memory bandwidth further constrains high-resolution texture streaming.

The 50th percentile ranking suggests that among all GPUs in the database, this part sits in the middle, but that ranking is heavily influenced by its compute-class features rather than gaming performance. Users who need compute acceleration in a 20 W envelope, with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity and a 70 mm by 45 mm footprint, are the target audience. Those seeking a gaming GPU should look elsewhere, as the data does not support that use case.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB is sparse: the average benchmark score is recorded as zero, and no individual benchmark entries exist in the database. This is consistent with its status as an embedded compute module rather than a consumer gaming card, most benchmarking suites do not target this class of hardware. The percentileVsAllGpus field of 50 indicates that, in the database's aggregate ranking, it sits exactly at the median, though this figure is not backed by the workload data that typically informs such rankings.

What can be analyzed are the raw compute figures. The FP32 throughput of 844.8 GFLOPS is derived from 384 shading units operating at an 854 MHz base and 1100 MHz boost clock. The FP16 throughput of 1.690 TFLOPS represents a 2:1 ratio over FP32, a feature of the Volta architecture's design that allows tensor operations to run at higher throughput. The 48 tensor cores are the standout feature, they provide dedicated hardware for matrix multiplication, which is the core operation in neural network inference and training.

The pixel rate of 17.60 GPixel/s and texture rate of 26.40 GTexel/s are derived from the 16 ROPs and 24 TMUs respectively, combined with the boost clock. These figures place it well below typical desktop-class parts, but the comparison is apples-to-oranges: the Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB is designed for sustained low-power operation, not peak rasterization. The 12 nm TSMC process, with 9,000 million transistors on a 350 mm² die, gives a transistor density of 25.7M per mm², which was competitive for its 2020 release but is now surpassed by newer nodes.

Without rival benchmark scores, percentage deltas cannot be computed. The only comparative data point is the 50th percentile ranking, which should be interpreted cautiously given the zero benchmark score. The compute characteristics suggest a part that excels at FP16 and tensor workloads, underperforms in rasterization, and operates within a strict 20 W power budget.

FAQ

Q: What architecture does the Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB use?

A: It uses the Volta architecture, implemented in the GV10B chip, manufactured on TSMC's 12 nm process with 9,000 million transistors on a 350 mm² die.

Q: How much memory does it have and what type?

A: It has 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory on a 128-bit bus, with a bandwidth of 59.71 GB/s and a memory clock of 1866 MHz (3.7 Gbps effective).

Q: What is the power consumption?

A: The TDP is 20 W, and it is an IGP (integrated graphics processor) with no separate power connector listed in the database.

Q: Is this product still in production?

A: No, it is end-of-life. It was released on 2020-05-13.

Q: What graphics APIs does it support?

A: It supports DirectX 12 (12_1), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.2.

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP is 499 USD.

Memory Subsystem

The Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB is equipped with 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory, a type commonly used in mobile and embedded devices for its low power consumption and compact packaging. The memory runs at 1866 MHz, with an effective data rate of 3.7 Gbps. The 128-bit bus width, combined with this data rate, yields a total bandwidth of 59.71 GB/s.

This bandwidth figure is modest by desktop GPU standards, but it must be evaluated in the context of the 20 W TDP. The memory subsystem is designed to balance capacity against power draw, 16 GB is generous for an embedded module, allowing large neural network models and multi-application workloads to reside in memory without constant swapping. The 128-bit bus is narrow, which limits peak bandwidth, but the LPDDR4X type is chosen for its energy efficiency.

For high-resolution graphics work, the 59.71 GB/s bandwidth will be a limiting factor. Demanding games at high resolutions require texture streaming at rates that exceed this figure, and the 17.60 GPixel/s pixel rate compounds the constraint. However, for AI inference, the bandwidth is adequate for many models, particularly those that operate on FP16 data where the 1.690 TFLOPS compute rate is the more relevant bottleneck. The 16 GB capacity is the standout feature, it allows the module to hold larger models and datasets than typical edge devices.

The memory clock of 1866 MHz and effective 3.7 Gbps are fixed in the database, with no overclocking headroom documented. Users working with high-resolution inputs (such as large video frames for vision models) will need to account for the bandwidth ceiling when designing their pipelines.

Power and Cooling

The Jetson Xavier NX 16 GB has a TDP of 20 W, which is exceptionally low for a device with 384 shading units, 48 tensor cores, and 16 GB of memory. This power envelope is the defining characteristic of the module, it enables compact cooling solutions in embedded chassis and allows deployment in environments where active cooling is impractical. The database lists no suggested PSU and no power connectors, reflecting its IGP (integrated graphics processor) classification. Power is delivered through the carrier board rather than a dedicated GPU power connector.

The slot width is listed as IGP, meaning the module is not a discrete card but rather an integrated processor designed to be mounted on a carrier board. The dimensions are 70 mm by 45 mm (2.8 inches by 1.8 inches), a compact footprint that fits into small-form-factor enclosures. The bus interface is PCIe 4.0 x4, which provides a 4-lane connection to the host system, sufficient for data transfer to and from the module's memory.

The 12 nm process node from TSMC, with 9,000 million transistors on a 350 mm² die, contributes to the power efficiency. The 20 W TDP must cover the entire module, including the memory subsystem, which is why the LPDDR4X type is used, it draws less power than desktop-class memory variants. The display outputs are listed as "Portable Device Dependent," meaning the module does not have fixed display connectors; they are determined by the carrier board design.

For cooling, the 20 W TDP allows for a small heatsink or even passive approaches in well-ventilated enclosures. The base clock of 854 MHz and boost of 1100 MHz are relatively close, suggesting the module maintains near-boost clocks under sustained load within its power budget. Users should ensure adequate airflow across the 70 mm by 45 mm surface area to prevent thermal throttling, though the data does not specify thermal limits.