NVIDIA N1X 40SM

# NVIDIA N1X 40SM: A 128 GB IGP with Blackwell 2.0 Architecture

The NVIDIA N1X 40SM is an integrated graphics processor built on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture, fabricated on TSMC's 5 nm process with a 382 mm² die. It targets users who need an exceptionally large memory pool in a compact, integrated form factor, offering 128 GB of LPDDR5X VRAM alongside 5120 shading units and 40 ray tracing cores. The data shows a GPU that prioritizes memory capacity and modern feature support over raw compute throughput, positioning it as a specialized solution within the broader graphics landscape.

Who Should Consider It

The N1X 40SM is best suited for users whose primary workload involves massive datasets that must reside in GPU memory, rather than those seeking maximum frame rates in traditional gaming scenarios. With 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory on a 256-bit bus delivering 273.2 GB/s of bandwidth, this IGP can hold entire large-scale models, high-resolution texture packs, or complex scientific visualizations without spilling to system memory. The 50th percentile ranking against all GPUs indicates it sits squarely in the mid-pack for overall performance, meaning users should not expect flagship-level compute speeds, but the memory capacity is a differentiator that few discrete cards can match.

For resolution and settings recommendations, the pixel rate of 93.84 GPixel/s and texture rate of 750.7 GTexel/s suggest that at 1080p with moderate settings, the N1X 40SM can handle many titles comfortably, though the 40 ROPs may limit performance in fill-rate-bound scenarios at higher resolutions. At 1440p, users should plan for reduced texture quality or rely on the large VRAM to offset potential bottlenecks, as the 24.02 TFLOPS of FP32 compute is adequate for modern games but not exceptional. For 4K gaming, the data indicates this is not the primary use case; the memory bandwidth of 273.2 GB/s, while respectable, is lower than what high-end discrete solutions offer, and the 40 ROPs will struggle with heavy pixel work at that resolution.

The integrated nature of the GPU (slot width is IGP) means it is ideal for small-form-factor or workstation builds where a discrete card is impractical. Users running AI inference, large-scale data visualization, or virtualized GPU workloads will find the 128 GB capacity transformative, even if the compute throughput is mid-pack. Conversely, competitive gamers seeking high refresh rates at 1440p or above should look elsewhere, as the benchmark percentile data does not support such expectations. The 160 tensor cores provide acceleration for AI-assisted features, making this a compelling choice for creative professionals who need both memory and neural network support.

How It Compares

The N1X 40SM has no direct rivals listed in the benchmark database, which is unsurprising given its unique combination of integrated design and 128 GB memory capacity. The nearestRivals array is empty, indicating that the data currently contains no comparable GPUs for direct percentile-based comparison. This absence of rivals suggests that the N1X 40SM occupies a niche that other products do not fill, making positional analysis qualitative rather than quantitative. Benchmark results alone cannot place it against specific competitors, so users must extrapolate from its raw specifications.

Given the lack of rival data, the 50th percentile rank against all GPUs serves as the primary reference point. This median position implies that half of all GPUs in the database outperform it in aggregate benchmark scores, while half fall behind. The 24.02 TFLOPS FP32 figure places it in the range of mid-generation discrete graphics cards, but the 128 GB memory capacity is an outlier that skews its utility profile. Without rival names or deltaPct values, the analysis must rely on architectural characteristics: the GB20B chip with Blackwell 2.0 features suggests a modern feature set, while the 741 MHz base and 2346 MHz boost clocks indicate a power-efficient design that prioritizes sustained throughput over peak performance.

The absence of comparison data means potential buyers should weigh the N1X 40SM's memory capacity against the unknown performance of alternatives. The 50th percentile ranking provides a baseline expectation, but the specific workloads that benefit from 128 GB VRAM may see outsized value relative to the raw score. In essence, this GPU competes on capacity rather than speed, and the lack of rivals in the database reinforces that positioning.

Ray Tracing and Feature Set

The N1X 40SM includes 40 ray tracing cores, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing in supported applications. The Blackwell 2.0 architecture underpins this feature set, providing the foundation for both RT and tensor operations. The 160 tensor cores deliver AI acceleration for features like deep learning super sampling and other neural network-based enhancements, which can partially offset the mid-pack compute performance by improving effective frame rates in compatible titles.

However, the API support table shows DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan all listed as "N/A," which is a significant caveat for gaming applications. This suggests that the N1X 40SM may not expose standard graphics APIs to software, potentially limiting it to proprietary or compute-focused workloads rather than mainstream games. The single HDMI display output reinforces this interpretation, indicating a headless or single-display configuration typical of server or compute environments.

For ray tracing specifically, the 40 RT cores are present, but without DirectX or Vulkan API support, traditional game-based ray tracing may not be accessible. Instead, the RT cores likely serve compute workloads that utilize ray tracing algorithms, such as physical simulations or rendering pipelines that bypass standard graphics APIs. The 24.02 TFLOPS of FP16 (1:1 ratio) suggests that the GPU can handle mixed-precision workloads efficiently, which is valuable for AI training or inference tasks that leverage the tensor cores. The 5 nm process from TSMC and 382 mm² die size indicate a modern, density-optimized design that balances power efficiency with transistor budget.

Power and Cooling

The N1X 40SM has a TDP listed as unknown, but the integrated form factor (slot width IGP) and lack of power connectors (powerConnectors: "None") imply that it draws power from the host system rather than requiring external supply. The suggested PSU is null, meaning no specific power supply recommendation is provided in the data. The absence of power connectors is notable, as it suggests the GPU is designed to be powered entirely through the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which can deliver up to 75W under standard specifications.

For cooling, the IGP designation means it uses the system's cooling solution rather than a dedicated cooler. The 741 MHz base clock and 2346 MHz boost clock are relatively moderate, which likely keeps thermal output manageable within an integrated design. The 5 nm process node contributes to efficiency, but without a TDP figure, users cannot precisely plan for thermal loads. The 382 mm² die size is substantial for an integrated part, suggesting that adequate airflow over the chip is necessary for sustained boost clocks.

Given the unknown TDP and no PSU recommendation, buyers should ensure their system provides robust cooling for the chip, especially if they plan to sustain boost clocks of 2346 MHz under load. The lack of power connectors simplifies installation, but the 273.2 GB/s memory bandwidth and 128 GB capacity mean the memory subsystem may draw additional power through the system board. The PCIe 5.0 x16 interface ensures sufficient data transfer rates between the CPU and GPU, but the integrated nature means system-level thermal design is critical.

FAQ

Q: How much VRAM does the N1X 40SM have, and what type is it?

A: The N1X 40SM features 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory on a 256-bit bus, providing 273.2 GB/s of bandwidth. This is an exceptionally large memory pool for an integrated GPU, suited for data-intensive workloads.

Q: What is the FP32 compute performance of this GPU?

A: The FP32 performance is 24.02 TFLOPS, with FP16 also at 24.02 TFLOPS (1:1 ratio). This places it in the mid-range of GPUs, as evidenced by its 50th percentile rank against all GPUs.

Q: Does the N1X 40SM support DirectX or Vulkan?

A: The API support is listed as N/A for DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan. This suggests the GPU is not designed for traditional gaming APIs, but rather for compute or proprietary workloads.

Q: How many ray tracing and tensor cores does it have?

A: It has 40 ray tracing cores and 160 tensor cores, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI-based compute tasks. The tensor cores support neural network workloads that can benefit from mixed-precision processing.

Q: What is the clock speed of the N1X 40SM?

A: The base clock is 741 MHz, and the boost clock is 2346 MHz. Memory runs at 1067 MHz, effective 8.5 Gbps. These clocks are moderate, reflecting the integrated design's power constraints.

Q: What power connectors does it require?

A: The N1X 40SM requires no power connectors (listed as "None"), as it is an integrated GPU that draws power from the system. The TDP is unknown, and no PSU recommendation is provided.

Q: What display outputs are available?

A: The GPU offers a single HDMI output, indicating a minimal display configuration. This aligns with its focus on compute workloads rather than multi-monitor gaming setups.

Memory Subsystem

The N1X 40SM's memory subsystem is its defining feature: 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 273.2 GB/s of bandwidth. This capacity is extraordinary for any GPU, let alone an integrated one, and it fundamentally shapes the product's use case. The 256-bit bus width is wide enough to support the bandwidth figure, but the 273.2 GB/s throughput is moderate compared to high-end discrete GPUs with GDDR6X or HBM memory. However, for workloads that require holding large datasets entirely in VRAM, the 128 GB capacity far outweighs the bandwidth limitation.

At high resolutions, the memory subsystem's impact is nuanced. The 273.2 GB/s bandwidth is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p gaming with high texture quality, as long as the 40 ROPs and 24.02 TFLOPS compute do not become the bottleneck. For 4K, the bandwidth may be insufficient for the most demanding textures, but the large capacity allows for massive texture caches that could reduce repeated loading. The 8.5 Gbps effective memory speed is modest, but LPDDR5X is optimized for power efficiency, which aligns with the integrated design. The pixel rate of 93.84 GPixel/s and texture rate of 750.7 GTexel/s suggest that the memory can feed the shader units adequately at lower resolutions, but the 40 ROPs will cap fill-rate performance.

The 128 GB capacity also enables unique workflows: users can load entire large language models, scientific datasets, or multi-layer image stacks into GPU memory without partitioning. The 256-bit bus ensures that data movement does not become a severe bottleneck, though the 273.2 GB/s bandwidth means that massive sequential transfers will take time. For compute tasks that repeatedly access the same data, the capacity is a clear advantage. For streaming workloads that demand high bandwidth, the N1X 40SM may lag behind narrower-bus but faster-memory solutions. The 160 tensor cores can leverage the large memory for AI workloads, but the overall performance envelope remains constrained by the mid-pack compute and memory speed.

Benchmark Performance

The N1X 40SM has an average benchmark score of 0 and a 50th percentile rank against all GPUs, with no benchmarks listed and no nearest rivals. This data absence means quantitative comparison is impossible, but the percentile provides a critical anchor: the GPU is exactly at the median of the database. The 24.02 TFLOPS FP32 compute is a concrete figure that places it in the range of mid-generation discrete GPUs, but the 50th percentile suggests that many alternatives offer similar or better raw performance.

Without rival names or deltaPct values, the analysis must rely on internal consistency. The 24.02 TFLOPS at a boost clock of 2346 MHz with 5120 shading units implies an efficiency of roughly 10.2 TFLOPS per thousand shading units, which is reasonable for a 5 nm process. The 40 RT cores and 160 tensor cores are present, but their performance is not quantified in benchmarks. The 273.2 GB/s bandwidth, combined with the 128 GB capacity, suggests that memory-bound workloads may see better-than-expected results due to the large cache-like pool, even if the raw bandwidth is not class-leading.

The 50th percentile rank is the single most informative benchmark metric. It indicates that in aggregate scoring, the N1X 40SM outperforms half of all GPUs and underperforms the other half. For users coming from older or lower-end GPUs, this represents a significant upgrade; for those with high-end discrete cards, it will be a step down. The 24.02 TFLOPS FP32 figure means that compute-heavy tasks like rendering or physics simulations will run at a moderate pace, but the 128 GB memory allows for problem sizes that would cripple GPUs with 16 GB or 24 GB VRAM. The FP16 1:1 ratio doubles the effective throughput for mixed-precision workloads, which can benefit AI inference tasks that use the tensor cores.

Ultimately, the N1X 40SM's benchmark performance is defined by its memory capacity rather than its compute speed. The 50th percentile rank confirms it is not a performance leader, but the 128 GB VRAM is a feature that no amount of TFLOPS can substitute for in capacity-bound workloads. The data shows a GPU that trades raw speed for memory size, making it a niche but potentially invaluable tool for specific professional and scientific applications.