GEFORCE

NVIDIA Quadro CX

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

1.5 GB
VRAM
MHz Boost
150W
TDP
384
Bus Width

NVIDIA Quadro CX Specifications

⚙️

Quadro CX GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA Quadro CX 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
192
Shaders
192
TMUs
64
ROPs
24
SM Count
24
⏱️

Quadro CX Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

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

GPU Clock
602 MHz
Memory Clock
800 MHz 1600 Mbps effective
Shader Clock
1204 MHz
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's Quadro CX Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Quadro CX'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
1536 MB
VRAM
1,536 MB
Memory Type
GDDR3
VRAM Type
GDDR3
Memory Bus
384 bit
Bus Width
384-bit
Bandwidth
76.80 GB/s
💾

Quadro CX by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the Quadro CX, 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.

L2 Cache
192 KB
📈

Quadro CX Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA Quadro CX 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)
462.3 GFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
57.79 GFLOPS (1:8)
Pixel Rate
14.45 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
38.53 GTexel/s
🏗️

Tesla 2.0 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA Quadro CX is built on NVIDIA's Tesla 2.0 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 Quadro CX will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Tesla 2.0
GPU Name
GT200B
Process Node
55 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
1,400 million
Die Size
470 mm²
Density
3.0M / mm²
🔌

NVIDIA's Quadro CX Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA Quadro CX 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 Quadro CX to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
150 W
TDP
150W
Power Connectors
1x 6-pin
Suggested PSU
450 W
📐

Quadro CX by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA Quadro CX 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
Dual-slot
Length
267 mm 10.5 inches
Bus Interface
PCIe 2.0 x16
Display Outputs
1x DVI2x DisplayPort1x S-Video
Display Outputs
1x DVI2x DisplayPort1x S-Video
🎮

NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA Quadro CX. 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
11.1 (10_0)
DirectX
11.1 (10_0)
OpenGL
3.3
OpenGL
3.3
OpenCL
1.1
CUDA
1.3
Shader Model
4.0
📦

Quadro CX Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA Quadro CX 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 Quadro CX 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
Nov 2008
Launch Price
1,999 USD
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
Quadro FX Curie
Successor
Quadro Fermi

Quadro CX Benchmark Scores

📊

No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA Quadro CX

Ever wondered what a $2,000 professional graphics card from 2008 could bring to the table for a creative gamer? The GeForce NVIDIA Quadro CX was never designed for your typical gaming rig, but its raw specs still raise eyebrows. With a massive 1.5 GB of GDDR3 memory, it was built to handle complex 3D models and high-resolution textures, which sounds promising for modding or ultra-high-res texture packs in games. Its Tesla 2.0 architecture, however, is a far cry from today's gaming-focused designs, prioritizing precision over raw frame rates. So, while it might not scream "gaming," could its stability and memory bandwidth offer a unique, if unconventional, experience? The 150W power draw is modest by today's standards, but its PCIe 2.0 interface feels like a relic. Is there a hidden niche where the NVIDIA Quadro CX could still be a contender, or is it purely a collector's piece for the curious?

Let's talk performance where it matters: frame rates and visual fidelity. The Quadro CX lacks any dedicated ray tracing cores or AI upscaling like DLSS or FSR, technologies that are now essential for modern gaming. This means you're relying solely on its raw, aging horsepower to push pixels. Could it handle older titles at high resolutions? Possibly, but driver support is a huge question mark, as NVIDIA's Quadro drivers are optimized for professional applications, not game profiles. The card's strengths lie in its certified stability for CAD and rendering software, not in optimizing shader performance for the latest AAA title. So, while you might boot up a game, you'd likely face inconsistent performance and missing features. Is chasing compatibility for a few extra frames in classic games worth wrestling with professional drivers?

Diving deeper into the hardware, the memory specifications tell a clear story. That 1.5 GB frame buffer was enormous for its time, but GDDR3 is slow and power-hungry compared to today's GDDR6X. This bottleneck would severely limit performance at high resolutions, despite the large capacity. The 55nm manufacturing process further highlights its age, making it less efficient and hotter than modern GPUs. Power requirements are handled by a standard 6-pin connector, fitting into many older systems, but does its architecture justify the electricity it uses for gaming? The GeForce NVIDIA Quadro CX's optimal use cases are clearly not in gaming, but in legacy professional workstations. For a gamer, it represents an interesting hardware experiment rather than a viable upgrade.

So, what are the real-world takeaways for someone encountering this card today? Its optimal use cases are narrowly defined and far from the gaming sphere. Consider the GeForce Quadro CX only if your interests fall into these specific areas:

  1. Running decade-old professional 3D applications like AutoCAD 2009 or older versions of SolidWorks where it was originally certified.
  2. Building a period-accurate, high-end workstation from the late 2000s for retro computing enthusiasts.
  3. Experimenting with hardware to understand the historical divergence between professional Quadro and consumer GeForce lines.
  4. Utilizing it as a dedicated PhysX processor in a very old, multi-GPU setup, though even this is a stretch.
For the vast majority of gamers, the NVIDIA Quadro CX is a fascinating footnote in GPU history. Its launch price of $1,999 underscores its professional pedigree, making it a poor value proposition for entertainment. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of how specialized and segmented the GPU market can be. The Quadro CX is a professional tool that asks gamers: do you need a scalpel when what you really want is a sword?

The AMD Equivalent of Quadro CX

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

View Specs Compare

Popular NVIDIA Quadro CX Comparisons

See how the Quadro CX stacks up against similar graphics cards from the same generation and competing brands.

Compare Quadro CX with Other GPUs

Select another GPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.

Browse GPUs