NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800
NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 Specifications
Quadro FX 4800 GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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.
Quadro FX 4800 Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the Quadro FX 4800'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 FX 4800 by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
NVIDIA's Quadro FX 4800 Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Quadro FX 4800'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.
Quadro FX 4800 by NVIDIA Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the Quadro FX 4800, 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.
Quadro FX 4800 Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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.
Tesla 2.0 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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 FX 4800 will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
NVIDIA's Quadro FX 4800 Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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 FX 4800 to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
Quadro FX 4800 by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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 Quadro FX 4800. 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.
Quadro FX 4800 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 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 FX 4800 by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
Quadro FX 4800 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this GPU.
About NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800
When the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 launched at $1,799, it represented a significant investment for professionals seeking top-tier visualization. Today, its value proposition has shifted dramatically; this card is now a budget-conscious entry into the professional GPU space for legacy systems. The 1.5 GB of GDDR3 memory was substantial for its time, but compared to modern GDDR5 and GDDR6 offerings, its bandwidth is a limiting factor. For cost analysis, the primary appeal of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 lies in acquiring certified driver support for older CAD and DCC applications without the high cost of a new workstation card. It’s a solid choice if your software stack is period-correct and you need stability over raw speed. You're paying for reliability and professional features, not cutting-edge performance, making the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 a niche purchase.
In terms of market positioning, the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 was a high-end contender in the Tesla 2.0 architecture lineup, aimed squarely at demanding 3D modeling and design workloads. Its 150W TDP and PCIe 2.0 interface place it firmly in the era of multi-core CPU workstations that were becoming standard. The investment value today is highly dependent on your specific use case; it's not a card for gaming or modern real-time rendering. However, for keeping an older but capable workstation running with certified drivers for software like SolidWorks or CATIA, the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 delivers unparalleled value. It effectively bridges the gap between obsolete integrated graphics and the high cost of a full system upgrade. This makes it a strategic holdover for businesses extending the life of their existing hardware.
Pairing suggestions for the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 are straightforward: it demands a compatible system to avoid bottlenecks. A motherboard with a robust PCIe 2.0 x16 slot and a power supply with the necessary 6-pin connectors is essential. Ideally, you'd pair this card with a contemporary multi-core CPU like an Intel Core 2 Quad or an early-generation Xeon to maintain a balanced workflow. Its strengths are best leveraged in a dedicated workstation running a supported operating system like Windows 7 or a legacy Linux distribution. Don't expect this GPU to drive multiple 4K displays; it's designed for high-resolution single displays or dual monitors typical of its release period. Ultimately, building around the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 is about creating a period-accurate, stable platform for specialized professional software that doesn't benefit from newer architectures.
The AMD Equivalent of Quadro FX 4800
Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 480 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
Popular NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 Comparisons
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