GEFORCE

NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

1 GB
VRAM
MHz Boost
104W
TDP
256
Bus Width

NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI Specifications

⚙️

Quadro FX 5500 SDI GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI 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.

TMUs
24
ROPs
16
⏱️

Quadro FX 5500 SDI Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the Quadro FX 5500 SDI'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 5500 SDI by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
650 MHz
Memory Clock
505 MHz 1010 Mbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's Quadro FX 5500 SDI Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Quadro FX 5500 SDI'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
1024 MB
VRAM
1,024 MB
Memory Type
GDDR3
VRAM Type
GDDR3
Memory Bus
256 bit
Bus Width
256-bit
Bandwidth
32.32 GB/s
📈

Quadro FX 5500 SDI Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI 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.

Pixel Rate
10.40 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
15.60 GTexel/s
🏗️

Curie Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI is built on NVIDIA's Curie 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 5500 SDI will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Curie
GPU Name
G71
Process Node
90 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
278 million
Die Size
196 mm²
Density
1.4M / mm²
🔌

NVIDIA's Quadro FX 5500 SDI Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI 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 5500 SDI to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
104 W
TDP
104W
Power Connectors
1x 6-pin
Suggested PSU
300 W
📐

Quadro FX 5500 SDI by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI 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
Triple-slot
Length
229 mm 9 inches
Height
111 mm 4.4 inches
Bus Interface
PCIe 1.0 x16
Display Outputs
3x DVI1x S-Video
Display Outputs
3x DVI1x S-Video
🎮

NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI. 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
9.0c (9_3)
DirectX
9.0c (9_3)
OpenGL
2.1.2 (full) 3.x (partial)
OpenGL
2.1.2 (full) 3.x (partial)
Shader Model
3.0
📦

Quadro FX 5500 SDI Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI 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 5500 SDI 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
Apr 2006
Launch Price
6,999 USD
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
Quadro FX Rankine
Successor
Quadro FX Tesla

Quadro FX 5500 SDI Benchmark Scores

📊

No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI

When evaluating the professional graphics landscape of its era, the NVIDIA NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI presented a formidable yet premium proposition. Its staggering launch price of $6,999 immediately places it in the ultra-high-end workstation segment, targeting studios where broadcast-quality output was non-negotiable. The integrated SDI (Serial Digital Interface) was the key differentiator, allowing direct connection to broadcast video equipment, a niche but critical feature. For professionals in video post-production and real-time broadcast graphics, this card was less about raw polygon crunching and more about a certified, reliable pipeline. Therefore, analyzing its price-to-performance requires a lens focused on workflow integration rather than generic rendering speed. The NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI solved specific, expensive problems for a select audience willing to pay for that specialized solution.

Positioning within its segment reveals the NVIDIA NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI as a purpose-built tool rather than a general-purpose compute card. It shared its core Curie architecture with contemporary GeForce cards but was meticulously optimized for professional application stability and precision. With 1GB of GDDR3 memory, it was well-equipped for handling complex frames and high-resolution video buffers required in its target fields. The 90nm process and 104W TDP, while significant for 2006, demanded a robust, professionally built workstation with ample cooling and power. System integrators offering solutions for broadcast bays would have considered this card a flagship component for their most demanding clients. Its value was intrinsically tied to enabling workflows that cheaper alternatives simply could not touch.

Considering future-proofing in a rapidly evolving tech landscape is always challenging, but the Quadro FX 5500 SDI offered longevity through its specialized I/O. While its core graphical capabilities for 3D rendering were inevitably surpassed, the SDI output remained a relevant professional interface for years following its release. A studio could build a reliable video output station around this card, knowing the signal integrity met broadcast standards. However, the PCIe 1.0 interface and memory technology would eventually become bottlenecks for newer, more complex software. Investment protection came from its ability to reliably perform its specific task over a long service life in a stable production environment. For its intended use, it was a durable workhorse designed for professional endurance.

For system builders, integrating this powerhouse required careful planning to ensure optimal performance and stability. Key considerations included:

  1. A robust power supply unit capable of handling the 104W TDP alongside other high-end workstation components.
  2. A chassis with excellent airflow to manage heat output from the 90nm GPU under sustained professional loads.
  3. A compatible motherboard with a PCIe x16 slot, ensuring proper electrical support for the PCIe 1.0 interface.
  4. Professional-grade drivers and certified applications to fully leverage the card's stability and SDI features.

Ultimately, the NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 SDI was a benchmark in its own right for broadcast video workflows, defining a tier of visual fidelity and reliability. Its legacy is that of a specialized instrument that empowered creators in television and film to push the boundaries of live and post-produced video.

The AMD Equivalent of Quadro FX 5500 SDI

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 FX 5500 SDI Comparisons

See how the Quadro FX 5500 SDI stacks up against similar graphics cards from the same generation and competing brands.

Compare Quadro FX 5500 SDI with Other GPUs

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

Browse GPUs