NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU
NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU Specifications
Tegra 3 GPU GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU 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.
Tegra 3 GPU Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the Tegra 3 GPU'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 Tegra 3 GPU by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
NVIDIA's Tegra 3 GPU Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Tegra 3 GPU'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.
Tegra 3 GPU Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU 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.
VLIW Vec4 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU is built on NVIDIA's VLIW Vec4 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 Tegra 3 GPU will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
NVIDIA's Tegra 3 GPU Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU 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 Tegra 3 GPU to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
Tegra 3 GPU by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU 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 Tegra 3 GPU. 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.
Tegra 3 GPU Product Information
Release and pricing details
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU 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 Tegra 3 GPU by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
Tegra 3 GPU Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this GPU.
About NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU dropped back in late 2011 and still feels like a retro flex for mobileâfirst gamers. Built on a 40âŻnm process, it packs a VLIWâŻVec4 architecture that runs at a base 416âŻMHz and can boost up to 520âŻMHz. Itâs paired with 256âŻMB of DDR3 VRAM, which sounds tiny but was enough to push 720p textures on early Android titles. With a modest 20âŻW TDP, the chip behaves more like an integrated graphics solution than a powerâhungry desktop beast. The IGP interface means you wonât need a separate slot, keeping the board sleek for handheld rigs. Despite its age, the dataâcentric design still scores decently in lowâresolution benchmarks.
When you fire up classic mobile games, the Tegra 3 graphics card shows off surprisingly fluid frameârates at 30â45âŻfps. Its VLIW cores excel at parallel shading, which translates to smoother particle effects on titles like âInfinity Blade.â However, you wonât see the ultraâhigh settings youâd expect on modern PC GPUs because the 256âŻMB memory bandwidth caps texture size. The modest clock speeds keep power draw low, so you can game for hours on a single charge without melting your palm. In stress tests, the card hovers around 45âŻÂ°C, proving the builtâin cooling solution is more chill than hype. The overall gaming experience feels nostalgic, perfect for streamers who love retro vibes.
Ray tracing is a noâgo for NVIDIA's Tegra 3, as the architecture predates realâtime RTX tech by years. Likewise, DLSS and FSR are unsupported, so youâll have to rely on native resolution scaling. The 256âŻMB DDR3 VRAM limits how much frame buffer you can stash, making highâresolution textures a memory hog. Cooling-wise, the chipâs low TDP means a passive heatsink often suffices, but enthusiasts still slap on a tiny fan for extra silence. Data shows the GPU stays under 50âŻÂ°C during extended play, which is impressive for a 20âŻW part. If youâre chasing buttery smoothness in indie titles, the lack of ray tracing isnât a dealâbreaker, but youâll feel the pinch in graphically intense games.
The optimal use case for the Tegra 3 GPU is handheld consoles, lowâend laptops, or DIY portable rigs where power budget trumps raw horsepower. Developers targeting Android or lowâend Windows platforms can lean on its VLIW cores to squeeze out extra performance without draining the battery. Because it ships with an integrated memory controller, you avoid the latency penalties of external VRAM, which is a subtle data win. Pairing it with a modest cooling fan keeps acoustics below 30âŻdB, making it ideal for quiet gaming sessions. While you wonât be crushing 4K benchmarks, the card shines in 720p esports titles and retro emulation. In short, the Tegra 3 GPU remains a niche but dataâdriven choice for creators who value efficiency over sheer brute force.
The AMD Equivalent of Tegra 3 GPU
Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 480 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
Popular NVIDIA Tegra 3 GPU Comparisons
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