Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX is a specialised mobile graphics chipset made by NVIDIA. The 980MX is less potent than the fully unlocked GeForce GTX 980 because it is a mobile chipset for laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices. This chipset might be ideal for upgrading an older laptop. However, those using desktop computers or more recent laptop models should pass.
Specs
Speed of Clock 1050 MHz
1178 MHz, Boost Clock
1500 MHz Memory Clock
6 GB/s effective speed
8 GB of memory size
GDDR5 memory type
RAM Bus 256 bits
Volume 192.0 GB/s
PCIe 3.0 bus interface, x16
1664 shading units
TMUs 104
ROPs 64
13 SMM Count
48 KB/SMM L1 Cache
2 MB L2 cache
X12 Direct
OpenGL 4.6
OpenCL 3.0
Vulkan 1.3
CUDA 5.2
6.4 Shader Model
MXM Slot Width Module
TDP 148 W
Architecture 2.0 Maxwell
28 mm Process Size
5,200 million transistors
389 mm2 Die Size
Production End-of-life
What to Know About the GTX 980MX’s History
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX GM204 graphics processor is the foundation for this chipset, which was first made available on June 1, 2016, using a 28-nanometer semiconductor manufacturing process. The N16E-GXX-A1 GPU for the 980MX has DirectX 12 functionality, enabling the chipset to run contemporary games effectively.
OpenGL 4.6, OpenCL 3.0, Vulkan 1.3, CUDA 5.2, and Shader Model 6.4 are compatible with the 980MX.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX does not need additional power connectors, unlike the fully unlocked GTX 980. However, since it was designed to be used in laptops and notebooks using the host computer’s output, its maximum power demand is rated at 148 W, and it lacks display connectivity.
The interface utilises to connect to the system is PCIe 3.0 x16. With a memory clock speed of 1500 MHz, it has a base clock speed of 1050 MHz and can be clocked up to 1178 MHz.
The GTX 980MX features a comfortable 8 GB of dedicated video memory and utilises GDDR5 VRAM. The chipset also has a 192.0 GB/s bandwidth and a 256-bit memory bus width.
The number of shading units in the chipset that have been unlocked is one of the biggest distinctions between the GTX 980MX and the GTX 980. The 980MX only has 1664 shaders available compared to the 980s 2048 when completely unlocked. However, it has 64 render output units and 104 texture mapping units. So losing those locked shader units isn’t a total loss. It was decided to close a fraction of shader units to assist the chipset in achieving its desired shader counts.
Can the GTX 980MX be used in SLI?
No. The GTX 980MX is an independent laptop chipset that does not support SLI. As a result, you cannot use this and another GTX 980MX simultaneously. You must buy a GTX 980M SLI card if you wish to use your graphics card in SLI. Two 980M chipsets are permanently locked into SLI with one another on this laptop chipset, enabling the chipset to execute SLI natively.
How Much Is the GTX 980MX Worth? Must I Purchase One?
We are unable to suggest purchasing a GTX 980MX at this time. The chipset is approaching the end of its useful life and will probably become obsolete within a few years. Additionally, more modern cards that receive firmware upgrades more frequently are priced similarly to the 980MX. Therefore, if you want to upgrade, one of those cards will probably benefit you in the long run.
The fact that the card has a mobile processor is another consideration. Because of their severe limitations, these chipsets cannot be used in desktop setups. Therefore, you’ll need a laptop that you can practically open, one with a non-proprietary motherboard that is compatible with the chipset, isn’t soldered with a GPU, and is otherwise GPU-free.
In other words, even if this were a powerful, recent card, it wouldn’t be useful to most modern computer builders. You most likely don’t even have a compatible PC unless you’re specifically upgrading a gaming laptop.
There are just newer, better mobile chipsets on the market, regardless of whether you are updating a gaming laptop. Therefore, there is no need to buy a chipset that will brick itself if a software update sneezes at it in three years.
Final Reflections
Although the Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX left its imprint on the laptop industry, it is now well past its prime. Therefore, it would be wiser for you to spend your money on a more recent card that will not expire. But that doesn’t mean we can’t admire the tenderness and care put into its construction. Like any engineering innovation, the 980MX’s improvements were essential to the architecture and layout of modern mobile chipsets.
Therefore, even if you don’t buy a 980MX, it continues to exist thanks to modern chipsets that take advantage of their predecessors’ technological advances.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX Worth Purchasing?
How good is the GTX 980MX card?
The GTX 980MX is a great card for what it is. But as newer, more effective cards take their place, it’s slowly becoming obsolete, just like with all technology.
Is NVIDIA RTX superior to GTX?
Compared to GTX cards, RTX cards are more recent and effective.
NVIDIA GeForce—is it suitable for gaming?
For gaming, NVIDIA GeForce GPUs are outstanding.
What is the price of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980MX?
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX cost of this card varies. On Newegg, you can get chipsets for as little as $500. However, because they are laptop cards that are frequently integrated into the motherboard, it isn’t easy to obtain these cards.
