The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX is a top-of-the-line mobile gpu based on Nvidia’s Maxwell architecture. With 1024 cuda cores and GDDR5 memory, it provides excellent performance for gaming laptops. The 980MX has a base clock of 1038MHz and a boost clock of 1176MHz, allowing it to reach high frame rates in demanding games.
Compared to the GTX 980M, the 980MX offers around 10% better performance thanks to higher clock speeds and faster memory. It supports APIs like DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL for running the latest games. The 980MX is built on the 28nm process and has a TDP of 125W.
For resolutions up to 1080p, the GTX 980MX dominates with its 4GB VRAM and memory bandwidth of 160GB/s. It can run modern titles on high settings while maintaining 60+ fps. The 980MX uses advanced graphics technologies like MFAA, DSR, and Dynamic Super Resolution for enhanced image quality.
Overall, the GTX 980MX provides desktop-like performance in a mobile form factor. With features like G-SYNC, GPU Boost 2.0, PhysX, and GeForce Experience, it’s a powerful choice for high-end gaming laptops. If you want a mobile gpu that can handle the latest games on high settings, the GTX 980MX is a top contender.
GeForce GTX 980
The GeForce GTX 980 is Nvidia’s flagship graphics card based on the Maxwell architecture. With 2048 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 memory, it delivers smooth performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The GTX 980 has a base clock speed of 1126 MHz and can boost up to 1216 MHz which can be overclocked further.
For API support, the GTX 980 supports DirectX 12, Vulkan 1.0, OpenGL 4.5, and Nvidia technologies like G-Sync, GPU Boost 2.0, and MFAA antialiasing. It uses a 28nm manufacturing process and has a TDP of 165W. With its 7.1 billion transistors and 256-bit memory interface, the GTX 980 provides great performance per watt.
In benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike and Unigine Heaven, the GTX 980 ranks among the top GPUs. It can handle modern games like Battlefield V and Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 60+ fps on high settings at 1080p. The card is VR ready and capable of delivering smooth experiences in VR headsets.
Overall, the Maxwell-based GTX 980 stood out as a powerful graphics card in its time. With features like DSR, MFAA, VXGI, Dynamic Super Resolution, and support for up to four displays, it remains a competent GPU today for 1080p and 1440p gaming. For gamers looking for good value, the GTX 980 delivers great performance at reasonable prices on the used market.
Product Info
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX is a top-of-the-line mobile GPU with 1024 CUDA cores, 4GB GDDR5 VRAM, and core/boost clocks of 1038/1176 MHz. It uses a 28nm Maxwell architecture and has a TDP of 125W. The 980MX dominates 1080p gaming with its fast clock speeds and 160GB/s memory bandwidth.
History of the GTX 980MX: What to Know
The GeForce GTX 980MX was released by Nvidia in March 2015 as a high-end mobile graphics card for gaming laptops. Built on the 28nm Maxwell architecture, it succeeded the Kepler-based GTX 880M with improved performance and efficiency.
With 1024 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM, the GTX 980MX delivered up to 10% better frame rates than the GTX 980M in games and benchmarks. It had a base clock of 1038MHz and boost clock of 1176MHz. The 980MX dominated 1080p gaming with its fast 160GB/s memory bandwidth.
Overall, the Maxwell-based GTX 980MX stood out for bringing near desktop-level performance to notebooks. It remains a capable 1080p GPU today, though newer Pascal options have superseded it. The GTX 980MX marked an important milestone in Nvidia’s mobile graphics.
Can You Run the GTX 980MX in SLI?
The GTX 980MX supports Nvidia’s SLI technology which allows using two cards together for increased performance. SLI requires sufficient power delivery and cooling in a laptop chassis. The 980MX has a TDP of 125W so running two in SLI can consume over 250W under load. Only high-end gaming laptops like the MSI GT80 Titan SLI, Asus GX700VO, and Alienware 18 support dual 980MX cards in SLI config. With good cooling, 980MX SLI can achieve up to 90% scaling in games and benchmarks at 1080p for a major performance boost over a single GPU. But SLI is ultimately limited to niche large laptops due to thermal and power constraints.
TOP 6 Games With NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980MX
The GTX 980MX dominates 1080p gaming thanks to its fast GPU and memory speeds. Here are 6 of the best games to showcase its power:
- The Witcher 3 – With HairWorks off, averages 60fps on ultra settings.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider – Runs around 70fps on very high settings at 1080p.
- Battlefield 1 – Achieves 90fps on ultra preset at 1080p for smooth multiplayer.
- Doom – Pushes over 100fps on max settings for fast-paced demon-slaying action.
- GTA V – Runs at 80fps on very high settings at 1080p for excellent open-world gameplay.
- Far Cry Primal – Delivers over 60fps on ultra settings for immersive stone age adventuring.
The 980MX’s Maxwell architecture and 4GB VRAM let it power through the most demanding games at 1080p. It’s still a very capable mobile GPU for FHD gaming.
Alternatives For GeForce GTX 980MX
As a high-end Maxwell mobile GPU, the GTX 980MX has a few alternatives:
- GTX 980M – Around 10% slower but more widely available and affordable on used market.
- GTX 1060 – Faster Pascal card that supersedes 980MX. Better performance and efficiency.
- GTX 1070 Max-Q – Much faster but only in specialty thin gaming laptops.
- RTX 2060 – Newer Turing card with ray tracing and DLSS. Significantly more powerful.
- RX 580M – AMD’s competing GPU offers similar performance at lower cost.
Overall the GTX 980MX still stacks up well for 1080p gaming. But for those wanting newer features and more horsepower, the 1060, 1070, and RTX models are better options that have replaced the 980MX in modern laptops. The 980M remains a good value alternative.
Bottom line
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980MX remains one of the most powerful high-end mobile GPUs even several years after its release. With its Maxwell architecture, 1024 CUDA cores, and 4GB VRAM it dominates 1080p gaming, pushing over 60fps in demanding titles on high settings. The 980MX is VR-ready and capable of smooth experiences with headsets like the Oculus Rift. While newer Pascal and Turing options have superseded it, the 980MX still outperforms mid-range cards for FHD gaming. For those wanting good value from a used GPU, the 980MX is an excellent performer that holds up today. With its high clock speeds and excellent 1080p capabilities, it cemented its status as one of Nvidia’s best mobile graphics cards.
