GeForce2 MX Chipset Technology

The GeForce2 MX (MX-stands for Multi-Transmitter) design is based on the same platform as the GeForce2 GTS, with certain refinements to allow for a mainstream and low cost solution for the consumer sector. It is based on the same Process Technology with .18 micron but with a slower core speed and some architectural differences.

We have compiled a table of the NVIDIA GeForce family features to allow for a clear and concise comparison, thus enabling you to select the correct solution according to your needs and pocket.

Core speed, Pipeline and fill rates

To evaluate the differences between the GeForce families of GPU's we need to begin with the original GeForce cards. The original GeForce was capable of four pixels per clock, but could only do four texels per clock. The GeForce 2 also has a quad-pixel engine, but is capable of processing two textures per pixel pipeline for 8 texels per clock. The GeForce 2 MX on the other hand only has a dual-pixel pipeline, but retains the GeForce 2's ability to process two textures per clock.

It may seems as though the MX should only be capable of handling half the pixel fill rate of the GeForce and GeForce 2? - No! Remember we also have to take into consideration that each GPU has a different clock speed. The original GeForce had a 120MHz clock, which translated into a 480 Mpixels/s fill rate (4 pixels per clock cycle x 120MHz) and a 480 Mtexels/s fill rate (4 texels per clock x 120MHz). The GeForce 2 has a 200MHz clock, which results in an 800 Mpixels/s fill rate (4 pixels per clock x 200MHz) and a 1.6 Gtexels/s fill rate (8 texels per clock x 200MHz). Although built on the same process technology (.18 micron) as the GeForce 2 GTS, the GeForce 2 MX supports a reduced core speed of 175MHz clock for fill rates of 350 Mpixels/s (2 pixels per clock x 175MHz) and 700 Mtexels/s (4 texels per clock x 175MHz). The MX GPU does however retain some of the quality features of the GeForce2 GTS such as NVIDIA hading Rasterizer (NSR) and High Definition Video Processor (HDVP) and 4X AGP. However, it should be noted that the GeForce2 MX HDVP is slightly less endowed than the same feature found on the GeForce2 GTS, failing to support some of the higher end formats.

Memory Bandwidth

This is without a doubt a limiting factor for the GeForce2 MX. The GeForce 2 GTS and GeForce support 128 bit DDR or SDR memory and the MX can only handle 64 bit DDR or 128 bit SDR SGRAM or SDRAM. This limitation can only be attributed to keeping the cost of the board to an acceptable level thus achieving its status of a low cost solution. Still on the positive side you may not require the extra memory bandwidth, but be warned this will affect you 3D performance if compared to the more powerful GeForce2 GTS GPU's.

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