The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is a popular mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops and mobile devices. Released in 2016, it has been widely used in various applications, including gaming, video editing, and graphics design. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 940MX, exploring its performance, features, and limitations.
Architecture and Specifications
The GeForce 940MX is based on the Maxwell architecture, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor, Kepler. The Maxwell architecture introduced several new features, including improved power efficiency, increased performance, and enhanced graphics capabilities.
Here are the key specifications of the GeForce 940MX:
- CUDA Cores: 384
- Base Clock Speed: 1122 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1242 MHz
- Memory: 2 GB DDR3 or 4 GB DDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 16 GB/s (DDR3) or 32 GB/s (DDR5)
- Power Consumption: 30W
Performance Comparison
To evaluate the performance of the GeForce 940MX, we will compare it to other mid-range GPUs in its class. Here is a comparison of the 940MX with the AMD Radeon R7 M360 and the NVIDIA GeForce 930MX:
| GPU | CUDA Cores | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | Memory | Memory Bandwidth |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| GeForce 940MX | 384 | 1122 MHz | 1242 MHz | 2 GB DDR3 or 4 GB DDR5 | 16 GB/s (DDR3) or 32 GB/s (DDR5) |
| Radeon R7 M360 | 384 | 1125 MHz | 1200 MHz | 2 GB DDR3 or 4 GB DDR5 | 16 GB/s (DDR3) or 32 GB/s (DDR5) |
| GeForce 930MX | 256 | 928 MHz | 1020 MHz | 2 GB DDR3 | 16 GB/s |
As we can see, the GeForce 940MX has a higher CUDA core count and boost clock speed compared to the GeForce 930MX. However, the Radeon R7 M360 has a slightly higher base clock speed.
Gaming Performance
The GeForce 940MX is capable of handling modern games at medium to high settings, depending on the resolution and graphics quality. Here are some gaming benchmarks for the 940MX:
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: 30 FPS (1080p, medium settings)
- The Witcher 3: 40 FPS (1080p, medium settings)
- Fortnite: 60 FPS (1080p, high settings)
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds: 40 FPS (1080p, medium settings)
As we can see, the GeForce 940MX can handle modern games at medium to high settings, but it may struggle with more demanding titles or higher resolutions.
Graphics Quality and Settings
The GeForce 940MX supports a range of graphics quality settings, including:
- Resolution: Up to 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 144 Hz
- Anti-Aliasing: Up to 8x MSAA
- Texture Filtering: Up to 16x anisotropic filtering
However, the 940MX may not be able to handle the highest graphics quality settings, especially at higher resolutions.
Video Editing and Graphics Design
The GeForce 940MX is also capable of handling video editing and graphics design tasks, thanks to its CUDA cores and Maxwell architecture. Here are some benchmarks for video editing and graphics design:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: 10 minutes to render a 4K video (10 minutes)
- Adobe Photoshop: 5 minutes to render a 4K image (5 minutes)
- Blender: 10 minutes to render a 3D scene (10 minutes)
As we can see, the GeForce 940MX can handle video editing and graphics design tasks, but it may not be as fast as more powerful GPUs.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
The GeForce 940MX has a power consumption of 30W, which is relatively low compared to other mid-range GPUs. However, it may still generate some heat, especially during intense gaming or video editing sessions.
- Idle Temperature: 40°C
- Load Temperature: 70°C
- Max Temperature: 90°C
As we can see, the GeForce 940MX can get hot during intense usage, but it should not exceed the maximum temperature of 90°C.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is a mid-range GPU that offers good performance for gaming, video editing, and graphics design. While it may not be as powerful as more expensive GPUs, it is a good option for those on a budget or with limited power consumption requirements.
- Pros:
- Good performance for gaming and video editing
- Low power consumption
- Affordable price
- Cons:
- Limited graphics quality settings
- May struggle with more demanding titles or higher resolutions
- Generates some heat during intense usage
Overall, the GeForce 940MX is a good option for those looking for a mid-range GPU that offers good performance and low power consumption. However, it may not be the best option for those who require more powerful graphics capabilities or higher graphics quality settings.
What is the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, and how does it compare to other graphics cards in its class?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is a mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops and low-power desktop computers. It is part of the GeForce 900M series and is based on the Maxwell architecture. Compared to other graphics cards in its class, the GeForce 940MX offers a balance of performance and power efficiency, making it a popular choice for users who want to play games and run graphics-intensive applications without breaking the bank.
In terms of performance, the GeForce 940MX is generally on par with other mid-range GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA. However, it has some advantages, such as lower power consumption and a more compact design, which makes it ideal for thin and light laptops. Additionally, the GeForce 940MX supports advanced technologies like DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like PhysX and CUDA.
What are the key features and specifications of the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX has a number of key features and specifications that make it a capable graphics processing unit. It has 384 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1122 MHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 1242 MHz. It also has 2 GB or 4 GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the configuration, and a 64-bit memory bus. Additionally, the GeForce 940MX supports up to 4K resolution at 30 Hz, and it has a maximum power consumption of 25 watts.
In terms of display outputs, the GeForce 940MX has a variety of options, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, and VGA. It also supports NVIDIA’s Optimus technology, which allows it to switch between the integrated GPU and the dedicated GPU to conserve power. Furthermore, the GeForce 940MX has a range of advanced technologies, including NVIDIA’s GPU Boost 2.0, which allows it to dynamically adjust its clock speed to optimize performance.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX perform in games and graphics-intensive applications?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is capable of playing modern games at medium to high settings, depending on the resolution and detail level. In games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch, the GeForce 940MX can deliver frame rates of over 60 FPS at 1080p resolution. However, in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the frame rates may drop to around 30-40 FPS at 1080p resolution.
In terms of graphics-intensive applications, the GeForce 940MX can handle tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations with ease. It also supports NVIDIA’s CUDA technology, which allows it to accelerate certain tasks like video encoding and decoding. However, the GeForce 940MX may not be the best choice for professional applications that require high-end graphics processing, such as 4K video editing or complex 3D modeling.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX compatible with my laptop or desktop computer?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is a laptop GPU, but it can also be used in desktop computers with a compatible motherboard. To check compatibility, you need to ensure that your laptop or desktop computer has a compatible processor, motherboard, and power supply. The GeForce 940MX requires a minimum of 25 watts of power, so you need to ensure that your power supply can deliver enough power to the GPU.
In terms of specific compatibility, the GeForce 940MX is compatible with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, as well as AMD Ryzen 3, 5, and 7 processors. It also requires a motherboard with a compatible chipset, such as the Intel HM170 or the AMD A68H. Additionally, you need to ensure that your laptop or desktop computer has a compatible display output, such as HDMI or DisplayPort.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX compare to the GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is generally less powerful than the GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M, which are higher-end GPUs in the same series. The GeForce GTX 950M has 640 CUDA cores, while the GeForce GTX 960M has 640 CUDA cores, compared to the 384 CUDA cores in the GeForce 940MX. Additionally, the GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M have higher clock speeds and more memory bandwidth than the GeForce 940MX.
However, the GeForce 940MX has some advantages over the GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M, such as lower power consumption and a more compact design. The GeForce 940MX also has a lower price point than the GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M, making it a more affordable option for users who want a mid-range GPU. Overall, the GeForce 940MX is a good choice for users who want a balance of performance and power efficiency.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s GPU to the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX?
Upgrading a laptop’s GPU can be challenging, and it’s not always possible to upgrade to the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX. The GeForce 940MX is a soldered GPU, which means it’s permanently attached to the motherboard. To upgrade to the GeForce 940MX, you would need to replace the entire motherboard, which can be expensive and complicated.
However, if you have a laptop with a removable GPU, you may be able to upgrade to the GeForce 940MX. You would need to ensure that the new GPU is compatible with your laptop’s motherboard and power supply, and you would need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for upgrading the GPU. Additionally, you may need to update your laptop’s BIOS and drivers to support the new GPU.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX?
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX has several advantages, including its balance of performance and power efficiency, its compact design, and its affordable price point. It’s also a good choice for users who want to play games and run graphics-intensive applications without breaking the bank. Additionally, the GeForce 940MX supports advanced technologies like DirectX 12 and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like PhysX and CUDA.
However, the GeForce 940MX also has some disadvantages, including its limited performance compared to higher-end GPUs, its limited memory bandwidth, and its limited display output options. Additionally, the GeForce 940MX may not be the best choice for professional applications that require high-end graphics processing, such as 4K video editing or complex 3D modeling. Overall, the GeForce 940MX is a good choice for users who want a mid-range GPU with a balance of performance and power efficiency.