GeForce GTX 280 vs GeForce MX230

When choosing between GeForce GTX 280 and GeForce MX230, it is worth examining the specifications of the models in detail. Do they meet the recommended requirements of modern games and software? Storage capacity, form factor, TDP, available ports, warranty and manufacturer support are all important. For example, the size of a PC case can limit the maximum thickness and length of the card. Often, instead of the factory overclocked card and RGB backlight, it is better to choose a reference model with a more efficient GPU. And make sure that your current power supply unit has the correct connection pins (using adapters is not recommended). This GPUs compare tool is meant to help you to choose the best graphics card for your build. Let's find out the difference between GeForce GTX 280 and GeForce MX230.

GeForce MX230 is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: GeForce MX230 is only used in laptop graphics. It has lower GPU clock speed compared to the desktop variant, which results in lower power consumption, but also 10-30% lower gaming performance. Check available laptop models with GeForce MX230 here:

Main Specs

  GeForce GTX 280 GeForce MX230
Power consumption (TDP) 236 Watt 10 Watt
Interface PCIe 2.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16
Supplementary power connectors 6-pin & 8-pin None
Memory type GDDR3 GDDR5
Maximum RAM amount 1 GB 4 GB
Display Connectors 2x DVI, 1x S-Video No outputs
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  • GeForce GTX 280 has 2260% more power consumption, than GeForce MX230.
  • GeForce GTX 280 is connected by PCIe 2.0 x16, and GeForce MX230 uses PCIe 3.0 x16 interface.
  • GeForce MX230 has 3 GB more memory, than GeForce GTX 280.
  • GeForce GTX 280 is used in Desktops, and GeForce MX230 - in Laptops.
  • GeForce GTX 280 is build with Tesla 2.0 architecture, and GeForce MX230 - with Pascal.
  • Core clock speed of GeForce MX230 is 223 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 280.
  • GeForce GTX 280 is manufactured by 65 nm process technology, and GeForce MX230 - by 14 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of GeForce MX230 is 5893 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 280.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 1−2 9−10
ultra / 1080p 0−1 5−6
QHD / 1440p 0−1 0−1
low / 720p 12−14 21−24
medium / 1080p 3−4 12−14
The average gaming FPS of GeForce MX230 in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 150% more, than GeForce GTX 280.

Full Specs

  GeForce GTX 280 GeForce MX230
Architecture Tesla 2.0 Pascal
Code name GT200 N17S-G0
Type Desktop Laptop
Release date 16 June 2008 20 February 2019
Pipelines 240 256
Core clock speed 1296 MHz 1519 MHz
Boost Clock 1531 MHz
Transistor count 1,400 million 1,800 million
Manufacturing process technology 65 nm 14 nm
Texture fill rate 48.2 billion/sec 25.31
Floating-point performance 622.1 gflops
Length 10.5" (267 mm) (26.7 cm)
Memory bus width 512 Bit 64 Bit
Memory clock speed 1107 MHz 7000 MHz
Memory bandwidth 141.7 GB/s 48.06 GB/s
Shared memory -
DirectX 11.1 (10_0) 12 (12_1)
Shader Model 4.0 6.4
OpenGL 2.1 4.6
OpenCL 1.1 1.2
Vulkan N/A 1.2.131
CUDA + +
CUDA cores 240
Height 4.376" (111 mm) (11.1 cm)
SLI options +
Multi monitor support +
Maximum VGA resolution 2048x1536
Audio input for HDMI S/PDIF
Laptop size medium sized
Optimus +
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