The mid-range discrete graphics accelerator for mobile computers is the GeForce 820M. This video card was released in early 2014 and still continues to be relevant. The presence of such an accelerator allows you to run most toys on a laptop even now, but not with the maximum settings.
Adapter niche
To date, laptops, depending on the capabilities of the graphics subsystem, are divided as follows:
Entry-level mobile systems with a minimum level of performance, maximum autonomy and democratic value. Typically, such PCs use an integrated graphics card. In this case, the computer can only run the simplest and least demanding games.
Mid-range laptops are necessarily equipped with a discrete graphics subsystem, have reduced autonomy and a higher level of performance compared to entry-level mobile PCs. At the same time, the cost increases significantly. It is at the heart of such computing systems that the GeForce 820M lies.
The most productive laptops are equipped with high-performance graphics accelerators. At the same time, their cost increases significantly, but autonomy is minimal. The hardware parameters of such computing systems make it possible to solve any problems, including the most demanding toys of the latest generation.
Graphics Accelerator Specifications
GF117 is the code designation for the GPU installed in the GeForce 820M. Its characteristics indicate that it is based on an architecture codenamed Fermi. The semiconductor crystal itself is produced according to the standards of the 28-nm process technology. Such a discrete graphics system includes 96 shader modules , 16 TMU units, and only 4 ROP modules . The clock frequency of the video processor can vary in the range from 719 to 954 MHz, and the shader units, in turn, can operate from 1438 MHz to 1908 MHz. This video card implements NVidia's proprietary technology called GPU Boost, which allows you to change the frequency of the graphics chip depending on the degree of complexity of the task and the level of heating of the semiconductor chip. At the software level, technologies such as Direct X version 11.0 and OpenGL 4.5 are supported .
RAM subsystem
The basic configuration of this accelerator has 1 GB of RAM, and the more advanced version of the GeForce 820M - 2 GB. Again, the presence of a faster GDDR5 in this case is out of the question for the reason that this graphics chip is aimed at using DDR3. As a result, the RAM controller in this case has reduced frequencies. Theoretically, in conjunction with such a video chip, you can use GDDR5, but the increase in speed will be minimal. Anyway, the bandwidth of the memory subsystem will be limited by the maximum value at the DDR3 level. The video buffer bus width of this accelerator is 64 bits, and the memory frequency is 2000 MHz.
Thermal parameters
The thermal package in the GeForce 820M is 15 watts. Accordingly, this graphic accelerator does not need an active cooling system and additional power supply from the power supply. But most manufacturers still bundle such laptops with active cooling. This is done taking into account the fact that such video cards are often overclocked and, as a result, additional heat removal is necessary.
Analogs
It should be noted right away that in terms of speed, the NVidia GeForce 820M is superior in performance to any integrated graphics card from Intel. For example, the HD Graphics model 4400 is 2.5 times slower than the hero of this review. A slightly different situation with AMD products. Its hybrid processors are equipped with a powerful integrated graphics subsystem and the difference in this case is almost not felt. With discrete solutions from this manufacturer, the direct competitor is the Radeon model R7 M360. At a comparable cost level, this graphic solution has a slightly higher performance. In terms of performance, the R7 M360 and the GeForce 820M are equal. Their characteristics are very similar.
Graphics Card Reviews
Of course, at maximum settings, all the most demanding toys will not be pulled by the GeForce 820M. Reviews only confirm this. But do not forget that this is a mid-range solution. Therefore, its performance is at an average level, the price is higher in comparison with entry-level laptops, and autonomy is slightly worse. Such mobile personal computers perfectly combine acceptable performance and good autonomy. If you need autonomy, then we choose a less expensive laptop with an integrated graphics card, and if you need maximum performance, we buy a more expensive mobile computer with uncompromising speed.
Summary
The GeForce 820M is an excellent video adapter for mid-range laptops. On the one hand, they allow most toys to be launched, and on the other, they have good autonomy and a very affordable price. It is this combination that makes such PCs in this niche one of the best.