When it comes to budget gaming laptops, two graphics processing units (GPUs) often come to mind: the 940MX and the MX150. Both are popular choices among gamers and laptop manufacturers, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each GPU, comparing their performance, power consumption, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX: A Budget Powerhouse
The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX is a popular mid-range GPU that’s been a staple in budget gaming laptops for years. It’s based on the Maxwell architecture, which was introduced in 2014, but still holds its own today. The 940MX is built on a 28nm process and features 384 CUDA cores, 24 ROPs, and 32 texture units. It has a base clock speed of 795 MHz and can boost up to 939 MHz.
Performance: A Balance Of Power And Efficiency
The 940MX is designed to provide a balance of performance and power efficiency. It’s capable of handling modern games at medium to high settings, but it’s not meant for 4K gaming or extreme graphics settings. In terms of performance, the 940MX is roughly equivalent to the GTX 950M, but with lower power consumption.
Benchmarks: A Look at Real-World Performance
In terms of real-world performance, the 940MX fares well in popular games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch. Here are some benchmarks to give you an idea of its performance:
| Game | Resolution | FPS |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p, Medium | 45-50 |
| League of Legends | 1080p, High | 60-70 |
| Overwatch | 1080p, Medium | 40-50 |
As you can see, the 940MX can handle modern games at medium to high settings, but it’s not meant for extreme graphics or 4K resolutions.
The NVIDIA GeForce MX150: A Pascal-Based Upgrade
The NVIDIA GeForce MX150 is a more recent GPU, based on the Pascal architecture, which was introduced in 2016. It’s built on a 16nm process and features 384 CUDA cores, 24 ROPs, and 32 texture units. The MX150 has a base clock speed of 937 MHz and can boost up to 1038 MHz.
Performance: A Significant Upgrade Over The 940MX
The MX150 is a significant upgrade over the 940MX, offering better performance and power efficiency. It’s capable of handling more demanding games at higher resolutions and graphics settings. The MX150 is roughly equivalent to the GTX 960M, but with lower power consumption.
Benchmarks: A Look at Real-World Performance
In terms of real-world performance, the MX150 fares well in popular games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch. Here are some benchmarks to give you an idea of its performance:
| Game | Resolution | FPS |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p, High | 55-60 |
| League of Legends | 1080p, Very High | 70-80 |
| Overwatch | 1080p, High | 50-60 |
As you can see, the MX150 offers better performance than the 940MX, handling more demanding games at higher resolutions and graphics settings.
Power Consumption: A Key Differentiator
One of the key differences between the 940MX and MX150 is power consumption. The 940MX has a TDP of 30W, while the MX150 has a TDP of 25W. This means that the MX150 is more power-efficient, which is important for laptop manufacturers trying to achieve longer battery life.
What Does This Mean For Laptop Manufacturers?
For laptop manufacturers, the lower power consumption of the MX150 means they can build thinner and lighter laptops with longer battery life. This is especially important for ultrabooks and other slim laptops that prioritize portability over raw power.
Which One Is Better: 940MX Or MX150?
So, which GPU is better: the 940MX or MX150? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a balance of performance and power efficiency, the 940MX is still a great choice. However, if you want better performance and are willing to pay a slight premium, the MX150 is the better option.
940MX is Better for:
- Those on a tight budget
- Those who prioritize power efficiency over raw performance
- Those who play less demanding games
MX150 is Better for:
- Those who want better performance
- Those who play more demanding games
- Those who prioritize portability and longer battery life
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 940MX and MX150 are great budget GPUs, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The 940MX offers a balance of performance and power efficiency, while the MX150 provides better performance and power efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your specific needs and budget.
What Is The Main Difference Between The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX And MX150?
The main difference between the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX and MX150 is the architecture and performance. The 940MX is based on the older Maxwell architecture, while the MX150 is based on the newer Pascal architecture. This means that the MX150 has improved performance, power efficiency, and features compared to the 940MX.
The MX150 also has a higher clock speed and more CUDA cores than the 940MX, which results in better performance in games and graphics-intensive applications. Additionally, the MX150 supports newer technologies such as NVIDIA Optimus, which allows for more power-efficient performance and longer battery life.
Is The 940MX Still A Good Option For Budget-conscious Buyers?
Yes, the 940MX is still a good option for budget-conscious buyers who want a dedicated graphics card without breaking the bank. The 940MX is an older graphics card, but it still provides decent performance for casual gaming and general use. It’s also widely available and can be found in many budget laptops.
However, it’s worth noting that the 940MX is an older graphics card, and its performance may not be as good as newer graphics cards like the MX150. Additionally, the 940MX may not support newer features and technologies, which may be important for some users.
How Does The MX150 Compare To Other Budget GPUs?
The MX150 is a mid-range budget GPU that offers better performance than the 940MX but may not be as powerful as other budget GPUs like the GTX 1050. The MX150 is designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it a good option for thin and light laptops.
Compared to other budget GPUs, the MX150 offers competitive performance and features, including support for NVIDIA Optimus and DirectX 12. However, the MX150 may not be as powerful as other budget GPUs like the GTX 1050, which is a more powerful GPU designed for gaming.
Can The 940MX Handle Modern Games?
The 940MX can handle some modern games, but its performance may vary depending on the game and settings. The 940MX is an older graphics card, and it may not be able to handle the latest games at high settings. However, it can still provide playable performance at lower settings.
For example, the 940MX can handle games like League of Legends and Overwatch at medium to high settings, but it may struggle with more demanding games like Fortnite and PUBG. Additionally, the 940MX may not support newer graphics features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
Is The MX150 Worth The Extra Cost?
The MX150 is worth the extra cost if you’re looking for better performance and features compared to the 940MX. The MX150 offers improved performance, power efficiency, and features like NVIDIA Optimus, which can provide longer battery life.
However, if you’re on a tight budget and just need a dedicated graphics card for casual use, the 940MX may be a more affordable option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and budget. If you want better performance and features, the MX150 is worth the extra cost.
Can The MX150 Be Overclocked?
Yes, the MX150 can be overclocked to improve its performance. Overclocking involves increasing the clock speed of the GPU to get more performance. However, overclocking can also increase power consumption and heat generation.
It’s worth noting that overclocking may void the warranty of your laptop, and it requires some technical knowledge and expertise. Additionally, overclocking may not be possible on all laptops, and it may depend on the laptop manufacturer’s policies and settings.
Are There Any Other Budget GPU Options Available?
Yes, there are other budget GPU options available, including the AMD Radeon RX 550 and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050. These GPUs offer competitive performance and features, and they may be worth considering depending on your needs and budget.
It’s worth noting that the best GPU for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You should consider factors like performance, power efficiency, and features when choosing a budget GPU. Additionally, you should also consider the laptop’s overall specifications, including the CPU, RAM, and storage.