The Nvidia MX130 is a popular graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops and low-power devices. It’s a part of Nvidia’s GeForce MX series, which aims to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. But the question remains: is the Nvidia MX130 good for gaming? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the MX130’s performance, features, and limitations to help you decide if it’s the right GPU for your gaming needs.
Understanding The Nvidia MX130
The Nvidia MX130 is a Pascal-based GPU, which was launched in 2017. It’s a relatively old architecture, but it still provides decent performance for entry-level gaming and general computing tasks. The MX130 is based on the GP108 chip, which features 384 CUDA cores, 24 texture units, and 8 ROPs (render outputs). It has a base clock speed of 1122 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1242 MHz.
Memory And Bandwidth
The Nvidia MX130 comes with 2 GB or 4 GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the variant. The memory bandwidth is 64 GB/s, which is relatively low compared to modern GPUs. However, the MX130’s memory bandwidth is sufficient for entry-level gaming and general computing tasks.
Power Consumption
One of the key advantages of the Nvidia MX130 is its low power consumption. It has a TDP (thermal design power) of 25W, which makes it suitable for thin and light laptops. The low power consumption also means that the MX130 generates less heat, which is beneficial for laptops with limited cooling systems.
Gaming Performance
The Nvidia MX130 is capable of running modern games at low to medium settings. However, the performance may vary depending on the game’s optimization, resolution, and graphics quality. Here are some examples of games that can be played on the Nvidia MX130:
- Fortnite: 30-40 FPS at 1080p, low settings
- League of Legends: 40-50 FPS at 1080p, medium settings
- Overwatch: 30-40 FPS at 1080p, low settings
- Dota 2: 40-50 FPS at 1080p, medium settings
As you can see, the Nvidia MX130 can handle popular esports games at decent frame rates. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like AAA titles or games with high graphics requirements.
Limitations
While the Nvidia MX130 is a capable GPU for entry-level gaming, it has some limitations. Here are some of the key limitations:
- Low memory bandwidth: The MX130’s memory bandwidth is relatively low, which can limit its performance in games that require high memory bandwidth.
- Limited CUDA cores: The MX130 has 384 CUDA cores, which is relatively low compared to modern GPUs.
- Old architecture: The MX130 is based on the Pascal architecture, which is relatively old compared to modern architectures like Turing or Ampere.
Alternatives To Nvidia MX130
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Nvidia MX130, here are some options:
- Nvidia GeForce MX250: The MX250 is a more powerful version of the MX130, with 384 CUDA cores and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory.
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650: The GTX 1650 is a more powerful GPU than the MX130, with 1280 CUDA cores and 4 GB of GDDR6 memory.
- AMD Radeon RX 550X: The RX 550X is a competitor to the Nvidia MX130, with 512 stream processors and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nvidia MX130 is a capable GPU for entry-level gaming and general computing tasks. While it has some limitations, it provides decent performance for popular esports games and can handle modern games at low to medium settings. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly GPU for gaming, the Nvidia MX130 is a good option. However, if you’re looking for more powerful performance, you may want to consider alternatives like the Nvidia GeForce MX250 or GTX 1650.
| GPU | CUDA Cores | Memory | Memory Bandwidth | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia MX130 | 384 | 2 GB or 4 GB GDDR5 | 64 GB/s | 25W |
| Nvidia GeForce MX250 | 384 | 4 GB GDDR5 | 64 GB/s | 25W |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | 1280 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 128 GB/s | 50W |
| AMD Radeon RX 550X | 512 | 4 GB GDDR5 | 128 GB/s | 50W |
What Is The Nvidia MX130 And How Does It Compare To Other Graphics Cards?
The Nvidia MX130 is a low-power, entry-level graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops and other mobile devices. It is based on the Pascal architecture and is intended to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. Compared to other graphics cards, the MX130 is positioned below the GTX 1050 and above the Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.
In terms of performance, the MX130 is capable of handling casual gaming, video playback, and general graphics tasks, but it may struggle with more demanding games and applications. It has 384 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a memory bandwidth of 64 GB/s. While it is not as powerful as more expensive graphics cards, the MX130 is a good option for those who want a dedicated GPU without breaking the bank.
Is The Nvidia MX130 Good For Gaming?
The Nvidia MX130 can handle casual gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the game and settings. It can run less demanding games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at medium to high settings, but may struggle with more demanding games like Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
For more demanding games, the MX130 may require lower settings to achieve smooth performance. However, it is still a good option for those who want to play games on their laptop without spending a lot of money on a high-end GPU. Additionally, the MX130 supports Nvidia’s GeForce Experience software, which can help optimize game performance and provide additional features like screen recording and live streaming.
What Are The System Requirements For The Nvidia MX130?
The Nvidia MX130 is a laptop GPU, so it does not have specific system requirements like a desktop GPU would. However, it is typically paired with Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, 4-8 GB of RAM, and a 256-512 GB solid-state drive (SSD). The MX130 also requires a laptop with a compatible motherboard and power supply.
In terms of operating system, the MX130 supports Windows 10 and Linux. It also requires a minimum of 10 watts of power to operate, which is relatively low compared to more powerful GPUs. Overall, the MX130 is designed to be a low-power, efficient GPU that can be used in a variety of laptop configurations.
How Does The Nvidia MX130 Compare To The Intel Iris Xe Integrated Graphics?
The Nvidia MX130 is a dedicated GPU, while the Intel Iris Xe is an integrated GPU (iGPU) that is built into the processor. The MX130 has more CUDA cores (384 vs 80), higher clock speeds (1.2 GHz vs 1.1 GHz), and more memory bandwidth (64 GB/s vs 32 GB/s) than the Iris Xe.
In terms of performance, the MX130 is generally faster than the Iris Xe, especially in games and graphics-intensive applications. However, the Iris Xe is still a good option for general computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and video playback. The MX130 is a better choice for those who want to play games or use graphics-intensive applications, while the Iris Xe is a better choice for those who want a low-power, efficient iGPU.
Can The Nvidia MX130 Be Used For Video Editing And Other Creative Applications?
The Nvidia MX130 can be used for video editing and other creative applications, but its performance may vary depending on the specific application and settings. It supports Nvidia’s CUDA and OpenCL APIs, which can accelerate tasks like video encoding, color correction, and 3D modeling.
However, the MX130 may not be the best choice for more demanding creative applications like 4K video editing, 3D modeling, and graphics design. For these types of applications, a more powerful GPU like the Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 560X may be a better choice. Additionally, the MX130 may not support all of the features and effects available in more powerful GPUs.
Is The Nvidia MX130 Compatible With All Laptops?
The Nvidia MX130 is a laptop GPU, so it is only compatible with laptops that have a compatible motherboard and power supply. It is typically used in budget-friendly laptops that are designed for general computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and video playback.
The MX130 is not compatible with desktop computers, and it cannot be used as a standalone GPU. It is also not compatible with all laptops, so it’s essential to check the specifications of a laptop before purchasing to ensure that it has an MX130 GPU.
What Is The Power Consumption Of The Nvidia MX130?
The Nvidia MX130 has a relatively low power consumption of 10 watts, which is lower than more powerful GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti (60 watts) and AMD Radeon RX 560X (60 watts). This makes it a good option for laptops that need to balance performance and battery life.
The low power consumption of the MX130 also means that it produces less heat, which can help to improve the overall reliability and lifespan of the GPU. Additionally, the MX130 supports Nvidia’s Optimus technology, which can dynamically switch between the integrated GPU and the MX130 to conserve power and extend battery life.