Which Graphics Card: NVIDIA N16V-GMR1 vs. NVIDIA GeForce 940MX—An In-Depth Comparison

Introduction

When selecting a graphics card for your laptop or gaming machine, you often face the challenge of choosing between different models. This article compares the NVIDIA N16V-GMR1, commonly referred to as the 920MX, with the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX. Both GPUs are known for their performance levels and are often utilized in gaming setups, but they fall short in providing modern gaming experiences. We will delve into the specifications, performance, and suitability of each card to help you make an informed decision.

NVIDIA N16V-GMR1 (920MX) vs. NVIDIA GeForce 940MX

The NVIDIA N16V-GMR1 is a code name for the NVIDIA GeForce 920MX. Although it is 20-30% slower than the 940MX, both GPUs are insufficient for modern gaming. This section will break down the performance and capabilities of each card, ultimately identifying which one comes close to offering better performance.

Specifications

The NVIDIA 920MX and 940MX share several commonalities, including their Placever classification and Integrated GPU (iGPU). However, the 940MX is approximately 25% faster than the 920MX, making it a significantly better choice for gaming and other demanding tasks.

Performance Summary

While neither the 920MX nor the 940MX are capable of providing modern gaming performance, they do manage to offer a level of performance that, when gameplay settings are reduced, is still barely acceptable for some games. For example, games such as Watch Dogs 2, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Wolfenstein 2, and Mafia 3 can be run on low graphics settings, but the experience will likely be compromised due to the limited hardware resources.

Alternative Recommendations

Given the limitations of the 920MX and 940MX, it is often recommended that users consider step-up GPUs in the GTX class or to await the release of laptops featuring the NVIDIA MX150. The MX150, being the laptop version of the desktop GT 1030, offers a slightly higher clock speed and is capable of running most games at 1080p with decent visuals, albeit still suffering slightly due to the hardware constraints.

Conclusion

In summary, while both the NVIDIA N16V-GMR1 (920MX) and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX offer some level of performance that can be acceptable, the 940MX is significantly better suited for gaming. However, gamers looking for a more future-proof solution should consider the NVIDIA GTX series or await the release of laptops with the NVIDIA MX150, which will provide better gaming experiences without compromising on visuals.

Key Takeaways

NVIDIA 920MX (N16V-GMR1) is 20-30% slower than NVIDIA 940MX. Both cards are insufficient for modern gaming and require lower graphics settings for most games. NVIDIA MX150 is the recommended alternative, offering a better balance between performance and visuals.