GeForce 256 DDR

GeForce 256 DDR is the more bandwidth-rich GeForce 256 variant and a stronger collector target.

Celsius GeForce 256 Series Desktop DDR 1999 NVIDIA

Key Metrics

Launch Date: 1999-12-20
Memory: 32 MB DDR
Memory Bandwidth: 4.8 GB/s
Interface: AGP 4x
Process Node: TSMC 220 nm
Bus Width: 128-bit

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GPU Specs

Identity
Entry Type	Reference GPU
Official Name	NVIDIA GeForce 256 DDR
GPU Codename	NV10
Architecture	Celsius
Launch Date	1999-12-20
Market Segment Notes	Desktop in GeForce 256 Series
Core Specs
GPU Die	NV10
Process Node	TSMC 220 nm
Transistor Count	0.02 billion
Die Size	139 mm²
CUDA Cores	Not applicable
SM Count	Not applicable
TMUs	4
ROPs	4
Base Clock	120 MHz
Boost Clock	120 MHz
Pixel Fillrate	0.48 GP/s
Texture Fillrate	0.48 GT/s
Memory
Memory Size	32 MB
Memory Type	DDR
Memory Bus Width	128-bit
Memory Clock	150 MHz
Memory Bandwidth	4.8 GB/s
Board and Display
Recommended PSU	200 W
Power Connectors	None
Interface	AGP 4x
Display Outputs	1x VGA
Slot Width	Single-slot
Board Partner Model	Reference or OEM specification
Reference Design	NVIDIA reference design
Software
DirectX Support	DirectX 7.0
OpenGL Support	OpenGL 1.2

GPU Gallery

Front view of nVidia GeForce256 DDR board — **Front: representative physical card, nVidia GeForce256 DDR board.** Example board bus: museum lists AGP without a generation; Wiki lists AGP 4xView original external gallery

Rear view of nVidia GeForce256 DDR board — **Rear: representative physical card, nVidia GeForce256 DDR board.** Example board bus: museum lists AGP without a generation; Wiki lists AGP 4xView original external gallery

Why It Mattered

GeForce 256 DDR showed the first GeForce architecture with substantially better memory bandwidth than SDR boards. It is one of the clearest early examples of memory configuration changing the value of a GPU entry.

Collector Notes

Prioritize original coolers, DDR memory markings, retail bundle, and board-partner identity. Creative Annihilator Pro and other clearly identified DDR cards are more valuable than vague GeForce listings.

Common Failure Points

Fan failure, memory artifacts, and modified coolers are the key risks. Listings may blur SDR and DDR models, so memory-chip photos and model numbers matter.

Compare with

Reviews1 review

ArticleAnandTech

NVIDIA GeForce 256 Part 1: To buy or not to buy

Launch review of the GeForce 256, covering both the SDR and DDR versions.

Sources

Primary / manufacturer sources

NVIDIA corporate timeline 1999Official timeline entry for GeForce 256 launchOpen source
NVIDIA Blog GeForce 256 retrospectiveOfficial retrospective on GeForce 256 and hardware T&LOpen source
DOS Days GeForce 256 DDR retro reviewBoard-level DDR/SDR, AGP, memory, and collector notesOpen source
GeForce 256 graphics accelerator PDFPeriod GeForce 256 accelerator product materialOpen source
NVIDIA First to Deliver High-Speed Memory Architecture to Mainstream MarketOfficial December 20, 1999 GeForce 256 DDR announcement and holiday-season availabilityOpen source
NVIDIA GeForce 256 product pageOfficial product table explicitly listing a 128-bit memory interface and identifying August 31, 1999 as the introductionOpen source

Independent reference sources

TechPowerUp GeForce 256 DDR GPU SpecsModel-level specification referenceOpen source

Photo sources

Videocard Virtual Museum
Board: nVidia GeForce256 DDR boardCredit: Videocard Virtual MuseumLicense: Specific image license terms not identified on source pageSource claim: Museum footer links general Creative Commons information; specific image license terms are not identified on the source pageModified: resized and recompressed JPEG.Configuration: Example board bus: museum lists AGP without a generation; Wiki lists AGP 4xOriginal external gallery
View: Front
View: Rear