GeForce 256 SDR

The SDR GeForce 256 is the first GeForce experience, but without the memory bandwidth advantage of DDR boards.

Reference GPU
CelsiusGeForce 256 SeriesDesktopDesktopSDR1999NVIDIA
Partial entry. Core specifications may be present, but history, variant notes, known issues, and source review may be incomplete.
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At a Glance

Entry Type
Reference GPU
Architecture
Celsius
Series
GeForce 256 Series
GPU Die
NV10
Launch Date
1999-10-11
TMUs
4
ROPs
4
Memory
32 MB SDR
Bus Width
64-bit
Rec. PSU
200 W
Interface
AGP 4x
Data Confidence
Partial

Overview

GeForce 256 SDR is the original GeForce 256 branch most closely tied to the first retail wave. It carries the hardware T&L story, but its SDR memory makes it a different collector and performance object than the later DDR boards.

When documenting an SDR card, the board partner, memory capacity, cooler, AGP compatibility, and output layout should be recorded. Those details help separate early GeForce history from later GeForce 256 DDR interest.

Why It Mattered

GeForce 256 SDR represents the first GeForce generation in its original memory configuration. It is historically important even where the later DDR variant is more desirable for performance.

Collector Notes

Look for early retail boards, original coolers, and clear SDR memory markings. Complete Creative, ASUS, ELSA, and other period packages are more interesting than bare unknown cards.

Common Failure Points

The usual problems are fan wear, AGP compatibility, and confusion with DDR models. Performance expectations should be set around SDR bandwidth.

Used-Market Caution

Confirm SDR memory before buying. Do not pay DDR prices for an SDR board, and check cooler operation, VGA output, and driver support for the intended OS.

Known Issues

Known issues pending source review.

Related GPUs

Back to GeForce 256 Series

Previous in series: GeForce 256 DDR
SourcesPartial

Sources reviewed: 2026-06-21

This entry is still being source-checked.

Data confidence and source status

Partial entry. Core specifications may be present, but history, variant notes, known issues, and source review may be incomplete.

  • Verified: core specifications and historical notes have been reviewed against listed sources.
  • Partial: core specifications may be present, but history, variant notes, known issues, and source review may be incomplete.
  • Imported: spec-only imported entry pending editorial source review.
  • Needs source review: narrative notes are incomplete until reviewed.

Primary / manufacturer sources

  1. NVIDIA corporate timeline 1999Official timeline entry for GeForce 256 launchOpen source
  2. NVIDIA Blog GeForce 256 retrospectiveOfficial retrospective on GeForce 256 and hardware T&LOpen source
  3. DOS Days GeForce 256 DDR retro reviewBoard-level DDR/SDR, AGP, memory, and collector notesOpen source
  4. GeForce 256 graphics accelerator PDFPeriod GeForce 256 accelerator product materialOpen source

Independent reference sources

  1. TechPowerUp GeForce 256 SDR GPU SpecsModel-level specification referenceOpen source

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