GPU Wiki

Riva TNT2 Ultra vs GeForce 256

Select up to four GPU Wiki entries to compare matching specifications row by row. The comparison uses the site database and keeps generation-specific specs visibly separate.

Swap Clear

Key Differences

  • GeForce 256 has more Memory size (32 MB typical; some later board-partner variants used 64 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Riva TNT2 Ultra has more Memory bandwidth (2.93 GB/s vs 2.656 GB/s on SDR boards; 4.8 GB/s on DDR boards).
  • Boost clock: Riva TNT2 Ultra has 150 MHz; GeForce 256 has Not applicable.
  • Architecture: Riva TNT2 Ultra has Fahrenheit; GeForce 256 has Celsius / NV10 fixed-function DirectX 7 GPU with hardware transform and lighting.
  • Launch date: Riva TNT2 Ultra has 1999-03-15; GeForce 256 has 1999-10-11.
  • Memory type: Riva TNT2 Ultra has SDR; GeForce 256 has SDR SDRAM or SGRAM on early cards; DDR SDRAM or DDR SGRAM on later DDR cards.
Row order:
Muted cells indicate unavailable, not applicable, or not directly comparable specifications.
Spec Riva TNT2 Ultra GeForce 256
Overview
Product name NVIDIA Riva TNT2 Ultra NVIDIA GeForce 256
Architecture Fahrenheit Celsius / NV10 fixed-function DirectX 7 GPU with hardware transform and lighting
Generation / family RIVA TNT2 Series GeForce 256
GPU codename NV5 NV10
Launch date 1999-03-15 1999-10-11
Launch MSRP Unknown About $249 to $299 for early 32 MB boards, depending on partner and memory type
Market segment Desktop, Flagship in RIVA TNT2 Series High-end desktop gaming and enthusiast 3D graphics
Board type / entry type Reference GPU Reference GPU
GPU
Process node TSMC 250 nm TSMC 220 nm
Die size 63 mm² About 139 mm2
Transistor count 0.01 billion About 17 million in GPU database sources; some launch-era coverage quoted nearly 23 million for the broader GeForce 256 chip description
GPU chip NV5 NV10
SM / multiprocessor count 0 0
CUDA Cores 0 0
ROPs 2 Unknown
TMUs 2 Unknown
Clocks
Base / Core clock 150 MHz 120 MHz
Boost clock 150 MHz Not applicable
Memory clock 183 MHz 166 MHz SDR on SDR boards; 150 MHz DDR clock, 300 MT/s effective, on DDR boards
Memory
Memory size 32 MB 32 MB typical; some later board-partner variants used 64 MB
Memory type SDR SDR SDRAM or SGRAM on early cards; DDR SDRAM or DDR SGRAM on later DDR cards
Memory bus width 128-bit 128-bit
Memory bandwidth 2.93 GB/s 2.656 GB/s on SDR boards; 4.8 GB/s on DDR boards
Bus / Interface
Bus interface AGP 4x AGP 2x / AGP 4x depending on board and platform
AGP / PCI / PCIe distinction AGP Legacy graphics interface. AGP Legacy graphics interface.
Power
TDP / TBP / board power Unknown About 12 to 13 W class, depending on SDR or DDR board design
Recommended PSU 200 W Unknown
Power connectors None None
Slot width Single-slot Single slot
Cooling type Unknown Small active fan cooler on many boards; some partner designs vary
Display / Media
Display outputs 1x VGA, 2x S-Video 15-pin VGA on typical boards.
Some board-partner designs exposed or provisioned DVI, S-Video or TV-out.
Features
DirectX support DirectX 6.0 DirectX 7.0 with hardware transform and lighting
OpenGL support OpenGL 1.2 OpenGL 1.2 class in period drivers
Vulkan support Unknown Not supported
CUDA support Unknown Not applicable. This predates CUDA.

© 2026 NVIDIA Club. Independent GPU history, guides, and hardware knowledge.

NVIDIA Club is an independent enthusiast and technical knowledge site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NVIDIA Corporation.