GeForce3

Reference GPU

Kelvin GeForce 3 Series Desktop DDR 2001 NVIDIA

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At a Glance

Entry Type: Reference GPU
Architecture: Kelvin
Series: GeForce 3 Series
GPU Die: NV20
Launch Date: 2001-02-27
TMUs: 8
ROPs: 4
Memory: 64 MB DDR
Bus Width: 128-bit
Rec. PSU: 200 W
Interface: AGP 4x
Data Confidence: Partial

GPU Specs

Identity
Entry Type	Reference GPU
Official Name	NVIDIA GeForce3
GPU Codename	NV20
Architecture	Kelvin
Launch Date	2001-02-27
Market Segment Notes	Desktop in GeForce 3 Series
Core Specs
GPU Die	NV20
Process Node	TSMC 150 nm
Transistor Count	0.06 billion
Die Size	128 mm²
CUDA Cores	0
SM Count	0
TMUs	8
ROPs	4
Base Clock	200 MHz
Boost Clock	200 MHz
Pixel Fillrate	0.8 GP/s
Texture Fillrate	1.6 GT/s
Memory
Memory Size	64 MB
Memory Type	DDR
Memory Bus Width	128-bit
Memory Clock	230 MHz
Memory Bandwidth	7.36 GB/s
Board and Display
Recommended PSU	200 W
Power Connectors	None
Interface	AGP 4x
Display Outputs	1x VGA, 1x DB13W3
Slot Width	Single-slot, 165 mm length
Card Length	165 mm
Board Partner Model	Reference or OEM specification
Reference Design	NVIDIA reference design
Board Partner Notes	Exact retail board models can differ in cooler, PCB, clocks, display outputs, BIOS behavior, and power connector layout.
Software
DirectX Support	DirectX 8.1
OpenGL Support	OpenGL 1.5
Driver Branch Notes	Driver support depends on architecture, operating system, and current NVIDIA driver branch.
Windows Support Notes	Check the current NVIDIA driver branch and OEM support policy for this exact GPU.
Linux Support Notes	Check the current NVIDIA Linux driver branch, distribution packages, and kernel compatibility for this exact GPU.

Overview

GeForce3 is an NVIDIA GPU entry in the GeForce 3 Series family. It is listed with Kelvin architecture and NV20 silicon.

Key reference data: 64 MB DDR memory, 128-bit memory bus.

Board-partner cards can vary in cooler, PCB, display outputs, clocks, BIOS behavior, and power connector layout.

Why It Mattered

GeForce3 belongs to the Kelvin and GeForce 3 Series era around 2001, when PC graphics cards varied heavily by bus, memory chips, BIOS, cooler, and display outputs. Tracking the exact model helps retro builders distinguish period-correct boards from similarly named variants.

Collector Notes

For archival use, record the board vendor, PCB revision, bus type, memory chips and capacity, BIOS version, cooler or fan, display outputs, TV-out or DVI adapter cables, and photos of both sides of the card.

Used-Market Caution

Before buying used, confirm PCI or AGP voltage compatibility, required legacy driver and OS support, visible capacitor damage, fan noise, memory artifacts, missing breakout cables, and whether the card has been tested in period-correct hardware.

Known Issues

Known issues pending source review.

Reviews1 review

Board-partner, reference-card, article, and video reviews that cover this GPU.

ArticleAnandTech

NVIDIA GeForce3 Review

Review coverage of the original GeForce3.

SourcesPartial

Sources reviewed: 2026-06-20

This entry is still being source-checked.

Specifications are currently based on reference/spec-dump sources. Historical notes require additional source review.

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.

Independent reference sources

TechPowerUp GPU SpecsModel-level specification reference for this GPU entryOpen source

Derived datasets and spec dumps

RightNow GPU DatabaseOpen data inventory used for bulk normalization and cross-checking Derived/spec-dump source. Treat as a reference dataset, not independent historical verification.Open source

Found an incorrect spec, missing source, or variant issue?

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Overview

Why It Mattered

Collector Notes

Used-Market Caution

Known Issues

NVIDIA GeForce3 Review

GeForce3 Ti200

GeForce3 Ti500

GeForce4 Go 4200

GeForce4 Ti 4200

Independent reference sources

Derived datasets and spec dumps