NVIDIA recently celebrated 25 years since it launched the GeForce 256. That’s right, the brand’s first ever GeForce GPU was launched all the way back in 1999.
At launch, the GeForce 256 retailed at around US$299 (~RM1,281), a price that is now a far cry from today’s outrageously average of RM4,000 price of a mid-range GeForce RTX 40 Series GPU.
Here’s a quick history lesson: the GeForce 256 marked the first time the name “GeForce” came into existence and was, to put it simply, a game changer for the world of gaming. Specs-wise, it it was built using TSMC’s now archaic 220nm CMOS process, with its processor being known as the NV10 at the times.
The GeForce 256 had 32MB DDR graphics memory, a 128-bit memory bus, four pixel shaders, four TMUs, and four ROPs. the GPU core itself operated at a frequency of 120MHz, while the memory ran at 150MHz.
GeForce 256 Era Inspired PC GIVEAWAY: FEEL the POWER & get ready to WIN 1 of 3 GeForce Garage Retro Builds! 💾
These rad sleeper rigs feature the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER & are built to play PC gaming classics of past & present.
Like + Comment #GeForceDay for your chance to WIN! pic.twitter.com/fBoVxBH77e
— NVIDIA GeForce (@NVIDIAGeForce) October 11, 2024
In commemorating its 25th anniversary, NVIDIA also hosted a giveaway where lucky participants could win a retro-style, sleeper build fitted with a full-fat GeForce RTX 4080 Super FE.
