Do you want better graphics without carrying a heavy gaming laptop? The NVIDIA GeForce MX350 might be what you need! This small but mighty graphics card sits between basic built-in graphics and gaming GPUs. First released in February 2020, it still gives a big boost over built-in graphics while using less power. It has 640 CUDA cores and 2GB of memory, made for thin laptops where saving power matters. Even in 2025, it remains a solid choice for many users who don’t need the latest tech. Let’s look at what this GPU can do and if it’s right for you!
What is the NVIDIA GeForce MX350?
In 2025, budget graphics cards still have their place in the market. The NVIDIA GeForce MX350 is a perfect example of a basic GPU that delivers good value for everyday laptop users. It’s not the newest kid on the block, but it still offers solid performance for its class.
The MX350 is a step up from your laptop’s built-in graphics but isn’t as powerful as gaming GPUs like the GTX series. It uses the Pascal design (the GP107 chip), which is the same one found in the GTX 1050, but with some limits to save power. This makes it perfect for thin, light laptops that need better graphics without draining the battery too fast.
Key facts about the MX350:
- It’s a budget GPU made for everyday laptops
- It sits between built-in graphics and gaming GPUs in power
- It’s based on NVIDIA’s Pascal design from the GTX 1050
- It’s made for light, slim laptops that need better graphics
Technical Specs and Design
Let’s look under the hood of the NVIDIA GeForce MX350 to see what makes it tick in 2025’s laptop market. Even though newer GPUs exist, the MX350’s specs help explain why some laptop makers still offer it as an option.
The MX350 packs solid specs for a budget GPU:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 640 |
| Base/Boost Speed | 1,354 MHz / 1,468 MHz |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 with 64-bit path |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps (56 GB/s bandwidth) |
| Power Use | 15W to 30W (usually 20-25W) |
| API Support | DirectX 12, Vulkan 1.2, OpenGL 4.6 |
| Making Process | 14 nm |
| Transistor Count | 3.3 billion |
The MX350 uses a cut-down version of the GP107 chip found in the GTX 1050. The main limit is its 64-bit memory path, which is half the width of the GTX 1050’s 128-bit path. This means less data can flow at once, which affects gaming speed.
Also Read: NVIDIA RTX 5080 Review: Performance, Specs & Benchmarks 2025
Speed Tests
In 2025, how does the aging MX350 stack up in speed tests? While it can’t match the latest GPUs, it still beats most built-in graphics for basic tasks and light gaming.
The MX350 scores well for a budget GPU:
- 3DMark Time Spy: ~1231 points
- Fire Strike: 4191 points
- Wild Life Extreme: 2621 points
- Night Raid: 17,079 points
- Geekbench OpenCL: ~15,572
These numbers show the MX350 is about 2.5 times faster than Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7. This means smoother video editing, faster photo touch-ups, and better gaming than laptops with just built-in graphics.
The 64-bit memory path does limit the MX350 when working with large files or complex games. But for most day-to-day tasks in 2025, it still offers good speed for its class and price.
Gaming Capabilities
Five years after its launch, can the MX350 still handle games in 2025? The answer is yes, but with some limits. It works best with older games and newer titles that don’t need tons of graphics power.
The MX350 can handle:
- Older games (before 2020) at medium to high settings in 1080p
- eSports titles like CS:GO at high settings with good frame rates
- Popular games like FIFA at high settings
- Newer, less demanding indie games at medium settings
But it struggles with:
- AAA games from 2022-2025 (might need low settings)
- Heavy titles like newer Metro or Cyberpunk games
- Running games above 1080p resolution
For casual gamers who play a mix of older titles and less demanding new games, the MX350 is still a solid pick in 2025. It won’t replace a gaming laptop, but it’s much better than trying to game on built-in graphics.
Also Read: RTX 4070 Super Review: Is NVIDIa’s Mid-Range GPU Worth It?
Main Features and Tech
The MX350 may be older tech in 2025, but it still offers useful features that help it perform well in light laptops. These features focus on balance between speed and power use.
The MX350 includes:
- NVIDIA Optimus tech that turns off the GPU when not needed to save battery
- Hardware support for video formats like H.265/HEVC for smooth 4K playback
- NVIDIA’s control panel for tweaking settings
- GeForce Experience for easy driver updates and game settings
What it doesn’t have (compared to newer GPUs):
- Ray tracing for realistic lighting
- DLSS for AI upscaling
- Tensor cores for AI tasks
Even without these newer features, the MX350 handles basic tasks well and still gets driver updates from NVIDIA in 2025.
Compared to Similar GPUs
How does the MX350 compare to other options in 2025? While newer models exist, these comparisons help show where the MX350 fits in the market.
MX350 vs. GTX 1050:
- GTX 1050 is 55% faster in games
- GTX 1050 has wider 128-bit memory (vs. MX350’s 64-bit)
- GTX 1050 uses triple the power (75W vs. 25W)
- MX350 fits in thinner laptops with better battery life
MX350 vs. MX250 (older model):
- MX350 has 640 CUDA cores (vs. MX250’s 384)
- MX350 is about 30% faster in most tasks
- Both have the same memory size and path width
- MX350 uses slightly more power
MX350 vs. MX330 (similar era):
- MX350 is 16-17% faster in tests
- MX350 has 640 CUDA cores (vs. MX330’s 384)
- MX350 has faster memory speed (56 GB/s vs. 48 GB/s)
- Both use about the same amount of power
Even in 2025, the MX350 holds up well against these comparisons, offering a good middle ground between power and efficiency.
Also Read: Is the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti Still Good for Gaming in 2025?
Power Use and Heat
In the 2025 laptop market, power use and heat matter more than ever as laptops get thinner. The MX350 shines here compared to more powerful GPUs.
The MX350’s power profile:
- Uses between 15W to 30W based on laptop design (usually 20-25W)
- Uses much less power than gaming GPUs (GTX/RTX series)
- Works well in laptops as thin as 15-18mm
- Adds about 1-2 hours less battery life compared to using just built-in graphics
- Needs basic cooling (single heat pipe often enough)
This low power use is why the MX350 still appears in thin laptops in 2025, where space for cooling is limited. It gives a nice boost over built-in graphics without needing a bulky laptop body or loud fans.
Best Uses and Laptops
In 2025, who should still consider a laptop with the MX350? While not cutting-edge, it fits specific users and budgets very well.
The MX350 is perfect for:
- Students who need some graphics power for light creative work
- Office workers who want occasional gaming ability
- Budget-conscious buyers who need better than built-in graphics
- Users who value battery life and thin design over top gaming speed
It’s not ideal for:
- Serious gamers who play the latest titles
- Professional video editors or 3D artists
- Anyone who needs top-end graphics performance
Many laptop makers still offer MX350 models in 2025 as budget-friendly options. These typically cost $100-200 less than models with newer GPUs, making them attractive for value shoppers.
Wrapping UP
The NVIDIA GeForce MX350 fills an important spot in the laptop GPU market even in 2025. It’s much better than built-in graphics while using less power for thin laptops. It’s great for users who want some gaming power or faster creative apps without a bulky gaming laptop.
While it won’t work for serious gamers or pro content makers who need top speed, the MX350 is a good step up for everyday users who want better graphics in a slim laptop. It offers the right mix of power, efficiency, and price for many users.
As you shop for a laptop in 2025, think about what you’ll really use it for. If you need basic graphics boost without the cost and bulk of a gaming laptop, the MX350 might be just right for you!
