The NVIDIA GeForce MX450 is a handy option as a laptop GPU. It works much better than built-in graphics but still keeps laptops thin and saves battery life. It came out on August 1, 2020. This GPU uses the Turing design, which many people like for light gaming and daily tasks. Here’s a cool fact – the MX450 can run up to 20% faster than the GTX 1050! Are you a student who wants cheap gaming? Maybe you’re a worker who needs better graphics for videos and photos. If so, knowing what this GPU can do will help you pick the right laptop.
What is the NVIDIA GeForce MX450?
The MX450 is NVIDIA’s answer for people who want more graphics power than what comes built into their laptop but don’t need a full gaming machine. In 2025, it still fills an important spot in the market for budget-conscious buyers. This small but mighty chip bridges the gap between weak integrated graphics and power-hungry gaming GPUs. It gives you just enough extra oomph for light gaming and creative work without killing your battery or making your laptop too hot.
- Basic entry-level mobile graphics card from NVIDIA
- Released in August 2020 but still relevant in 2025
- Based on the Turing architecture with a 12nm making process
- Perfect for students, office workers, and casual gamers
- Designed specifically for thin and light laptops
Technical Specs Made Simple
The MX450 packs some decent hardware under its small frame. While it won’t compete with the big gaming GPUs of 2025, it still offers a good step up from basic laptop graphics. The specs might seem technical, but they directly affect what games and programs you can run smoothly.
- CUDA Cores: 896 (the tiny processors that do the graphics work)
- Base Clock Speed: 1395 MHz (how fast it runs normally)
- Boost Clock Speed: 1575 MHz (how fast it can run when pushed)
| Feature | GDDR5 Version | GDDR6 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Size | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Memory Bus | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Bandwidth | 64.03 GB/s | 74.5 GB/s |
| Power Use | 25W typical | 25W typical |
- Uses PCIe 4.0 x4 connection to talk to the rest of your laptop
- Power use ranges from 12W to 29W, depending on the version
- Low power use means better battery life and less heat
MX450 Types Compared
Not all MX450 chips are made the same. In 2025, NVIDIA created several versions for different laptop needs. The version in your laptop matters a lot for gaming speed and battery life. The key difference is how much power they use and how fast they run. Always check which type you’re getting before buying a laptop.
- N18S-G5-B: The fastest version (28.5W) with GDDR6 memory
- N18S-G5: Standard version (25W) available with GDDR6 or GDDR5
- N18S-LP: Low-power version (12W) for ultra-thin laptops
The low-power version saves your battery but runs games about 40% slower than the standard version. The GDDR6 memory type gives you better game frame rates than GDDR5. If gaming matters, try to find a laptop with the N18S-G5-B model and GDDR6 memory.
Gaming: What to Expect
In 2025, the MX450 is considered a basic gaming option. It can still handle many games but don’t expect to play the newest titles at high settings. The good news is that many popular games, like Minecraft, Rocket League, and esports titles, run just fine. You’ll need to turn down the settings for newer games to get smooth gameplay.
| Game | 720p Settings | 720p FPS | 1080p Settings | 1080p FPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS:GO | High | 120+ | Medium | 80-100 |
| Fortnite | Medium | 60-70 | Low | 40-50 |
| GTA V | Medium-Low | 50-60 | Low | 30-40 |
| Cyberpunk | Low | 25-30 | Not recommended | Under 20 |
Tips to get better gaming performance:
- Always use the latest NVIDIA drivers
- Play at 720p resolution for better frame rates
- Close background programs when gaming
- Use Game Mode in Windows
- Consider a cooling pad for long gaming sessions
Also Read: Is the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti Still Good for Gaming in 2025?
MX450 vs. Other GPUs: Simple Comparison
How does the MX450 stack up against other options in 2025? The simple answer is that it sits firmly in the budget category. The GTX 1650 beats it by 90-110% in most games. Even newer integrated graphics like Intel Xe are catching up. However, the MX450 still offers good value if you look for it on a budget laptop.
| GPU | Relative Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Iris Xe | 70-80% of MX450 | Basic use, light gaming |
| MX450 | Baseline | Casual gaming, light editing |
| GTX 1650 | 190-210% of MX450 | Modern gaming, content creation |
| RTX 3050 | 280-300% of MX450 | AAA gaming, professional work |
The MX450 costs less than bigger GPUs, uses less power, and keeps your laptop cooler. This balance makes sense for many people, especially if gaming isn’t your main priority.
Best MX450 Laptops in 2025
Even in 2025, you can still find new and refurbished laptops with the NVIDIA MX450. These machines offer good value to students and office workers who need more graphics power. Many of these laptops cost under $700, making them affordable options for people on a budget.
- ASUS ZenBook Flip 15 – Great 2-in-1 with touchscreen
- ASUS ZenBook 14 – Ultraportable with good battery life
- Acer Aspire 5 – Budget-friendly with solid performance
- Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro – Good all-rounder with na ice screen
- Dell Latitude 5521 – Business laptop with extra graphics power
All these laptops pair the MX450 with at least 8GB of RAM and SSD storage. For the best experience, look for models with 16GB RAM if you plan to do photo or video editing.
Real-Life Use and Work Speed
Beyond gaming, the MX450 will shine in everyday tasks in 2025. It speeds up photo editing in Photoshop, helps with light video editing, and can even handle some 3D modeling. The extra graphics power makes everything feel snappier compared to basic laptop graphics.
- Photo Editing: Good for Photoshop with full-size images
- Video Editing: Handles 1080p editing with basic effects
- 3D Modeling: Works with simpler models in Blender
- Streaming: Can stream at 720p while gaming at low settings
- CAD Work: Manages basic AutoCAD projects
The MX450 uses less power than gaming GPUs, so your battery lasts 1-2 hours longer. This makes it perfect for students and people who work away from power outlets.
Also Read: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti: Complete Guide & Performance Review 2025
Should You Buy an NVIDIA MX450 Laptop?
In 2025, is the MX450 still worth buying? For many people, the answer is yes. If you’re a student, office worker, or casual gamer on a tight budget, MX450 laptops offer good value. But if you play many new games or do serious video editing, you should save up for something stronger.
Who should buy an MX450 laptop:
- Students who game occasionally
- Office workers who edit photos sometimes
- Anyone who wants better than basic graphics
- People who prioritize battery life
- Budget shoppers (under $700)
Who should look for something better:
- Serious gamers
- Video editors working with 4K footage
- 3D artists with complex projects
- Anyone wanting to play new games at high settings
The MX450 should last you 2-3 more years for basic tasks, but it’s already showing its age in 2025 for gaming.
Wrapping Up
The NVIDIA GeForce MX450 is still good for people who want better graphics without the high power use and cost of gaming GPUs. It won’t make hardcore gamers happy who want to play the newest big games on high settings. But it’s much better than basic laptop graphics for light gaming and work tasks. When buying a laptop with the MX450, check which version it has, what memory type it uses, and the other parts inside. For students, workers who travel, or casual gamers who don’t expect too much, an MX450 laptop gives you good speed, battery life, and value in 2025.
