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NVIDIA launched the RIVA 128 in April 1997, positioning it as a high-performance 128-bit Direct3D processor. It shipped in PCI and AGP 1X board versions with 2–4 MB of SGRAM. Its quoted speed figures are period manufacturer specifications, not modern benchmark results.
What was the NVIDIA RIVA 128?
The RIVA 128 was a late-1990s graphics processor designed for 2D and 3D graphics. NVIDIA’s corporate timeline records its launch in April 1997 and calls it “the first high-performance, 128-bit Direct3D processor.” The company’s product overview describes a 100 MHz, 128-bit graphics pipeline.
Its software capabilities included Direct3D, OpenGL, DirectDraw and DirectVideo, along with MPEG-1/2 video support. NVIDIA listed driver targets for Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98 and Windows NT in its product overview.
RIVA 128 specifications
The figures below are specifications published by NVIDIA in its 1998 product overview; they should be read as period manufacturer claims, not results from a modern or independent benchmark.
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| Specification | NVIDIA’s stated figure |
|---|---|
| Graphics pipeline | 100 MHz, 128-bit |
| Frame-buffer bandwidth | 1.6 GB/sec |
| Peak fill rate | 100 million pixels/sec |
| Peak triangle rate | 5 million triangles/sec |
| Frame buffer | 2–4 MB SGRAM |
| Board interfaces | AGP 1X or PCI 2.1 |
These specifications describe the product family. A particular card’s memory capacity, interface and connectors depend on its board design and manufacturer.
Was the RIVA 128 PCI or AGP?
It was available on boards designed for either PCI 2.1 or AGP 1X. These are physically different interfaces, so check the exact card and the target motherboard before buying; the name “RIVA 128” alone does not establish which slot it uses.
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How much memory did it have?
NVIDIA’s product overview gives a frame-buffer range of 2–4 MB SGRAM. Individual boards may have different amounts, so verify the specific card’s labeling or documentation rather than assuming every RIVA 128 has the same memory configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you find RIVA 128 drivers?
NVIDIA’s legacy driver archive lists reference packages for Windows 3.11, Windows 9x AGP/PCI and Windows NT 4. NVIDIA says these drivers are provided “as is” with no technical support; reference packages may also lack customizations made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Rank #3
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For an older system, match the package to both the Windows version and the card interface. If the card came from a specific board partner or computer maker, its OEM driver may differ from NVIDIA’s reference driver. The archive’s availability does not guarantee that a package will work with every board or configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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What to check when buying a used RIVA 128
- Interface: Confirm PCI or AGP 1X and make sure it matches the motherboard.
- Memory: Check whether the particular board has 2 MB or 4 MB of SGRAM.
- Board identity: Identify the manufacturer and any OEM-specific design or driver requirements.
- Connectors and video features: Inspect the actual board and its documentation; features can vary by implementation.
- Driver fit: Confirm that an appropriate driver exists for the intended Windows version, and account for NVIDIA’s support and customization caveats.
- Condition and authenticity: Assess the individual listing, since the product specifications do not establish the condition or authenticity of a used card.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
