The GeForce4 MX460 is the fastest of the three MX variants, while the MX440 is the better-balanced choice for most retro-PC builds. The MX420’s slow memory leaves it close to the older GeForce2 MX400 in the cited comparisons. All three lack the vertex and pixel shaders required for full DirectX 8.x support, so a GeForce3 may be the better choice when its price is similar.
How do the GeForce4 MX420, MX440, and MX460 compare?
Tom’s Hardware’s 2002 specification table shows the largest differences in memory speed and bandwidth. The figures below are historical reference specifications; individual retail cards can vary.
| Variant | Chip clock | Memory clock | Memory | Bandwidth | Theoretical fill rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce4 MX460 | 300 MHz | 550 MHz DDR | 64 MB | 8,800 MB/s | 600 Mpixel/s |
| GeForce4 MX440 | 270 MHz | 400 MHz | 64 MB | 6,400 MB/s | 540 Mpixel/s |
| GeForce4 MX420 | 250 MHz | 166 MHz | 64 MB | 2,656 MB/s | 500 Mpixel/s |
| GeForce2 MX400 comparator | 200 MHz | 166 MHz | 64 MB | 2,656 MB/s | 400 Mpixel/s |
Source: Tom’s Hardware’s 2002 comparison table. These specifications describe the compared configurations, not a guarantee that every card sold under a variant name used identical memory or clocks.
Which GeForce4 MX is fastest?
GeForce4 MX460
The MX460 leads on both clocks and bandwidth in the reference specifications. Tom’s Hardware reported that it could reach results comparable to the GeForce3 Ti200 or, in some tests, the Ti500, and generally beat the Radeon 7500 in its comparisons. Those are period test results, not a guarantee for every game, system, or board partner model.
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GeForce4 MX440
The MX440 sits between the MX420 and MX460 in clock speed and memory bandwidth. Tom’s Hardware recommended it to value buyers, making it the sensible middle ground if the goal is a GeForce4 MX card rather than maximum performance.
GeForce4 MX420
Although its 250 MHz chip clock is higher than the GeForce2 MX400’s 200 MHz, both entries have 166 MHz memory clocks and 2,656 MB/s bandwidth in the comparison table. Tom’s Hardware concluded that the MX420’s SDRAM bottleneck left it performing little better than the MX400. Its lower memory bandwidth is the key reason not to choose it based on the MX name alone.
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Does a GeForce4 MX support DirectX 8 shaders?
No. The MX420, MX440, and MX460 lack vertex and pixel shaders, so they do not provide full DirectX 8.x functionality. This is a significant distinction from the GeForce3: a fast MX460 can approach GeForce3 performance in some period tests, but it is not feature-equivalent. Tom’s Hardware advised considering a GeForce3 if prices were similar because it includes those shaders.
Why can two cards with the same MX label differ?
The MX number identifies the GPU variant, not every detail of the finished graphics card. Hartware’s roundup of five MSI, Albatron, and PixelView boards noted differences in equipment and clock rates. Before buying, check the exact board’s listing and photographs for:
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- Nvidia Geforce4 Mx440 Agp8x
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- Memory: Confirm the memory type and configuration. The variant’s reference specification does not establish the configuration of every retail board.
- Clocks: Compare the particular card’s core and memory clocks with the reference figures; board implementations can differ.
- Outputs: Verify the physical connectors you need for the monitor or display adapter. Outputs and bundled equipment varied among the reviewed boards.
- Cooling and condition: Inspect the cooler, fan, and board condition. A used card’s present state cannot be inferred from its model name.
Hartware’s 2002 roundup describes the boards it tested, not every variant or a present-day listing: Hartware GeForce4 MX roundup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is a GeForce4 MX a good choice for a retro PC?
It can be appropriate when you want period-correct hardware for a system and software that suit its capabilities, but the right variant depends on the build. Choose an MX460 for the highest performance within this MX family, an MX440 for the balance Tom’s Hardware favored, or an MX420 only if its low cost or compatibility with a particular OEM system is the deciding factor.
Check the target PC’s AGP slot and the exact card’s connector compatibility before purchase; the MX label alone does not establish that a card will fit or work in a given motherboard. Also confirm the output connectors and driver support for the operating system you plan to use. The contemporary reviews establish historical specifications and test results, not current driver availability, used-market stock, seller reliability, or prices in 2026.
These were entry-level products in their launch period: Hartware described the tested cards as costing roughly 100–170 euros in 2002. That is historical context, not a current valuation.
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