The world of computer hardware can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to graphics cards. With so many models, series, and generations, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of technical jargon. One such mystery that has puzzled many enthusiasts is the GT 730. What series does it belong to? Is it a powerful graphics card or a budget-friendly option? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of NVIDIA graphics cards and explore the GT 730 in depth.
The NVIDIA GeForce GT Series: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the specifics of the GT 730, it’s essential to understand the NVIDIA GeForce GT series as a whole. The GT series is a family of graphics processing units (GPUs) designed for the mainstream market. These GPUs are intended for general-purpose computing, casual gaming, and multimedia applications. They are generally less powerful than their GTX counterparts, but still offer a significant performance boost over integrated graphics.
The GT series has undergone several transformations over the years, with each generation introducing new features and improvements. Some of the key characteristics of the GT series include:
- Power efficiency: GT series GPUs are designed to consume less power, making them suitable for systems with limited power supply.
- Budget-friendly: GT series GPUs are generally more affordable than their GTX counterparts, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Mainstream performance: While not designed for extreme gaming, GT series GPUs can handle casual gaming and multimedia applications with ease.
The GT 730: A Mid-Range GPU
Now, let’s focus on the GT 730 specifically. Released in 2014, the GT 730 is a mid-range graphics card based on the Kepler architecture. It’s built around the GK208 GPU core, which is a variant of the more powerful GK106 core found in higher-end GTX 660 and GTX 760 models.
Here are some key specifications of the GT 730:
- CUDA Cores: 384
- Memory: 1 GB or 2 GB of DDR3 or DDR5 memory
- Memory Bandwidth: 28.5 GB/s or 40.2 GB/s
- Memory Interface: 128-bit or 64-bit
- ** DirectX Support**: 11.2
- OpenGL Support: 4.4
- Power Consumption: 38 W
Performance: What Can You Expect?
So, how does the GT 730 perform in real-world scenarios? As a mid-range GPU, it’s not designed to handle extreme gaming or demanding applications. However, it’s more than capable of handling:
- Casual gaming: The GT 730 can handle popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at medium to high settings.
- Multimedia applications: It can smoothly play back 1080p video and handle photo editing tasks with ease.
- General computing: The GT 730 is perfect for general computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and streaming media.
Benchmarking the GT 730
To give you a better idea of the GT 730’s performance, let’s take a look at some benchmark results:
| Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 | 2,500 |
| Unigine Heaven 4.0 | 15 FPS (1080p) |
| FurMark | 1,200 |
Keep in mind that these results are based on a 2 GB DDR3 model. Performance may vary depending on the specific configuration and system setup.
GT 730 vs. Other NVIDIA GPUs
How does the GT 730 compare to other NVIDIA GPUs? Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- GT 640: The GT 640 is a slightly older GPU, also based on the Kepler architecture. It has 384 CUDA cores, just like the GT 730, but with a slightly lower memory bandwidth (25.6 GB/s).
- GTX 750 Ti: The GTX 750 Ti is a more powerful GPU, based on the Maxwell architecture. It has 640 CUDA cores and a higher memory bandwidth (86.4 GB/s). It’s a significant step up from the GT 730, but also consumes more power (60 W).
Conclusion: Is the GT 730 Worth It?
So, is the GT 730 worth considering? Absolutely! As a mid-range GPU, it offers excellent value for its price. It’s a great option for those who want to upgrade from integrated graphics but don’t need extreme gaming performance. While it may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, it’s a solid choice for general computing, casual gaming, and multimedia applications.
In conclusion, the GT 730 is a solid addition to the NVIDIA GeForce GT series. With its power-efficient design, budget-friendly price tag, and mainstream performance, it’s an excellent option for those looking to upgrade their system without breaking the bank.
What is the GT 730, and why is it so mysterious?
The GT 730 is a graphics card model from NVIDIA, a leading technology company that specializes in designing graphics processing units (GPUs) and high-performance computing hardware. The GT 730 is an entry-level graphics card that was released in 2014, and it has been a subject of confusion and mystery among gamers and tech enthusiasts due to its unclear positioning in NVIDIA’s product lineup.
Despite being an entry-level graphics card, the GT 730 has had multiple variations and revisions, which has led to confusion about its performance, capabilities, and target market. This has made it challenging for users to determine which series the GT 730 belongs to, and whether it is a suitable option for their needs.
Is the GT 730 part of the GeForce 700 series?
The GT 730 is often associated with the GeForce 700 series, which was a lineup of graphics cards released by NVIDIA in 2013. The GeForce 700 series included high-performance graphics cards such as the GTX 780 Ti, GTX 780, and GTX 770. However, the GT 730 is an entry-level graphics card that does not share the same level of performance and features as the high-end graphics cards in the GeForce 700 series.
Despite this, the GT 730 was released during the same timeframe as the GeForce 700 series, which has led to its association with this product lineup. However, in terms of performance and features, the GT 730 is more closely related to the GeForce 600 series, which was a previous generation of graphics cards from NVIDIA.
Is the GT 730 a rebranded GeForce 600 series card?
Yes, the GT 730 is essentially a rebranded GeForce 600 series card. It is based on the same GPU architecture as the GeForce GTX 650, which was a mid-range graphics card from the GeForce 600 series. The GT 730 has similar performance characteristics and features as the GeForce GTX 650, including 384 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus.
The reason for the rebranding is likely due to NVIDIA’s efforts to create a more streamlined product lineup and to simplify the naming conventions of their graphics cards. By rebranding the GeForce GTX 650 as the GT 730, NVIDIA aimed to create a more distinct and separate product category for their entry-level graphics cards.
What are the key features of the GT 730?
The GT 730 has a number of key features that make it a suitable option for entry-level gaming and general computing. It has 384 CUDA cores, which provide sufficient processing power for casual gaming and everyday tasks such as web browsing and office work. The GT 730 also has 2GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a decent amount of memory bandwidth for smooth performance.
Additionally, the GT 730 supports various NVIDIA technologies such as DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.4, and NVIDIA PhysX. It also has a low power consumption of around 49W, making it a suitable option for small form factor systems and home theater PCs.
Is the GT 730 suitable for gaming?
The GT 730 is not designed for serious gaming, but it can handle casual gaming and esports titles at low to medium graphics settings. It can play games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at around 30-40 frames per second at 1080p resolution. However, it may struggle with more demanding games such as AAA titles and 4K resolution gaming.
If you’re a casual gamer who only plays games occasionally, the GT 730 may be a suitable option. However, if you’re a serious gamer who requires high-performance graphics and fast frame rates, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card such as the GTX 1660 or RTX 2060.
Can I upgrade my system with the GT 730?
Yes, the GT 730 can be used as an upgrade option for systems that have older graphics cards or integrated graphics. It is a relatively low-power graphics card that can fit into small form factor systems and home theater PCs. The GT 730 also has a low profile design, making it suitable for systems with limited clearance.
Before upgrading, make sure to check the compatibility of the GT 730 with your system’s power supply, motherboard, and chassis. You may also need to update your system’s BIOS and drivers to ensure compatibility with the GT 730.
Where can I buy the GT 730?
The GT 730 is widely available from various online retailers and e-tailers such as Amazon, Newegg, and eBay. You can also check with local computer hardware stores and retailers in your area. When purchasing the GT 730, make sure to check the product specifications, warranty, and return policy to ensure that you get the right product for your needs.
Additionally, be cautious of counterfeit or used products, and make sure to purchase from authorized retailers and distributors to ensure that you get a genuine NVIDIA product.