What To Know
- On the other hand, the NVIDIA GT 730 employs the Kepler architecture, equipped with 384 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 902MHz, and 2GB of DDR3 memory with a 64-bit bus width.
- In terms of performance, the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 generally holds a slight edge over the NVIDIA GT 730.
- Both cards have low power consumption, but the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 has a slightly lower TDP of 55W compared to the GT 730’s 50W.
In the realm of budget-friendly graphics cards, the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 and NVIDIA GT 730 stand out as formidable contenders. Both cards offer a compelling balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for casual gamers and users seeking a basic upgrade. However, with each card boasting unique strengths and weaknesses, it’s crucial to delve into their specifications and benchmarks to determine which one emerges victorious.
Specifications and Architecture
The AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 is based on the GCN 1.0 architecture, featuring 320 stream processors, a core clock speed of 730MHz, and 2GB of GDDR3 memory with a 128-bit bus width. On the other hand, the NVIDIA GT 730 employs the Kepler architecture, equipped with 384 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 902MHz, and 2GB of DDR3 memory with a 64-bit bus width.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 generally holds a slight edge over the NVIDIA GT 730. In synthetic benchmarks such as 3DMark Fire Strike, the R7 240 scores around 10% higher than the GT 730. This advantage extends to real-world gaming tests, with the R7 240 delivering smoother gameplay in titles like Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Power Consumption and Temperature
Both the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 and NVIDIA GT 730 are known for their low power consumption, making them suitable for compact builds. The R7 240 has a TDP of 55W, while the GT 730 consumes slightly less at 50W. In terms of temperature, both cards run relatively cool, with the R7 240 averaging around 60°C under load and the GT 730 hovering around 55°C.
Features and Capabilities
When it comes to features, the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 offers support for DirectX 11.2, OpenGL 4.3, and AMD’s Eyefinity technology. The NVIDIA GT 730, on the other hand, supports DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.2, and NVIDIA’s PhysX technology. Both cards also include basic video output options such as HDMI, DVI, and VGA.
Price and Availability
The AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 and NVIDIA GT 730 are both budget-friendly graphics cards with comparable prices. The R7 240 typically retails for around $50-$60, while the GT 730 can be found for $40-$50. Availability may vary depending on the region and retailer.
Key Points: The Verdict
After carefully examining the specifications, performance, and features of both cards, the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 emerges as the superior choice. It offers slightly better performance, lower power consumption, and a wider range of supported technologies. While the NVIDIA GT 730 is a capable budget option, its lower performance and limited features make it less compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which card is better for gaming?
A: The AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 offers slightly better performance in games than the NVIDIA GT 730.
Q: Which card consumes less power?
A: Both cards have low power consumption, but the AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 has a slightly lower TDP of 55W compared to the GT 730’s 50W.
Q: Which card has better video output options?
A: Both cards include HDMI, DVI, and VGA video outputs.
Q: Which card is more future-proof?
A: The AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 supports DirectX 11.2 and OpenGL 4.3, while the NVIDIA GT 730 supports DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.2. This means that the R7 240 may be better equipped to handle future game releases that require higher graphics capabilities.
Q: Which card is better for video editing?
A: Both cards are suitable for basic video editing, but neither is particularly powerful for demanding video editing tasks.
