What To Know
- In the realm of budget-friendly graphics cards, the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 from NVIDIA stand out as contenders for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
- Both the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 support DirectX 11, but the R5 series also supports DirectX 12, which enables access to newer graphical features and potentially improved performance in future games.
- However, if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the GT 730 remains a viable option for casual gaming and basic computing tasks.
In the realm of budget-friendly graphics cards, the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 from NVIDIA stand out as contenders for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two graphics cards to help you make an informed decision based on your gaming needs.
Performance Comparison
Benchmarks
In synthetic benchmarks, the Radeon R5 series generally outperforms the GT 730. For instance, in 3DMark Fire Strike, the R5 230 scores around 2,300 points, while the GT 730 scores approximately 1,800 points.
Gaming Performance
In real-world gaming scenarios, the Radeon R5 series also holds an edge over the GT 730. At 1080p resolution, the R5 230 can deliver playable frame rates (above 30 FPS) in popular eSports titles such as League of Legends and Dota 2, while the GT 730 may struggle to maintain smooth gameplay.
Architecture and Features
Architecture
The Radeon R5 series is based on AMD’s GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture, while the GT 730 utilizes NVIDIA’s Fermi architecture. GCN is generally considered more efficient and provides better performance per watt compared to Fermi.
Features
Both the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 support DirectX 11, but the R5 series also supports DirectX 12, which enables access to newer graphical features and potentially improved performance in future games.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Power Consumption
The Radeon R5 series has a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) compared to the GT 730. The R5 230 has a TDP of 30W, while the GT 730 has a TDP of 49W. This means that the R5 series is more energy-efficient and will generate less heat.
Cooling
Both the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 are typically cooled by passive heat sinks. However, some custom models of the R5 230 may include a small fan for additional cooling.
Price and Availability
Price
The Radeon R5 series is generally priced lower than the GT 730. The R5 230 can be purchased for around $50-$60, while the GT 730 typically costs between $60-$70.
Availability
Both the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 are widely available across various online and offline retailers.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Radeon R5 series and the GT 730 depends on your specific gaming needs and budget.
If You Want:
- Better performance in games
- DirectX 12 support
- Lower power consumption
Choose the Radeon R5 series.
If You Want:
- Slightly lower price
- More availability
- Passive cooling
Choose the GT 730.
Key Points: Radeon R5 Graphics vs GT 730: The Verdict
Ultimately, the Radeon R5 series offers a more balanced combination of performance, features, and energy efficiency compared to the GT 730. However, if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the GT 730 remains a viable option for casual gaming and basic computing tasks.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which graphics card is better for eSports games?
A: The Radeon R5 series generally performs better in eSports games compared to the GT 730.
Q: Can I play modern AAA games with these graphics cards?
A: While these graphics cards are suitable for older and less demanding games, they may struggle to deliver playable frame rates in modern AAA titles at higher resolutions.
Q: Is the GT 730 still worth buying in 2023?
A: The GT 730 is a budget-friendly option that can still handle basic gaming and computing tasks, but it’s not recommended for demanding games or high-resolution displays.
