The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 730 is a popular graphics card that has been a favorite among gamers and graphics enthusiasts for years. But have you ever wondered when this powerful graphics card was first released? In this article, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the history of the GTX 730, its features, and its impact on the gaming world.
A Brief History Of The GTX 730
The GTX 730 was first released on June 18, 2014, as part of NVIDIA’s GeForce 700 series. This series was a major upgrade to the previous GeForce 600 series, offering improved performance, power efficiency, and features. The GTX 730 was positioned as a mid-range graphics card, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
Key Features Of The GTX 730
The GTX 730 was based on the NVIDIA Kepler architecture, which provided a significant boost in performance and power efficiency compared to the previous Fermi architecture. Some of the key features of the GTX 730 include:
- 384 CUDA cores, providing a significant boost in parallel processing power
- 2GB of GDDR5 memory, offering fast memory bandwidth and low power consumption
- 128-bit memory interface, providing a balance between memory bandwidth and power consumption
- Support for DirectX 11.2, OpenGL 4.4, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX and CUDA
- A relatively low TDP of 38W, making it suitable for small form factor systems and low-power applications
Performance and Benchmarks
The GTX 730 was a significant improvement over the previous GeForce GTX 620, offering around 20-30% better performance in most games and applications. In terms of benchmarks, the GTX 730 was able to deliver smooth performance in popular games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and World of Warcraft, even at high resolutions and detail settings.
| Game | Resolution | Detail Settings | Frames Per Second (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | 1920×1080 | High | 60-80 FPS |
| Dota 2 | 1920×1080 | Ultra | 40-60 FPS |
| World of Warcraft | 1920×1080 | High | 50-70 FPS |
Impact On The Gaming World
The GTX 730 had a significant impact on the gaming world, offering a powerful and affordable graphics card that was accessible to a wide range of gamers. Its performance and features made it an attractive option for gamers who wanted to play popular games at high resolutions and detail settings, without breaking the bank.
Comparison With Other Graphics Cards
The GTX 730 was positioned as a mid-range graphics card, competing with other popular graphics cards such as the AMD Radeon R7 260X and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650. In terms of performance, the GTX 730 was generally faster than the GTX 650, but slower than the R7 260X.
- The GTX 730 was around 10-20% faster than the GTX 650 in most games and applications.
- The R7 260X was around 10-20% faster than the GTX 730 in most games and applications.
Legacy and Discontinuation
The GTX 730 was a popular graphics card that remained in production for several years. However, with the release of newer graphics cards such as the GeForce GTX 950 and the GeForce GTX 1050, the GTX 730 was eventually discontinued. Today, the GTX 730 is no longer widely available, but it remains a popular option for gamers who want a powerful and affordable graphics card for older systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 730 was a powerful and affordable graphics card that had a significant impact on the gaming world. Its performance, features, and affordability made it an attractive option for gamers who wanted to play popular games at high resolutions and detail settings, without breaking the bank. Although the GTX 730 is no longer widely available, it remains a popular option for gamers who want a powerful and affordable graphics card for older systems.
What Is The GTX 730 And Why Is It Significant?
The GTX 730 is a mid-range graphics card released by NVIDIA in 2014. It was part of the GeForce 700 series and was designed to provide a balance between performance and power consumption. The GTX 730 was significant because it offered a more affordable option for gamers who wanted to play popular titles without breaking the bank.
The GTX 730 was also notable for its ability to handle 1080p gaming with ease, making it a popular choice for those who wanted to play games at high definition resolutions. Additionally, the card’s low power consumption made it an attractive option for those who wanted to build a gaming PC without breaking the bank or worrying about excessive heat generation.
What Are The Key Features Of The GTX 730?
The GTX 730 features 384 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. It also supports DirectX 11.2, OpenGL 4.4, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX and TXAA. The card’s GPU is clocked at 902 MHz, and it has a memory clock speed of 1250 MHz.
In terms of performance, the GTX 730 is capable of handling demanding games at medium to high settings. It’s also a great option for those who want to play games at lower resolutions, such as 720p or 900p. Additionally, the card’s low power consumption makes it a great option for those who want to build a gaming PC that’s both powerful and energy-efficient.
How Does The GTX 730 Compare To Other Graphics Cards In Its Class?
The GTX 730 is often compared to other mid-range graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA. In terms of performance, the GTX 730 is generally on par with the AMD Radeon R7 260X. However, the GTX 730 has a lower power consumption and is generally quieter than the R7 260X.
In terms of NVIDIA’s own lineup, the GTX 730 is positioned below the GTX 750 and above the GTX 720. The GTX 750 offers slightly better performance than the GTX 730, but it also consumes more power. The GTX 720, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that offers lower performance than the GTX 730.
What Kind Of Performance Can I Expect From The GTX 730?
The GTX 730 is capable of handling demanding games at medium to high settings. In terms of frame rates, you can expect to get around 30-60 FPS in most modern games at 1080p resolution. However, the actual performance will depend on the specific game and the system configuration.
In general, the GTX 730 is well-suited for playing games at lower resolutions, such as 720p or 900p. It’s also a great option for those who want to play games at lower settings, such as medium or low. Additionally, the card’s low power consumption makes it a great option for those who want to build a gaming PC that’s both powerful and energy-efficient.
Is The GTX 730 Still A Viable Option For Gaming In 2023?
While the GTX 730 is an older graphics card, it’s still a viable option for gaming in 2023. However, it’s worth noting that the card’s performance may not be as good as newer graphics cards. In particular, the GTX 730 may struggle with more demanding games that require higher levels of graphics processing power.
That being said, the GTX 730 is still a great option for those who want to play older games or games that don’t require high levels of graphics processing power. Additionally, the card’s low power consumption makes it a great option for those who want to build a gaming PC that’s both powerful and energy-efficient.
Can I Still Buy The GTX 730 In 2023?
While the GTX 730 is an older graphics card, it’s still possible to buy it in 2023. However, availability may be limited, and prices may vary depending on the retailer and the condition of the card. You may be able to find the GTX 730 for sale on online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon, or through specialty computer hardware retailers.
It’s worth noting that buying an older graphics card like the GTX 730 may not be the best option for everyone. Newer graphics cards offer better performance and more features, and may be a better value in the long run. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want to build a retro gaming PC, the GTX 730 may still be a viable option.
What Are Some Alternatives To The GTX 730?
If you’re looking for alternatives to the GTX 730, there are several options available. Some popular alternatives include the AMD Radeon R7 260X, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050. These cards offer similar performance to the GTX 730, but may have different features and power consumption.
In general, it’s worth considering newer graphics cards that offer better performance and more features. However, if you’re on a budget or want to build a retro gaming PC, the GTX 730 may still be a viable option. Be sure to do your research and compare different options before making a decision.