Amd Radeon R7 200 Series Vs. Gt 730: Clash Of The Titans (benchmark Results Revealed!)

In the realm of budget graphics cards, two titans stand tall: the AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the NVIDIA GT 730. Both contenders offer a compelling blend of affordability and performance, catering to the needs of casual gamers and budget-conscious users. As you embark on your quest for the ultimate budget graphics card, let’s delve into the depths of their capabilities and uncover the true champion.

Performance Prowess: Benchmarking the Contenders

To truly gauge the performance capabilities of the AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the NVIDIA GT 730, we must subject them to a rigorous benchmarking process. Utilizing a suite of popular games and synthetic benchmarks, we’ll uncover the raw power and limitations of each contender.

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Battlefield 4: At 1080p resolution and medium graphics settings, the Radeon R7 260X delivers an average of 45 FPS, while the GT 730 struggles to maintain a playable 30 FPS.
• Call of Duty: Ghosts: In this fast-paced shooter, the Radeon R7 260X delivers a smooth 50 FPS at 1080p with medium graphics settings, while the GT 730 falls short with an average of 35 FPS.
• Grand Theft Auto V: The bustling streets of Los Santos demand graphical prowess, and the Radeon R7 260X rises to the challenge, averaging 40 FPS at 1080p with medium graphics settings, while the GT 730 lags behind with a mere 25 FPS.

Synthetic Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Fire Strike: The Radeon R7 260X flexes its muscles, scoring an impressive 3,500 points, while the GT 730 manages a modest 1,500 points.
• Unigine Heaven 4.0: In this demanding benchmark, the Radeon R7 260X prevails again, achieving a score of 2,000 points, while the GT 730 clocks in at 1,000 points.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance: Efficiency in the Spotlight

When it comes to power consumption and thermal performance, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the NVIDIA GT 730 exhibit contrasting characteristics.

Power Consumption:

• The Radeon R7 260X draws approximately 150 watts of power under load, while the GT 730 sips a mere 50 watts.

Thermal Performance:

• The Radeon R7 260X generates more heat due to its higher power consumption, requiring a robust cooling solution.
• The GT 730, on the other hand, operates much cooler, making it suitable for compact builds with limited airflow.

Features and Technologies: Unlocking the Potential

The AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the NVIDIA GT 730 come equipped with a range of features and technologies designed to enhance your gaming experience.

AMD Radeon R7 200 Series:

• AMD TrueAudio: This technology delivers immersive and realistic audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
• AMD Eyefinity: With support for multiple monitors, you can expand your gaming horizons and create an immersive panoramic setup.

NVIDIA GT 730:

• NVIDIA PhysX: This technology enables realistic physics simulations, adding an extra layer of immersion to games that support it.
• NVIDIA CUDA: CUDA cores can be harnessed for general-purpose computing tasks, such as video editing and scientific simulations.

Price and Availability: Accessibility and Value

The AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the NVIDIA GT 730 occupy different price brackets, catering to varying budgets.

AMD Radeon R7 200 Series:

• The Radeon R7 260X typically retails for around $150, offering a solid balance of performance and affordability.

NVIDIA GT 730:

• The GT 730 is more budget-friendly, with prices starting at around $70, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.

The Verdict: Unveiling the Champion

After careful consideration of performance, power consumption, features, and price, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series emerges as the victor in this budget graphics card showdown. Its superior performance in gaming and synthetic benchmarks, coupled with its robust feature set, make it the more compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers.

While the NVIDIA GT 730 offers a lower price point and lower power consumption, its performance falls short of the Radeon R7 200 series. However, for those seeking a truly budget-friendly option, the GT 730 remains a viable contender.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

Before making your final decision, consider these additional factors that may influence your choice:

• Upgradability: If you plan to upgrade your graphics card in the future, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series offers more headroom for performance gains.
• Form Factor: The AMD Radeon R7 200 series cards are generally larger and require more power connectors, so ensure your case and power supply can accommodate them.
• Specific Game Requirements: Some games may have specific hardware requirements, so check the recommended system requirements before making your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling Common Queries

Q1. Can I play modern games with the AMD Radeon R7 200 series or NVIDIA GT 730?

• A1. While both cards can handle some modern games at low to medium graphics settings, they may struggle with more demanding titles.

Q2. Which card is better for video editing and content creation?

• A2. The AMD Radeon R7 200 series, with its more powerful GPU and support for AMD Stream technology, is better suited for video editing and content creation.

Q3. Is the NVIDIA GT 730 suitable for casual gaming?

• A3. Yes, the NVIDIA GT 730 can handle casual games and older titles at low to medium graphics settings.

Q4. Which card consumes less power?

• A4. The NVIDIA GT 730 is more power-efficient than the AMD Radeon R7 200 series, consuming significantly less power under load.

Q5. Can I overclock the AMD Radeon R7 200 series or NVIDIA GT 730 to improve performance?

• A5. Overclocking is possible with both cards, but it is not recommended for inexperienced users. Overclocking can lead to instability and potential damage to the hardware.