Overview
The ASUS GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card is a low-profile, compact GPU designed for users who need efficient graphics processing in smaller builds. This silent graphics solution uses passive cooling, meaning there’s no fan noise, which makes it an excellent choice for home theater PC (HTPC) setups and multimedia workstations. Its compact size makes it ideal for small form factor cases, ensuring that even users with limited space can still enjoy a reliable graphics card for light gaming or media tasks.
Features & Benefits
This low-profile GPU offers multiple display outputs, including DVI-D, S-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a, making it easy to connect to a range of monitors and multimedia devices. Equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, it ensures smooth video playback and is suitable for basic graphical tasks. Thanks to its passive cooling system, the card operates without generating noise, which is a significant advantage for those who require a quiet environment. It also supports HDCP 2.2, ensuring compatibility with high-definition content and 4K resolution for a premium viewing experience.
Best For
The ASUS GeForce GT 730 is perfect for users looking to build a compact PC or HTPC that doesn't sacrifice on performance. Its low power consumption and passive cooling system make it ideal for those who want a quiet, energy-efficient graphics solution. This card is best for users seeking smooth video playback, casual gaming, and general multimedia tasks in small form factor systems. It’s not built for heavy 3D gaming or intensive graphic workloads, so it suits those with modest graphics demands.
User Feedback
Many users have praised this ASUS graphics card for its silent operation and easy installation. It’s particularly favored for use in home theater setups, where noise-free performance is essential. The card’s low power consumption is another standout feature, making it appealing to those with power efficiency in mind. However, some users have noted that the card struggles with more demanding 3D games or high-end graphical tasks, limiting its versatility for users seeking a more powerful solution for gaming or professional design work.
Pros
- Silent passive cooling ensures a quiet experience for home theater PC setups.
- Low-profile design fits perfectly into compact builds and small form factor PCs.
- 2GB of GDDR5 memory delivers smooth HD video playback for multimedia enthusiasts.
- Easy installation process, making it accessible even for first-time builders.
- Low power consumption makes it an energy-efficient choice for budget-conscious users.
- Supports HDCP 2.2, ensuring compatibility with modern HD and 4K content.
Cons
- Not suitable for demanding gaming or high-end 3D rendering tasks.
- Performance may struggle with more intensive graphical applications or modern games.
- Limited to 2GB of memory, which may not be sufficient for advanced tasks.
- Lacks features like active cooling, which might be needed in certain environments.
- Some users report that it underperforms in multi-monitor setups with high resolution.
- May not be powerful enough for future-proofing or complex multimedia tasks.
Ratings
After analyzing user reviews from multiple platforms and countries, the ratings for the ASUS GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card reflect a broad spectrum of authentic, high-quality feedback. Only genuine, verified reviews were considered, ensuring that spam, bots, or incentivized opinions did not influence the results. Both strengths and pain points are captured, with a clear emphasis on performance for home theater and multimedia use, along with its limitations in more demanding gaming scenarios.
Performance for Multimedia
Silent Operation
Value for Money
Ease of Installation
Power Consumption
Gaming Performance
Build Quality
Compatibility with HTPCs
Video Playback Smoothness
4K Support
Dimensions and Space Efficiency
Software and Drivers
Suitable for:
The ASUS GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card is a solid choice for users building home theater PCs (HTPCs) or compact systems that require low-profile components. With its silent, passive cooling design, this GPU is ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as in living rooms or small media centers. Additionally, its 2GB of GDDR5 memory provides smooth HD video playback, making it a great option for multimedia enthusiasts who prioritize visual clarity and quiet operation. Those looking for a simple and effective solution for video streaming, light gaming, or general multimedia use will appreciate its ease of installation and low power consumption, particularly in small form factor PCs or budget-friendly setups.
Not suitable for:
While the ASUS GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card excels in quiet, low-power performance for everyday media tasks, it is not well-suited for users who require high-end gaming or intensive graphical processing. Those looking to run demanding 3D applications, modern video games, or handle heavy multitasking will find this GPU underwhelming. Its performance limitations become apparent in scenarios involving high-resolution gaming or complex 3D rendering, where it struggles to maintain smooth performance. Users who prioritize gaming or professional graphics work will need to consider more powerful, higher-end alternatives that offer better performance in these areas.
Specifications
- Memory: Equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory for efficient video playback and basic graphical tasks.
- Cooling: Uses passive cooling with no fans, ensuring silent operation for HTPC and compact builds.
- Max Resolution: Supports a maximum resolution of 2560×1600, ideal for HD and 4K video output.
- Video Outputs: Includes DVI-D, S-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a ports for flexible display connectivity.
- Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface for reliable data transfer between the GPU and motherboard.
- Power Consumption: Low power consumption, requiring less than 30W during typical operation, making it energy efficient.
- Form Factor: Low-profile design, perfect for small form factor PCs and compact cases.
- HDCP Support: Supports HDCP 2.2, enabling playback of protected HD and 4K content.
- Dimensions: Measures 6.5 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches, suitable for small cases and compact builds.
- Weight: Weighs approximately 1.05 pounds, making it lightweight for easy installation.
- DirectX Support: Supports DirectX 12 for compatibility with most multimedia and gaming applications.
- Gaming Capability: Designed for light gaming and multimedia tasks, not suited for demanding 3D games or high-end graphical workloads.
- Display Connectivity: Supports multiple monitor setups, allowing for dual or multi-display configurations via HDMI or DVI.
- Installation: Simple installation process with no extra power connectors required, just plug into a PCIe slot.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most Windows-based PCs with a PCI Express x8 or higher slot.
- Software: Comes with a standard driver package for Windows, supporting automatic installation.
- Warranty: Typically offers a 2–3 year limited warranty from ASUS, depending on region and purchase terms.
- Temperature Range: Operates within typical desktop temperature ranges due to its passive cooling system.
- 4K Video Playback: Supports 4K video playback, making it ideal for media enthusiasts and home theater setups.