Product Information

• Product Name: MSI GeForce GT 730 2GB Graphics Card
• Model Number: N730-2GD3H/LP or similar variants
• Brand: MSI (Micro-Star International)
• Series: GeForce 700 Series (Entry-level)
• Category: Entry-level desktop graphics card
• Release Year: 2014 (original GT 730 launch)
• Dimensions: Low-profile design (approx. 168mm × 69mm)
• Slot Size: Dual-slot (occupies 2 expansion slots)
• Brackets Included: Both low-profile and standard height brackets
• Cooling: Passive heatsink or small fan (varies by exact model)

GPU Specifications

• GPU Architecture: NVIDIA Kepler GK208 (most common) or Fermi GF108
• Process Technology: 28nm (GK208) or 40nm (GF108)
• CUDA Cores:
  • Kepler GK208 variant: 384 cores
  • Fermi GF108 variant: 96 cores
• Base Clock Speed:
  • Kepler variant: 902 MHz
  • Fermi variant: 700 MHz
• Boost Clock: None (fixed frequency card)
• Texture Units: 16 (GF108) or 32 (GK208)
• ROP Units: 4 (GF108) or 8 (GK208)
• Transistor Count: 1.3 billion (GK208) or 585 million (GF108)

Memory Specifications

• Memory Size: 2GB
• Memory Type: DDR3
• Memory Interface:
  • 64-bit (common for 2GB DDR3 models)
  • 128-bit (some variants)
• Memory Clock: 800-900 MHz (1600-1800 MHz effective)
• Memory Bandwidth:
  • 64-bit: 14.4-16.0 GB/s
  • 128-bit: 25.6 GB/s
• Memory Configuration: Typically 2×1GB memory chips or 4×512MB chips

Display Outputs

• Port Configuration (typical):
  • 1× VGA (D-Sub) - analog output
  • 1× DVI-D - digital output
  • 1× HDMI 1.4a - audio/video output
• Maximum Digital Resolution: 2560×1600 @ 60Hz
• Multi-Monitor Support: Up to 2 displays simultaneously
• HDCP Support: Yes (for protected content playback)
• Audio Support: HDMI audio output (7.1 channel LPCM)
• Display Connectors: Often includes DVI-to-VGA adapter

Power & Thermal

• TDP (Thermal Design Power): 23W-49W (varies by GPU variant)
• Power Connector: None - powered solely by PCIe slot (max 75W)
• Minimum PSU Requirement: 300W recommended
• Cooling Solution:
  • Passive heatsink (fanless) on most models
  • Some variants include small 40mm fan
• Thermal Design: Aluminum heatsink, some with heat pipes
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 95°C

Software & API Support

• DirectX: 12 (feature level 11_0)
• OpenGL: 4.6 (GK208) or 4.4 (GF108)
• OpenCL: 1.2
• Vulkan: 1.1 (GK208) or not supported (GF108)
• CUDA: 3.5 (GK208) or 2.1 (GF108)
• NVIDIA Technologies:
  • NVIDIA PureVideo HD (video decoding)
  • NVIDIA PhysX (limited support)
  • NVIDIA CUDA (compute support on Kepler variant)
  • NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync
• Driver Support: Latest NVIDIA drivers (legacy branch for Fermi)

Performance Characteristics

• Gaming Performance (1080p):
  • eSports titles (Low settings): 30-45 FPS
  • Older AAA games (2008-2012): 25-40 FPS
  • Modern AAA games: Not recommended (5-15 FPS)
• Media Playback:
  • 1080p video: Excellent with hardware decoding
  • 4K video: Limited (HDMI 1.4 supports 4K@30Hz)
  • Video decode support: H.264, VC-1, MPEG-2
  • No hardware decode for HEVC/H.265, VP9, or AV1
• Compute Performance:
  • Kepler variant: ~300 GFLOPS FP32
  • Fermi variant: ~150 GFLOPS FP32

System Requirements

• PCIe Interface: PCI Express 2.0 ×16 (compatible with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0)
• Minimum System Memory: 2GB system RAM
• Operating Systems:
  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit recommended)
  • Windows 7/8 (legacy support)
  • Linux (with NVIDIA proprietary drivers)
• Driver Installation: Requires NVIDIA display drivers
• BIOS Compatibility: UEFI and Legacy BIOS supported

Package Contents

• MSI GeForce GT 730 2GB graphics card
• Low-profile bracket (installed or separate)
• Standard height bracket (if not pre-installed)
• Driver CD or download card
• Quick installation guide
• DVI-to-VGA adapter (often included)

Physical Specifications

• Length: 168mm (6.6 inches)
• Width: 69mm (2.7 inches)
• Height: Low-profile (half-height) design
• Weight: Approximately 200-250 grams
• PCB Color: Blue or brown (depends on manufacturing batch)

Use Case Recommendations

• Ideal Applications:
  • Adding display outputs to office PCs
  • Replacing failed integrated graphics
  • Upgrading older systems with no integrated graphics
  • Basic home theater PC (HTPC) use
  • Digital signage and kiosk displays
  • Light web browsing and office applications
  • Legacy gaming (pre-2010 titles)
• Not Recommended For:
  • Modern gaming (post-2013 titles)
  • Video editing or content creation
  • 3D rendering or CAD work
  • Cryptocurrency mining
  • High-resolution displays (beyond 1080p)
  • Multiple monitor setups beyond 2 displays

Model Variations

• N730-2GD3H/LP: 2GB DDR3, low-profile, passive cooling
• N730K-2GD3/LP: Kepler variant, 2GB DDR3
• GT 730 2GD3 OC: Overclocked variant with active cooling
• Key Differences:
  • GPU chip (Kepler vs Fermi)
  • Cooling solution (passive vs active)
  • Memory interface width (64-bit vs 128-bit)
  • Port configuration variations

Important Considerations

• Performance Limitation: This is an extremely entry-level card from 2014
• Memory Interface: 64-bit interface severely limits memory bandwidth
• Modern Codec Support: No hardware acceleration for modern video formats
• Driver Support: Fermi variants may have limited driver support in modern OS
• Value Proposition: Only suitable for basic display output, not performance
• Alternative Options: Consider used GT 1030 or RX 550 for slightly better performance at similar price

Comparison with Other Cards

• vs. Integrated Graphics (Intel HD/UHD): Often slower than modern integrated graphics
• vs. GT 1030: Approximately 3-4x slower in gaming
• vs. RX 550: 4-5x slower in modern applications
• vs. GT 710: 30-50% faster (GT 730 is slightly better entry-level option)

Warranty & Support

• Warranty Period: Typically 1-2 years limited warranty
• Support Status: Considered legacy product by NVIDIA
• Driver Updates: Security updates only, no performance optimizations

Environmental Specifications

• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 80°C
• Operating Humidity: 20% to 80% non-condensing
• MTBF: 100,000 hours (estimated)