Introduction

A couple of weeks ago, Nvidia launched their new budget 400 series graphics GPU, the Geforce GT 430. It was mainly to replace their aging Geforce GT 200 series, which was mostly aimed at the low-end and entry-level market. We had mix reactions with the results produced by the Geforce GT 430. It was able to cope with some DX11 gaming, but only barely. So for mainstream gamers, it wasn't really up to scratch. However, for multimedia applications such as watching movies, basic photo manipulation and your usual web/office programs, it was OK and offered acceptable performance. But remember, Geforce GT 430 is really aimed at the low-end and  entry-level market ... in short it's a budget graphics card. So can't expect too much from it.
The main positives of the Geforce GT 430, is that it includes all of Nividia's 3D/graphic technologies, which includes CUDA, DX11, OpenGL 4.0, PhysX, Nvidia's 3D Vision, as well as HD hardware video decode acceleration. However, there's no support for SLI. In our last review (of the Zotac Geforce GT 430), we mentioned that Geforce GT 430 was based on the GF108 Fermi GPU, of which a mobile version is already available on many notebooks today. These GPUs are primarily sold through distribution to system integrators and PC builders, which will give them the best-in-class price/performance. So with this in mind, I think Geforce GT 430 would be ideal for HTPC users and system builders/integrators.

In fact, manufacturers have already produced and released low-profile versions of the Geforce GT 430, which is perfect for HTPC users and system builders. What's more, we're now seeing overclocked versions too ... it seems that even the budget Geforce GT 430 can't escape from being overclocked.

Today we take a look at the Gigabyte Geforce GT 430 OC (1Gb DDR3) - GV-N430OC-1GL. The card comes in a low-profile PCI-E form factor, and features a GPU that's slightly overclocked at 730Mhz (default is 700Mhz). It contains only 96 processor cores but comes with 1Gb of DDR3 ram using a128-bit memory interface, producing an effective speed of 1800 MHz (2 x 900Mhz). As with all Geforce 400 series, the GT 430 GPU comes with some of the Nividia's 3D technologies, which includes CUDA, DX11, OpenGL 4.0, PhysX, Nvidia's 3D Vision, as well as HD hardware video decode acceleration. However, there's no support for SLI.

The Gigabyte Geforce GT 430 OC features a compact GPU cooler with twin fans. It's the first of its kind we've seen, since most GT 430s will only contain one fan. Its low profile form factor means that this card is ideal for HTPC users, and will fit in most, if not all chassis. For connectivity, it has a DVI, HDMI and a standard 15-pin D-sub VGA connector, which is more than enough to be compatible with any montior ... no need for converters or adaptors.

Although the Gigabyte Geforce GT 430 OC is only slightly overclocked by an extra 30Mhz, it will be interesting to see how well the Gigabyte's version will perform against the Zotac's standard non-overclocked version. As far as performance is concerned, we're not expecting it to be anywhere near as good as the current mainstream gaming cards out there. It should however, handle some DX11 games, but it's not really recommended for high-resolution/high-detail gaming.

As said before, the Geforce GT 430 is probably ideal for system builders and integrators or HTPC users, where costs are important. It's the kind of graphics card you'll find on most office PCs. As for HTPC users, the Geforce GT 430 should give them enough graphics peformance for watching DVD and Bluray movies, as well as web browsing, some flash based games and simple photo applications.

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