MSI is relaunching the GT 730 in response to the GPU shortage

Given the current state of the GPU market, MSI has decided to relaunch the GeForce GT 730, seven years after its initial release.

The MSI GeForce GT 730 will feature 2GB of DDR3 memory running at 1600MHz across a 64-bit memory interface. The card will also utilize a Kepler GPU with 384 CUDA Cores and a Boost clock of 902 MHz. However, Nvidia is expected to end driver support for Kepler GPUs with the next GeForce R470 drivers. Interestingly enough, the GT 730 supports MSI Afterburner overclocking utility although you definitely wouldn’t want to overclock it.

On the bright side, the graphics card features a low profile design which makes it easier to fit in smaller cases.  The GT 730 also isn’t too taxing on your system since it only draws 23 W of power from your PCIe expansion slot. In addition, its low power consumption combined with a passive heat sink means that the GT 730 should run quietly for the most part.

The GeForce GT 730 will almost certainly struggle with newer AAA titles, but it might just be able to play older games at an acceptable frame rate. Depending on the other components in your system, you may be able to hit 30 FPS in Grand Theft Auto V on low settings.

Who would benefit from a GT 730?

This GPU probably won’t satisfy your gaming needs, especially in 2021, but it may find a spot in some PCs until newer cards are back in stock. The only systems I see that could make use of a GT 730 are those that don’t have integrated graphics (F-series CPUs). If you’re using these CPUs and still waiting for the newer ray tracing cards to restock, you could at least start using your PC with an older graphics card for the time being.

As of now, the MSI GT 730 is available in Japan and with a list price of 4,565 yen, which is approximately $42 USD.