ASUS GeForce GT 730 2GB Graphics Card: silent, single-slot, four HDMI outputs

The ASUS GeForce GT 730 is a small, silent graphics card with 2GB of GDDR5 memory and four HDMI outputs. It's an entry-level card for adding or upgrading display outputs in a desktop PC, particularly for multi-screen office, media and home theatre machines. It isn't designed for demanding modern games.

What it's for

ASUS says it has more performance than built-in graphics solutions, though that depends on the processor it replaces. In practice, a card like this is typically chosen to drive several monitors, to add outputs to a PC without any, or to put a discrete card in a media PC.

Four HDMI ports

The card has four HDMI outputs, and ASUS says it supports up to four high-definition displays. That suits a multi-monitor desk for spreadsheets, web pages, dashboards and video calls, or a display wall for information screens. Check the resolution and refresh rate each output supports in ASUS's specifications, as the listing doesn't give them. Cable and monitor requirements also apply.

Memory and interface

The card has 2GB of GDDR5 memory on a 64-bit bus. A narrower memory bus limits bandwidth, which is part of why this card is meant for everyday desktop tasks and video playback. It connects over PCIe 2.0, and PCIe is generally backward and forward compatible, so it should work in a newer slot, though the card runs at its own supported speed.

Passive cooling and the single-slot design

The card has no fan. ASUS says its passive cooling is silent, which suits a quiet home theatre PC or media centre. A heatsink-only card relies on airflow in the case, so a case with at least some ventilation is a good idea, and the card should have a little space around it.

The single-slot design means it takes up just one expansion slot at the back of the case. That leaves neighbouring slots free for other cards, and suits small cases. The listing gives dimensions of 5.8 x 4.1 inches and a weight of 0.5 lb (about 227 g). It's a compact card, but check the bracket type against your case, as a low-profile bracket may be needed in a slim chassis.

No extra power cable

ASUS says installation is plug and play, with no cables from the power supply needed. The card draws its power from the PCIe slot, which makes it simple to fit in a prebuilt PC with a modest power supply. Check the card's power draw against your power supply's wattage, and follow the manual when installing, including switching off and unplugging the PC first.

Who it suits

It suits quiet media PCs, office machines that need several screens, and older desktops needing extra video outputs. It doesn't suit gamers or creators who need high frame rates, 3D rendering or video editing acceleration.

What to check before you buy

• Slot: confirm your motherboard has a free PCIe x16 slot, or another compatible slot.
• Case and bracket: check that a full-height bracket fits, or whether you need a low-profile one.
• Drivers: check NVIDIA's current driver support for your operating system, as older products may reach end of support.
• Monitors: check the inputs on your displays and the resolution you need.
• Airflow: make sure the case has some ventilation for passive cooling.
• Your needs: confirm it covers your applications, since it isn't a gaming card.

The short version

• A 2GB GDDR5, 64-bit GeForce GT 730 card on PCIe 2.0.
• Four HDMI outputs for up to four displays.
• Silent passive cooling and a single-slot design.
• No extra power cable required.
• Best for multi-screen office and media PCs.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.