In the pursuit of high technical characteristics of computers, many are willing to pay a lot of money to equip them. One of the most important components in this part is the video card, which accounts for the lion's share of financial investments of the total cost of the device. At the same time, there are many users who do not need high performance, respectively, they can pretty much save without losing quality. The AMD Radeon R7 240 graphics processor is intended for this group of PC owners. Several companies are engaged in production, including ASUS, XFX, MSI, etc. One way or another, to understand the appropriateness of such a purchase, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the device and, more importantly, more importantly reviews of owners.
Specifications
With a quick analysis of technical data, you might think that they can provide a rather modest computer functionality. And yet there are many famous competitors who are endowed with the same lesser working capacity in the same segment. So, the Radeon R7 240 video card has the following characteristics:
- The amount of video memory is 2 GB.
- The type of memory device is the GDDR3 system.
- Frequency - the base is 900 MHz.
- The core frequency is a maximum of 780 MHz.
- Graphic chip - implemented on the R7 240 platform.
- Cooling is the active type of system.
- Interface - the third version of the base PCI-Express x16.
- Bandwidth - 128 bits.
- Outputs - in the main modification of VGA (D-Sub).
- The bus width is 128 bits.
Opinions on the architecture of the video card
Although the R7 240 model represents the lowest level in the AMD lineup, it was affected by a platform upgrade several years ago. In particular, experts note the positive effect of improving the GCN architecture, including the ability to support the API Mantle system. It is impossible not to note the inclinations made in the direction of sound, which was realized due to TrueAudio technology.
At the same time, the GCN platform cannot be considered fundamentally new. Moreover, it previously developed devices of the same line. However, it is the improvements that are of interest. First of all, which is especially nice for fans of inexpensive graphics devices, this is the ability to support DirectX 11.2. Also updated API, which now contains tile resources. In practice, this means that the device will be able to use the potential in organizing video memory from Hawaii processors. In other words, the video card R7 240 will be able to use virtual memory and load texture arrays of large volumes. Well, in addition, the architecture is noted by a new detail algorithm and texture filtering, which cannot but cause a positive impression of the potential of the video card platform.
Cooling system ratings
It should be noted right away that in most versions the cooling system of this model does not cause much admiration. It represents the usual structure of heat sinks, no better and no worse than competitors. Nevertheless, ASUS developers decided to improve the system by adding another small fan to the base radiator. However, how much this solution improved the reliability of the Radeon R7 240, the question is controversial. Such applications usually lead to the formation of another source of wind turbulence, which is why the system becomes noisy. However, the practice of operation indicates that the flows are rather weak and they do not have a significant impact on the comfort of PC operation. It is the small size of the fan that does not allow it to cause inconvenience to the user. Nevertheless, the cooler is enough to effectively provide heat removal from a small board, which, however, does not process it even to a destructive temperature rise. The quality of execution of this part of the structure is usually paid attention to in more productive cards.
MSI Model Reviews
The MSI version was developed with the wishes of the creators at AMD. But it was not without deviations from them. The element base was partially improved, and, as in the case of ASUS, a slightly redesigned cooling system was used. So, what did the AMD Radeon R7 240 get from MSI in terms of use?
In general, the feedback from gamers is positive. Of course, if you make a discount on the restrictions on demanding modern games. The card does not sin with obvious "brakes", does not overheat (again, thanks to the new cooling system), does not make noise, and, as AMD developers claim, supports DirectX 11.2. The latter is especially felt in this modification. Also, users note the wide compatibility capabilities of the R7 240 from MSI. Firstly, the card is small and can be integrated into compact HTPC cases. Secondly, it is installed on old motherboards without any problems and makes it possible to connect to televisions with the broadcasting of the “picture” in the resolution 1360x768.
But, unfortunately, the CrossFireX technology promised by AMD is not implemented in this case. Theoretically, the printed circuit board has the ability to support it, but the hardware connectors are not able to provide the connection of the bridges necessary for this task.
ASUS Version Reviews
Features of this video card from the point of view of the cooling system have already been noted, but there are other, no less remarkable characteristics of the ASUS Radeon R7 240 model. Reviews are disappointed to note that the 2 GB DDR3 memory could not make the device fast even by the standards of a budget class. Nevertheless, the positive aspects of this product include reliability. This is precisely the quality for which the manufacturer ASUS is appreciated. Although the video card is a recycling, it is assembled on a high-quality component base. Therefore, in this criterion, the model is certainly worth the money. Especially when you consider that versions from other companies are available on a simplified printed circuit board, which can bring a "overclocked" card at any time. Also, many emphasize the functionality of the device. It has additional HDMI and DVI connectors that can be used as a replacement for the analog D-Sub.
XFX Model Reviews
The modification is made with the expectation of maximum support for all the features that AMD claimed. In general, this was possible, therefore, in terms of performance, the Radeon R7 240 of the XFX brand is almost not satisfactory. Again, if you initially consider the card as an option from the initial link. At the same time, the XFX developers made a fundamental change to the cooling technology. In this case, it is a passive system. In other words, the heat sink is implemented not at the expense of fans, but by means of radiators made of copper tubes. This justifies the criticism of users for increasing the dimensions of the video card - by the way, it occupies two slots. But then there is a noiselessness in the process. In general terms, the model is worthy, considering that the cost of this version is very modest.
HIS Model Reviews
If we consider the modifications of the R7 240 purely from the point of view of a video card for games, then this option can be considered the most worthy. The fact is that, unlike previous versions, it provides memory standard GDDR5, which is much more advantageous in terms of performance. The owners of this card emphasize that the gameplay is practically uninterrupted, providing a good level of detail.
But there is a serious minus, which relates to the cooling system. In this case, the device model with a departure from the "classics" looks doubtful. The fact is that the design of the adapter provides for a two-section cooler. However, the cooling system does not cause special criticism from users of AMD R7 240 in this version. The only inconvenience can be attributed to the fact that in general the device occupies two slots.
How does it show itself in games?
Even video cards of the budget segment are mostly used for games with one or another regularity. To have an idea of the practical possibilities of this card, you can familiarize yourself with the test results on games with a more or less high level of requests for graphics. So, for example, fans of Metro 2033 should refrain from buying, because in it the R7 240 model showed itself from the worst side. In Crysis 2 and F1 2011 games, the video card showed more decent graphics without any problems for the gamer. However, a number of flaws in detailing still made itself felt. For those who play Unigine Heaven and Battlefield 3, the acquisition of this model will be a good solution. The process is stable and even fast, which is pleasantly surprising if we recall the obvious budget graphics card.
Who is it for?
Nevertheless, the R7 240 model is intended not for gamers at all. This is the best option for an inexpensive home computer, which solves daily simple tasks. If in the case of games the card demonstrates, to put it mildly, instability of the quality of work, then it will cope with office applications, editing documents and viewing images at 100%. Moreover, this is a good option for those who like to watch movies - good quality will be ensured. And do not forget about audio enhancements in the form of a TrueAudio system. High-quality sound, coupled with a good "picture" is a combination that is rare for most video cards of the lowest price level.
Alternatives
By and large, this model does not have many competitors. First of all, it is worth noting the option from the same family - R7 250. If you need a small increase in performance, then the choice should be made in his favor. True, you will have to pay about 25%. This model already uses GDDR5 memory and a higher frequency level in the recommended database. At the near price level, the AMD Radeon R7 240 video card is competing in the market with the GeForce GT 630. In addition to the cost, these devices are combined with the inability to pull most modern games, but there is a serious difference in favor of AMD. This is a better “picture” when showing a video, as well as ample integration opportunities on different motherboards.
Conclusion
Despite the unattractive capabilities of providing graphic functions, many video cards from the budget category have a noticeable success in the market. And this is explained not only by the price, which, incidentally, is very beneficial for the R7 240 model. Customer reviews note the importance of such operating parameters as noiselessness, functionality in terms of interaction with other devices, the same connections to a TV via HDMI, etc. And if we consider AMD's product, taking into account the totality of its characteristics, then undoubtedly it can become a leader in the lower segment. Another thing is that in versions from different manufacturers, the balance between the pros and cons can vary. It is also worth considering the reliability of devices and the nuances of the implementation of the cooling system.