Graphics card manufacturers often use older models as the basis for developing the latest versions. So there are updated devices in which the minimum number of changes is sometimes implemented. It happens that it is difficult to distinguish the older generation from the younger. Even if there is a significant difference in the nominal parameters, in practice the changes are hardly noticeable. Of course, this does not always happen and, as a rule, in the lower price segment. Just an example of this approach is the 9500 GT, which is based on the G84 graphics platform.
And yet, there is no need to talk about the complete similarity of the device with other versions of cards released on the basis of this core. The company nVidia transferred production to the 65 NM process technology, and also increased its frequency performance. In practice, this means minimizing power consumption and heat dissipation. However, much depends on the final card manufacturers. Each company seeks to attract customers with its characteristics, which enhances the difference between video cards.
Model Overview
The accelerator is the successor to the 8500 GT, which represents the budget line of the manufacturer. Unlike its predecessor, the 9500 GT model is provided with twice the number of texture units with universal processors. True, the number of ROP blocks has remained the same and is 8 pieces.
Changes include the increase in value. Obviously, the use of new opportunities for technological progress is more demanding and financially. But this should not upset, because in the process of operation, the novelty is more economical in terms of energy consumption. If we touch on the topic of performance, the model, although it surpasses the previous version in a number of parameters, does not demonstrate revolutionary changes in its potential. You should immediately dispel the myth that the nVidia GeForce 9500 GT graphics card supports DirectX 11, as well as its competitors in the form of Radeon. This is not so, and even in third-party versions, the card works with DirectX 10.
Card Features
Although the opinions of users about the capabilities of the card as a tool for watching movies are rather restrained, it used PureVideo HD technology. According to the manufacturer, the development accelerates the process of decoding video materials while maintaining high definition. This means getting a clear image, smooth video stream and zoom accuracy. SLI technology is also noteworthy, which, again, according to nVidia, doubles the performance (compared to a configuration involving one GPU). Due to the support of PCI Express 2, the 9500 GT is also knocked out of the total number of direct competitors. Here it must be said that despite its budget, the video adapter is still oriented towards games and multimedia. And the PCI-E bus architecture confirms this, providing high-speed data transfer. The innovation is especially useful when launching games and 3D applications that require bandwidth.
Basic characteristics of the model
Situations are common when, with a whole set of useful and necessary add-ons, graphics accelerators turned out to be ineffective in work due to low potential. In this regard, it is worth considering what capabilities the video card nVidia GeForce 9500 GT has at its core. The characteristic of its filling is as follows:
- The processor frequency is 0.55 GHz.
- Shader frequency is 1.4 GHz.
- The technological process of production is 55 Nm.
- Video memory - module type GDDR2.
- The size of the video memory card - 1024 MB.
- Graphics memory frequency - 1000 GHz.
- The maximum number of monitors served is 2.
- The resolution in the maximum format is 2560 x 1600.
- The resolution is 128 bits.
- The frequency indicator RAMDAC is 0.4 GHz.
XFX Version Features
The manufacturer largely repeats the main parameters, focusing on the recommendations of nVidia. The model is based on the G96 chip, has a single-slot fan with a turbine and an aluminum radiator to cover the memory chips. The task of the thermal interface is performed by thermal pads in memory and the corresponding paste on a 9500 GT chip. The characteristics of the video card are also identical to those recommended - the core frequency is 550 MHz, the stream processors operate at the level of 1400 MHz, and the video memory has a potential of 1600 MHz. Despite the predictable data for nVidia experts, XFX was able to surprise users with rather unexpected parameters. Firstly, there are Samsung memory chips on the board, which ensures memory performance at 2 GHz. Secondly, the heating temperature practically does not exceed 55 ° C. And this is taking into account the silent operation of the cooler.
XpertVision Version Specifications
The version from XpertVision again brings to mind the belonging of the card to the gaming segment. But first, you should familiarize yourself with the cooling system. The aluminum radiator has a simple design: the structure is formed by plates without heat pipes. Interestingly, two standard DVI connectors on the board were replaced with one analog D-Sub, which significantly reduces the functionality of the 9500 GT. The speed characteristics cause the opposite impression: with a volume of 512 Mb and a frequency of 550 MHz, the card shows good performance. And this is taking into account the fact that it uses a relatively old GDDR2 module. Nevertheless, XpertVision was almost the only company that tried to realize the full speed potential of the video card. The fact is that nVidia recommends a core frequency of 1 GHz for manufacturers. Perhaps an underestimation of this indicator even in the case of XpertVision is due to a passive cooling system.
GIGABYTE Version Specifications
A feature of this product is the use of overclocking. Actually, this attracts the attention of gamers to the video card from GIGABYTE. It is worth saying that the boards used to create this accelerator were calculated for another series with the GDDR3 memory type. Nevertheless, the GDDR2 standard was again used, on which the GeForce 9500 GT 512Mb video card of the GIGABYTE brand works. As for improvements in terms of performance, the frequency was increased by almost 20% and reaches 650 MHz. For comparison: the recommended maximum is only 550 MHz. But the configuration of this video adapter was modest. In particular, it includes an SPDIF cable, DVI adapters, as well as a CD.
Positive card reviews
Entry-level video cards are difficult to attract a buyer with something special in the technological part or surprise with their performance. But in this case, the users themselves note the existence of a whole range of advantages. This is a rare case when you can get a good amount of memory and relatively high efficiency for little money. In addition, there is a low level of power consumption and noiselessness with which the nVidia GeForce 9500 GT graphics card works. Reviews also emphasize the thoughtful function of the cooling system. But there are different opinions. The heatsink and coolers themselves (in the case of this model) have rather average characteristics. One way or another, if manufacturers declare a heating limit of 55 ° C, then users record even lower values.
Negative map reviews
Many specifications and operating parameters are controversial and controversial. For example, criticism is aimed at using an outdated memory module, a massive cooling system unit, which is why the card occupies 2 slots, as well as the high cost of some modifications. The fact is that much was expected from the 9500 GT both in terms of performance and in terms of functionality. Manufacturers cope with the first task, but the video adapter does not provide many options. In particular, the use of technologies that improve video display has been cut by reducing connectors.
Conclusion
Given the positioning of the model in the initial link, it provides good operating parameters. Moreover, do not forget that the device marked its transitional stage. It is worth noting that, along with the 9500 GT GPU, the mass consumer received higher frequencies, lower heat dissipation, as well as savings in energy consumption. Another thing is that these and other advantages are obvious in theory, but in practice, far from all manufacturers realized. Hence the conflicting reviews regarding the effectiveness of the card in games, the characteristics of heating, etc. But in any case, if we consider models with similar data, they will be much more expensive. And this is not to mention that gaming video adapters in the budget class are a rarity just in view of the low performance and low memory capacity.