The debut of the video card took place a long time ago, but its significance turned out to be very significant for the manufacturer Nvidia. First of all, the development of the GT line involves a number of technological innovations that were taken into account in the representatives of this model range. Secondly, the GeForce GT 240 card switched to support API DirectX10.1, and also received a built-in audio decoder for broadcasting via HDMI. There are many more changes that came to the lower class of Nvidia graphics accelerators, but most of them became a necessity largely due to the fact that competitors had similar solutions. Nevertheless, the manufacturer’s desire to increase the chances against AMD models as a result allowed to create a good entry-level video card with a high-quality component base. However, much already depends on the manufacturer.
Model Overview
The video card is a bright and original representative of the budget segment. The creation was carried out on the platform of the graphic core of the 8th generation. It is important to understand that the GeForce GT 240 appeared in 2010, therefore tasks requiring high performance are not available for it. Although the developers do not completely reject its use for launching games. Typically, the device is used as an additional means of accelerating graphics support. In addition, the indisputable advantages of the device include well-implemented support for HD. As a result, HDMI 1.3a technology, coupled with the HD-Audio sound codec, provide high-quality video playback in various formats.
To date, several companies are directly involved in the production of this card, including Elitegroup, Zotac, Palit and others. There are many differences between these versions, but the fundamental difference is due to the type and size of video memory. For example, in the basic version, customers can use the modification of the GeForce GT 240 512Mb, but you can also purchase the option for 1024 Mb. By the type of cards, one can distinguish devices with low-power DDR3 strips, and high-speed solutions in the form of GDDR3 or even GDDR5
Graphics card specifications
Again, there are many variations of the model, but most manufacturers seek to comply with the recommendations of Nvidia. The average technical characteristics of this card can be represented as follows:
- Memory Type: Available with DDR3, GDDR3, GDDR5 chips.
- Clock frequency: 550 MHz.
- Video memory capacity: 128 Bit.
- Memory size: from 512 to 1024 Mb.
- Shared memory: none.
- DirectX: version 10.1 with shaders 4.1.
- Power Consumption: 23 watts.
Compared to other entry-level options, the Nvidia GeForce GT 240 looks decent. And although in practice it will not be necessary to solve complex and demanding tasks with its help, the model will cope with a whole range of functions that other state employees cannot afford.
Elitegroup Version
Using the example of the Elitegroup version, the aesthetic, and in a sense the constructive advantage of this card, its compactness becomes even more obvious. By the way, the length of the device is 17.5 cm, which is convenient when working with cases like Lian-Li and mini-ITX. Compared to Palit manufacturers, Elitegroup developers did not form a double bar, once again making calculations for enclosures with one output. Another significant feature due to which the GeForce GT 240 video card differs from Elitegroup is the presence of a Swiss brand cooler Arctic Cooling. The products of this company are appreciated not only by users, but also by specialists. AC ventilation systems are reliable, which extends the life of the video cards themselves.
Zotac Version
Considering the GT 240 model from different manufacturers, we can draw a disappointing conclusion about the poor configuration. And just the company Zotac does not allow to make such radical judgments. In particular, in addition to the disc and instructions, the buyer receives an adapter for HDMI-DVI cables, 3D Vision glasses and a Zostac Boost booklet. But otherwise the GeForce GT 240 of this brand is also prone to minimalism. This is confirmed by the characteristic feature of its counterpart from Elitegroup in terms of requirements for the number of slots for installation.
The cooling system is based on aluminum elements supplemented by fans. The developers did not have obstacles for the implementation of a passive cooling system, but they probably chose this scheme based on originality considerations. To summarize the opinion about this version, the advantage will be in favor of the design and, as already noted, extended configuration. But again, only against the background of analogues of the same family. With regard to overclocking, due to which manufacturers attract customers' attention, the impressions are not so encouraging. In this modification, the GT 240 is one of the weakest overclocking.
Palit Version
Palit is different in that it uses the full potential of memory. This version of the GeForce GT 240 is equipped with 1024 Mb, although, of course, it is not the only one. In the same line there is a 512 Mb version. Palit uses an unusually large cooling system. This is surprising, since a low-power card does not require particularly strong protection against overheating. On the other hand, this version has the highest heating. There can be two explanations for this: either solid thermal paste affects, or high overclocking, which is worth talking about separately. In Palit, they were not stingy with highlighting to users the maximum of what this accelerator could provide. Therefore, in terms of performance, this card can be considered as the most powerful option. On the other hand, you have to sacrifice aesthetically unpleasant nuances. This is primarily the noise and the presence of indelible thermal paste.
Positive reviews on the video card
If we talk about the merits that were identified in the process of using this video card, then, undoubtedly, the wide possibilities of working with video come to the fore. Moreover, the owners note not only the picture transmission quality, but also the speed in the video processing process that the GeForce GT 240 provides. Reviews confirm that in the budget segment this graphics accelerator will be able to fully suit those who mostly work with video editors. The pluses include the ability to connect a PC to modern TVs, as well as other video equipment without the need for adapters. Not without reason, some manufacturers complete this card with wires for HDMI. Actually, the advantages in working with video are due to one significant difference between the device - an addition in the form of the PhysX accelerator, which, with a minimum potential, nevertheless gives some system speed.
Video card negative reviews
The main drawback, which, however, we expect from an inexpensive entry-level card, is the unsuitability for working with demanding modern games. There is no need to talk about the availability of stock for more powerful future toys. Further, with all the advantages, working with video broadcasts was not without its limitations in connecting to TV connectors. In particular, there is no S-Video analog input. In fairness, I must say that in expensive models of graphic accelerators, analog connections are increasingly not supported, which is to say about the minimally equipped GeForce GT 240, the price of which is 3000-3500 rubles. But even more users were saddened by the lack of SLI support. This means that using another card of the same type to improve computer performance will fail.
Who is it for?
The model can suit users of inexpensive home PCs. By and large, this is a budget solution that is simple in every way. If experienced gamers may want to personally overclock the device, increasing productivity, then for ordinary users it is enough to install the driver for the GeForce GT 240 video card from the disk in the kit and start using the computer. The newly installed card will allow you to solve office tasks for editing documents, provide ease of working with photos, and also allow you to watch movies with all the advantages in the form of high-quality picture transmission. For specialists, this option will be convenient in working with compact media centers such as HTPC. If we return to the games, then this potential of the graphics accelerator can be realized only as an auxiliary element of the system.
Conclusion
The model is a fairly specific representative of entry-level video cards. The Nvidia GeForce GT 240 is characterized by all the typical disadvantages of such devices, but in some aspects there are pleasant surprises and disappointing disappointments. It is clear that you should not rely on average performance: it is minimal, and you will have to put up with it. Of the pleasant things, it is worth highlighting the wide and even rare opportunities for video processing, not to mention the possibility of watching HD movies. The disadvantages that are not typical of low-cost employees include the restriction on the use of SLI technology, which usually allows you to increase the graphic potential of the system.