Nvidia has introduced its new GeForce GT 430 graphics controller, the latest entry in its Fermi class of graphics processing systems. The GT 430 aims at folks looking to step up from integrated graphics into solid high-definition entertainment and gaming experiences, without straining their pocketbooks: the card uses Nvidia’s 40nm GF108 GPU—already found in notebook and desktop computers from a number of OEMs—and a dedicated video processing engine for power-sipping performance.
Although the GeForce GT 430 isn’t going to blow the socks off a gamer-oriented graphics system with dedicated cooling technologies, it does sport 96 CUDA cores, a slim 5.7-inch board, HDMI 1.4a output that can handle 3D content at 1080p resolutions, and support for 24-bit multichannel audio at up to 192 Hz. The board also supports DirectX 11 and Nvidia PhysX technology, so while it might not win any LAN parties, at least it can give gamers a taste of what they’re missing. Plus, the GT 430 consumes just 49 Watts of power.
Nvidia isn’t selling the GeForce GT 430 directly; instead, suppliers like Asus, ASL, Galaxy, Innovision, Zotac, MSI, and others are offering the system as an add-in board. Prices vary, but are hovering around the $80 mark. However, the GeForce GT 430 has some serious competition in the form of the similarly-priced Radeon 5670 from AMD…and the AMD system ought to significantly outperform this Nvidia offering, particularly in gaming. That might explain why Nvidia is positioning the GT 430 as a card for digital media PCS, where 3D and 1080p capabilities—along with low power consumption—are winning attributes.
