The Power of GT 640: Gaming in 2023 and Beyond
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Specifications of the GT640 Video Card
- Gaming Performance of the GT640
- Optimal Settings for GT640
- Alternative Uses of GT640
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Resources
Introduction
The GT640 is a video card that has gained legendary status over the years. Despite being launched in 2012, this video card with 1GB of VRAM is still being used by some gamers in 2023. In this article, we will explore the specifications of the GT640 video card and assess its gaming performance in various popular games. We will also discuss the optimal settings for getting the best out of this aging graphics card and explore alternative uses for it in different scenarios.
Specifications of the GT640 Video Card
The GT640 video card features 384 shaders and operates on a 128-bit bus width. It has a core clock speed of 954MHz and a memory clock speed of 1250MHz. It supports DirectX 11 and is known for its affordability. Despite its limitations, the GT640 remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers or those looking to repurpose older computers. While it may not be able to handle demanding modern games, it still has potential in certain scenarios.
Gaming Performance of the GT640
Testing GTA 5
In our tests, we set up GTA 5 with a resolution of 1080p and all graphical settings on low. With these settings, the GT640 managed to deliver around 30-40 FPS. However, given the limited VRAM capacity, it struggled to handle the Game across the board. The CPU load remained relatively low, indicating that the CPU was not being fully utilized. The system RAM usage was also moderate at 10.2GB out of 32GB, which is favorable considering the video card's age and specifications.
Testing CS:GO
Moving on to CS:GO, the GT640 surprised us with its performance. With low details and performance mode enabled, it delivered a smooth gaming experience, averaging around 90 FPS. The CPU load remained low, showing that the game was well-optimized for this older hardware configuration. While the one-percent lows were not ideal, overall, it was a decent performance for a budget video card.
Testing Crossout
In the game Crossout, the GT640 impressed us with its capabilities. With low details and performance mode enabled, we consistently achieved 60 FPS, providing a satisfactory gaming experience. The CPU load was also well-managed, and the VRAM usage was maximized. Overall, this video card proved to be a reliable option for playing this particular game.
Testing Fortnite
Lastly, we tested Fortnite using the GT640. With all settings on low and a resolution of 1080p, the performance was subpar, averaging around 30-40 FPS. The CPU load was high, reaching up to 90%, while the VRAM was fully utilized. It was evident that this video card struggled to keep up with the demands of Fortnite. Lowering the resolution or adjusting the render Scale helped to improve the FPS, but the overall experience was still lacking.
Optimal Settings for GT640
Based on our testing, it is clear that the GT640 performs best when paired with low graphical settings and lower resolutions. To achieve smoother gameplay, adjusting the render scale to around 75-80% can help improve average FPS while keeping the load on the GPU in check. It's important to find a balance between performance and visual quality to make the most of this aging video card.
Alternative Uses of GT640
While the GT640 may not excel in modern gaming, it can still serve various purposes. This video card can be utilized in rebuilding old computers, creating retro PCs, setting up office PCs, or even as a media center component. It can also be useful for testing purposes, allowing users to gauge the compatibility and performance of software on outdated hardware configurations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GT640 video card, despite its age, still has some potential in certain scenarios. While it may struggle to handle modern games at high settings, it can provide a satisfactory gaming experience when paired with lower resolutions and moderate graphical settings. Additionally, the GT640 can be repurposed for different uses, making it a viable option for those working with a limited budget or exploring alternative applications.
FAQ
Q: Can the GT640 run recent AAA games?
A: No, the GT640 is not powerful enough to handle recent AAA games at satisfactory frame rates. It is better suited for older or less demanding titles.
Q: Can the GT640 be used for video editing or Graphic Design purposes?
A: While the GT640 can offer some level of support for basic video editing and graphic design tasks, it is not recommended for professional use in these fields. A more powerful and modern video card would be better suited for such applications.
Q: Can the GT640 be overclocked to improve performance?
A: Yes, the GT640 can be overclocked to some extent. However, due to its limitations and aging architecture, the performance gains achieved through overclocking may be marginal.
Q: Are there any known issues or limitations with the GT640 video card?
A: One limitation of the GT640 is its limited VRAM capacity of 1GB, which can restrict its ability to handle graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, the lack of support for newer DirectX versions may limit compatibility with certain games and applications.
Resources