NVidia GeForce 9500 GT graphics card: specifications, reviews

Graphics card manufacturers often use old models as a basis for developing fresh versions. So there are updated devices, in which the minimum number of changes is sometimes realized. It happens that it is difficult to distinguish the older generation from the younger one. 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 model 9500 GT, which is based on the graphic platform G84.

And yet, it is not necessary to speak about the complete similarity of the device with other versions of maps, issued on the basis of this kernel. NVidia transferred the production to the 65 HM process technology, and also increased the frequency performance. In practice this means minimizing energy consumption and heat dissipation. However, much depends on the final card manufacturers. Each company strives to attract customers with its characteristics, which increases the difference between video cards.

General information about the model

The accelerator is the successor to the 8500 GT, which represents the budget line of the manufacturer. Unlike its predecessor, the 9500 GT is provided with twice the number of texture units with universal processors. True, the number of ROP-blocks remains the same and is 8 pieces.

To change is the increase in value. Obviously, the use of new opportunities for technological progress is more demanding and financially. But this should not be disappointing either, because during the operation the novelty is more economical in terms of electricity consumption. If we touch on the theme of productivity, then the model, although it exceeds the previous version for a number of parameters, does not demonstrate its revolutionary potential. At once it is worth dispelling the myth that the nVidia GeForce 9500 GT supports DirectX 11, as well as its competitors in the form of Radeon. This is not true, and even in third-party implementations, the card works with DirectX 10.

Map Features

Although the opinions of users about the capabilities of the card as a tool for watching movies are quite low, it uses PureVideo HD technology. As the manufacturer notes, the development ensures the acceleration of the decoding process of video materials while maintaining high definition. This means getting a clean image, smooth video stream and scaling accuracy. The SLI technology is also noteworthy, which again, according to nVidia, doubles the performance (compared to the configuration provided by one GPU). Of the total number of direct competitors, the 9500 GT graphics card is also knocked out thanks to the support of PCI Express 2. Here it must be said that with its budget, the video adapter is still oriented towards games and multimedia. And the PCI-E bus architecture confirms this, providing a high data transfer rate. Innovation is especially useful when running games and 3D applications demanding bandwidth.

Basic characteristics of the model

There are situations when, with a whole set of useful and necessary additions, graphic accelerators turned out to be ineffective in work because of low potential. In this regard, it is worthwhile to consider what features the nVidia GeForce 9500 GT graphics card is based on. The characteristic of its filling is as follows:

• The frequency of the processor is 0.55 GHz.
• The indicator of the frequency of shader units is 1.4 GHz.
• The technological process of production is 55 Nm.
• Video memory - module type GDDR2.
• The size of the video memory card is 1024 MB.
• The frequency of graphics memory is 1000 GHz.
• The maximum number of monitored monitors is 2.
• The resolution in the maximum format is 2560 x 1600.
• The bit depth is 128 bits.
• The frequency index of RAMDAC is 0.4 GHz.

Characteristics of the version from XFX

The manufacturer in many respects repeats the basic parameters, being guided by the recommendations of nVidia. The model is based on the G96 chip, has a single-slot fan with a turbine and an aluminum radiator for covering memory chips. The task of the thermal interface is performed by thermal pads on the memory and the corresponding paste on the 9500 GT chip. The characteristics of the video card are also identical to those recommended - the core frequency is 550 MHz, the stream processors function at 1400 MHz, and the video memory has a potential of 1600 MHz. Despite predictable data for nVidia's experts, XFX was able to surprise users with rather unexpected parameters. Firstly, the board features Samsung memory chips, which provides memory performance at 2 GHz. Secondly, the heating temperature does not exceed 55 ° C. And this is in view of the noiseless operation of the cooler.

Characteristics of the version from XpertVision

The version from XpertVision again makes us remember the belonging of the card to the gaming segment. But for starters it is worth familiarizing with the cooling system. Aluminum radiator has a simple design: the plate is formed 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: at a volume of 512 Mb and a frequency of 550 MHz, the card shows good performance. And this is in view of 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 for manufacturers a core frequency of 1 GHz. Perhaps underestimation of this indicator even in the case of XpertVision is due to a passive cooling system.

Characteristics of the version from GIGABYTE

A feature of this product is the use of overclocking. Actually, this attracts the attention of gamers to the video card from GIGABYTE. It's worth noting that the boards used to create this accelerator were calculated for another series with the GDDR3 memory type. Nevertheless, the standard GDDR2 was again used, on which the GeForce 9500 GT 512Mb graphics card GIGABYTE operates. As for the improvements in 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 distinguished by its modesty. In particular, it includes an SPDIF cable, adapters with DVI, and a CD-ROM.

Positive reviews about the map

Video cards of the initial level are difficult to attract the buyer something special in the technological part or to surprise with their performance. But in this case, users themselves note the presence of a whole set of advantages. This is a rare case, when for a little money you can get a good amount of memory and a relatively high efficiency. In addition, there is a low level of power consumption and noiseless operation of the nVidia GeForce 9500 GT graphics card. The feedback also highlights the well-thought-out function of the cooling system. But there are different opinions. By themselves, the radiator and coolers (in the case of this model) have fairly average characteristics. Anyway, if the manufacturers state the heating limit at 55 ° C, then users record even lower values.

Negative reviews about the map

Many characteristics and operating parameters cause controversy and ambiguous opinions. For example, the criticism is aimed at using an outdated memory module, a massive cooling system unit, which causes the card to occupy 2 slots, as well as the high cost of some modifications. The matter is that from 9500 GT it was expected much both in terms of performance, and in terms of functionality. Manufacturers cope with the first task, but there are not many optional options for the video adapter. In particular, the use of technologies that improve the display of video, was cut by reducing the connectors.

Conclusion

Given the positioning of the model in the initial link, it provides good operational parameters. Moreover, do not forget that the device marked the appearance of a transition stage. It should be noted that together with the 9500 GT graphics processor the mass consumer received higher frequencies, lower heat dissipation, and also saved energy consumption. Another thing is that these and other advantages are obvious in theory, but in practice they are not realized by all manufacturers. Hence, conflicting reviews about the effectiveness of the card in games, heating characteristics, etc. But in any case, if we consider models with similar data, they will be an order of magnitude more expensive. And this is not to say that video game adapters in the budget class are rare due to low performance and low memory.