I have an Intel Core i5-9400 and currently use an older 1GB DDR5 GeForce GT 730. Since I'm saving for an SSD and can't upgrade right now, would the processor's integrated UHD 630 graphics perform better than the GT 730? I mainly want to play esports games such as CS2 and Valorant, along with older open-world games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. I'm not trying to run demanding modern games, and I'd like to know which option would give me better performance with my current hardware.
3 Answers
Both options are quite weak for CS2, but the GT 730 DDR5 is probably the safer choice for gaming because it has dedicated video memory and avoids taking RAM away from the system. Keep expectations modest and use low settings and a reduced resolution. A used GTX 1650 or another comparable low-power card would be a much more meaningful future upgrade, provided your power supply and case can support it.
Try both setups rather than relying only on general benchmarks. Test the GT 730 using its video output, then remove or disable it and connect your display to the motherboard output. Compare frame rates and frame-time performance in the games you actually play. The integrated graphics will use system RAM, so dual-channel memory makes a noticeable difference.
The answer depends heavily on the exact GT 730 model and your system RAM. The DDR5 version is considerably faster than the DDR3 version, so comparisons that show the UHD 630 winning may be using the slower DDR3 card. Your DDR5 GT 730 is likely around the same level or somewhat faster, especially if your system memory is running in dual channel.
The GT 730 was sold in several very different versions. The DDR5 model shouldn’t be judged using benchmarks for the much slower DDR3 variant.
If you only have 8GB of RAM, the iGPU taking a portion of it can make multitasking and newer games feel worse. With 16GB in dual channel, testing the UHD 630 becomes more worthwhile.