The GeForce GT 740 is a low-end Kepler graphics card from 2014 with 384 CUDA cores, 1GB to 4GB of memory depending on the board, and a 128-bit memory bus. It can run older and very light games at 720p to 1080p on low settings, but it is outclassed by even current integrated graphics in some respects, and a modest used card is a much better upgrade path.
If you own a GT 740 or found one in a secondhand PC, you probably want to know three things: what it can still do, where it hits a wall, and what to move to without wasting money. This guide covers the specs, a realistic performance picture, driver and software limits, and upgrade options, written as of late 2026 with the caveat that board variants differ a lot.
GT 740 Specs and Variants
The GT 740 uses the Kepler architecture, and most desktop boards are based on the GK107 chip with 384 CUDA cores. NVIDIA and its partners sold the card with DDR3 or GDDR5 memory, and with capacities from 1GB up to 4GB on some models, so two cards labeled GT 740 may behave quite differently. The GDDR5 versions have noticeably more memory bandwidth and are the better ones for gaming.
| Specification | Typical GT 740 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Kepler | Older than Maxwell and Pascal |
| CUDA cores | 384 | On the common desktop variant |
| Memory | 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB | DDR3 or GDDR5 depending on board |
| Memory bus | 128-bit | Bandwidth varies with memory type |
| Board power | About 65W | Many boards need a six-pin; check the model |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | Works in older slots too |
| Ray tracing and DLSS | No | Predates both features |
Always confirm the memory type on the exact card, since that single detail changes performance more than most other differences between GT 740 boards.
What Performance to Expect
The GT 740 is built for casual use. For esports titles, older single-player games, and simple indie releases it can reach playable frame rates at 720p or 1080p with low settings. In more recent games, expect to drop settings drastically or accept a slideshow, since memory and shader limits arrive quickly.
The 1GB and 2GB versions are the biggest constraint today. Textures in even modest current games can exceed that capacity, and the card then has to swap data over the PCIe bus, which causes stutter. A 4GB version helps with capacity but not with the core’s speed.
It also lacks newer video decoding features. Playback of high-resolution HEVC, VP9, and AV1 video is generally not hardware accelerated on this card, so a modest CPU may carry the load, and a recent integrated GPU can do the job better.
Bottlenecks and System Pairing
The card is unlikely to be limited by an old CPU, because the GPU is usually the slower part. That means a GT 740 is a sensible match for an aging dual-core or early quad-core system, but it also means a faster GPU will need a decent CPU to shine. If your processor is more than a decade old, plan the whole upgrade, not just the card.
Power supply matters too. A GT 740 can draw up to the mid-60W range under load, and some boards add a six-pin connector. Many office PCs with a weak or proprietary power supply cannot support a larger card without replacing the PSU, so check the connector and wattage label before buying anything.
Finally, monitors: DVI, HDMI, and VGA outputs may be present, with specific versions varying by board. If you run a modern high-refresh display, check that the card supports the resolution and refresh rate you want.
Drivers and Software Limits
Kepler has moved to NVIDIA’s legacy driver track, and the company has ended regular driver development for it, so check NVIDIA’s legacy driver notes to see which branch applies and whether any security updates continue. In practice this means no new game-ready drivers, and recent software may drop support.
The card supports older DirectX versions and OpenGL features well. Support for newer Vulkan and DirectX 12 games is limited or absent in practice, which means some current releases will refuse to start. Operating system compatibility is the other limit, since newer Windows builds may require older driver branches and some Linux distributions place the card on a legacy package.
Upgrade Options That Make Sense
Which upgrade fits depends on your PSU, your case, and your goals. A low-profile PC with a small PSU is the hardest case, so identify these constraints first.
- Light gaming, minimal power change: a GTX 1650 class card, which often runs from the slot and offers a major step up.
- Better value from the used market: a GTX 1060 6GB class card or similar if you have a six-pin connector.
- 1080p gaming at higher settings: a recent mid-range RTX card, assuming you have the PSU and case space.
- Just a display and video decoding: integrated graphics on a recent CPU, which may mean a platform upgrade instead.
Look at the total picture. If the motherboard is old, the CPU weak, and the memory scarce, investing in a new card alone may disappoint.
Why DDR3 and GDDR5 Versions Differ
The memory type is the biggest hidden variable. DDR3 is cheaper and slower, and on a 128-bit bus it limits how quickly the chip can read textures. GDDR5 versions offer far more bandwidth, so they react better to higher resolutions and texture settings. If a seller does not list the memory type, ask for a photo of the label or a screenshot from a hardware information tool before paying.
Who Should Buy or Skip It
The Owner of an Old Family PC
If it already has a GT 740, it can keep running office tasks and older games. Upgrade when the PC feels slow in everyday use or you want to play more modern titles.
The Used-Market Buyer
Skip buying a GT 740 deliberately. Used cards from later generations are often similarly easy to find and far more capable.
The Casual Gamer on a Tight Setup
Move to a GTX 1650 class card, which offers newer features and a lower power burden for what you get. It keeps cost and complexity in check.
Upgrade Checklist
- Identify the exact GT 740 variant and memory type.
- Check your power supply wattage and available PCIe connectors.
- Measure case clearance and bracket height for the new card.
- Confirm the motherboard slot and BIOS support.
- Review monitor connectors and cable needs.
- Read NVIDIA’s legacy driver notes before planning to keep the old card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the GT 740 run modern games?
Only at very low settings and often not at all in recent releases. It handles esports titles and older games better.
How much VRAM does the GT 740 have?
It was sold with 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB versions. The memory type, DDR3 or GDDR5, also changes performance, so check the specific card.
Does the GT 740 still get driver updates?
Kepler is on a legacy track, so regular updates have ended. Check NVIDIA’s legacy driver notes for any remaining security support.
What is the cheapest sensible upgrade from a GT 740?
A used or entry-level GTX 1650 class card is a common step, and integrated graphics on a newer platform may also beat it. Verify your PSU and case first.
Related Guides
- Upgrade Laptop GPU: Can You Do It and What Are the Options
- Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
- GPU Air Cooler Upgrade: Best Budget Cooling Picks for 2026
- Is a Gpu Upgrade Worth It for Dlss? An Honest Answer (2026)
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!