When it comes to gaming graphics cards, two popular options that often cross paths in the comparison ring are the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the GeForce GTX 1650, often referred to as the GTX 1650 Super. Both cards offer great performance for their price points, but which one is the better choice for your gaming needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the GTX 1050 vs GTX 1650 across various aspects to help you make an informed decision.
The GTX 1050 and its Ti version were launched in late 2016 as part of the Pascal architecture, while the GTX 1650, a Turing-based card, was released in 2019. Despite the difference in architecture and age, both cards are still relevant in the budget and mid-range gaming segments. In this article, we'll compare these two cards based on their technical specifications, performance, power consumption, and price.
Technical Specifications
The GTX 1050 and GTX 1650 differ significantly in their internal architecture, manufacturing process, and core clock speeds. Familiarizing yourself with their technical specifications can appreciably help you differentiate between the two offerings.
Starting with the GTX 1050, it's based on the GP107 GPU and features 768 CUDA cores, 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory interface. On the other hand, the GTX 1650 is built on the TU117 chip and comes with 896 CUDA cores, 4GB GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory interface. The GTX 1650's higher CUDA core count and slightly higher memory bandwidth hint at improved performance on paper.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
As mentioned earlier, the GTX 1050 is based on the Pascal architecture, while the GTX 1650 belongs to the Turing family. The Pascal architecture introduced several improvements like Simultaneous Multi-projection (SMP) and improved efficiency, while Turing brought hardware-based ray tracing and DLSS technology to the table. Additionally, the GTX 1650 is manufactured on TSMC's 12nm FinFET process, leading to more power-efficient performance compared to the 14nm FinFET process used in the GTX 1050.
The combination of a newer architecture and more advanced manufacturing process results in the GTX 1650 having a higher theoretical performance than the GTX 1050.
Boost Clock Speed
The boost clock speed of a GPU determines its maximum Turbo frequency, which is reached when the GPU is under heavy load. The GTX 1050 has a reference boost clock speed of 1392 MHz, while the GTX 1650 comes in at 1710 MHz. This difference in boost clock speeds may not seem significant on paper, but it does contribute to the GTX 1650's superior performance in real-world gaming scenarios.
It's important to note that third-party cooling solutions and factory overclocked versions can significantly improve these boost clock speeds, especially for the GTX 1050. Always consider the specific model and its corresponding overclocking capabilities when comparing cards.
Performance and Gaming Benchmarks
The performance of a graphics card ultimately determines the visual quality, frame rates, and overall gaming experience. The GTX 1650's improved architecture, manufacturing process, and higher core clocks enable it to outperform the GTX 1050 in most games.
The gap in performance widens as we move from 1080p to higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K. In titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends, both cards perform similarly, as these games aren't graphically demanding. However, in more resource-intensive games like Far Cry 5 and Metro Exodus, the GTX 1650 consistently delivers higher average frame rates and better overall performance.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The power consumption of graphics cards directly impacts their performance, thermals, and noise levels. Nvidia has made significant strides in improving power efficiency with each successive generation. The GTX 1650's 12nm manufacturing process and improvements in the Turing architecture result in a lower power draw compared to the GTX 1050.
Reference GTX 1650 cards have a TDP of 75W, compared to the GTX 1050's TDP of 75-90W, depending on the specific model. This slight reduction in power consumption positively impacts the GTX 1650's thermal performance and noise levels under load. Additionally, the GTX 1650 consistently runs cooler than the GTX 1050, making it a more comfortable choice for compact gaming builds.
In terms of cooling, most GTX 1650 models come with dual-fan designs or improved cooling solutions compared to their GTX 1050 counterparts. Custom cooling solutions for the GTX 1050 are readily available, but they may sacrifice some performance to maintain low temperatures and quieter operation.
Price and Value
The price of a graphics card is a crucial factor when determining which one to buy. As of now, the GTX 1650 is available at a lower price point than the GTX 1050, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. While the GTX 1050's price has dropped significantly since its launch, the GTX 1650's superior performance and improved power efficiency make it amore appealing choice for most gaming needs.
However, keep in mind that prices are subject to change due to market fluctuations and availability. Always check the current market prices and compare the offerings from different manufacturers to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
Features and Compatibility
The features and compatibility of a graphics card can significantly impact your overall gaming experience. Here, we'll discuss some key features and compatibility aspects of the GTX 1050 and GTX 1650.
Starting with the GTX 1050, it supports features like Nvidia's GameStream for streaming games from your PC to an Nvidia Shield device, Ansel for in-game photography, and HDR support. The GTX 1650, on the other hand, brings hardware-based ray tracing and DLSS technology to the table. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an Nvidia-developed AI-powered upscaling technology that improves frame rates and visual quality simultaneously in supported games.
In terms of compatibility, both cards support the latest drivers and APIs (DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan). However, the GTX 1650 has better support for newer games due to its newer architecture and advanced features like ray tracing. When it comes to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) support for monitoring tools, both cards are compatible with popular software like MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision X1, and Nvidia GeForce Experience.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light to achieve more realistic and immersive visuals in games. The GTX 1650 is one of the first cards in the Turing family to support hardware-based ray tracing, making it a more attractive option for gamers who want to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand.
As mentioned earlier, Turing cards also support Nvidia's DLSS technology, which uses AI to improve frame rates and visual quality simultaneously in supported games. DLSS works by upscaling lower-resolution frames to the native resolution, resulting in higher frame rates and improved visual details compared to traditional TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) methods. While the GTX 1050 doesn't officially support DLSS, some users have reported that using DLSS 1.0 with the card can result in improved performance and visual quality.
Final Thoughts
After comparing the GTX 1050 and GTX 1650 across various aspects, it's clear that the GTX 1650 is the superior offering in terms of performance, power efficiency, and features. Its newer architecture, improved manufacturing process, and higher core clocks enable it to outperform the GTX 1050 in most games. Additionally, the GTX 1650's hardware-based ray tracing and DLSS technology make it a more future-proof investment for gamers. However, if budget constraints are a concern, the GTX 1050 remains an attractive option for 1080p gaming, thanks to its competitive price and solid performance in less demanding titles.
Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1050 and GTX 1650 depends on your specific gaming needs, budget, and preferences. Both cards offer excellent value for their respective price points and are capable of delivering a satisfying gaming experience at 1080p and beyond. Happy gaming!