Gtx 1650 vs Gtx 1050 Ti: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 and the GTX 1050 Ti? You’re not alone! These two graphics cards have been popular choices for budget-conscious gamers for years. Both offer a path to PC gaming, but which one is the better buy in 2024?
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance, and value of the 1650 and the 1050 Ti. We’ll explore their capabilities in modern games and analyze how they stack up against each other. Prepare to discover which card delivers the best gaming experience for your money.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, understanding the differences between these GPUs is crucial. We’ll examine their architectures, clock speeds, and memory configurations. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 1650 | 1050 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Pascal |
| CUDA Cores | 896 | 768 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1665 MHz | Up to 1392 MHz |
| Memory Size | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5/GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| TDP | 75W | 75W |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Manufacturing Process | 12 nm | 14 nm |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| Release Date | April 2019 | October 2016 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- 1650: Based on the Turing architecture, offering improved efficiency and performance compared to the older Pascal architecture. It features updated CUDA cores and Tensor cores, though the latter are less relevant at this performance tier. This results in generally better performance in modern games.
- 1050 Ti: Built on the Pascal architecture, it’s an older architecture known for its good balance of performance and power consumption. It has a lower core count compared to the 1650, leading to reduced overall performance in most scenarios.
- Winner: 1650
Memory
- 1650: Typically comes with 4GB of GDDR5 or GDDR6 memory. The GDDR6 variant offers significantly better memory bandwidth, leading to improved performance, especially at higher resolutions.
- 1050 Ti: Equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 memory. While sufficient for many games, it can be a bottleneck in some demanding titles at higher settings or resolutions.
- Winner: 1650 (GDDR6 variant)
Performance (Gaming)
- 1650: Generally offers better gaming performance than the 1050 Ti, particularly in newer games and at higher resolutions. It can comfortably handle 1080p gaming at medium to high settings in many titles.
- 1050 Ti: Provides decent 1080p gaming performance, but may struggle with more demanding games at higher settings. It’s best suited for 1080p gaming at medium settings or lower.
- Winner: 1650
Power Consumption
- 1650: Known for its low power consumption, making it suitable for systems with limited power supplies. It doesn’t typically require an external power connector.
- 1050 Ti: Also has low power consumption and doesn’t usually need an external power connector, making it a good choice for upgrading prebuilt PCs.
- Winner: Tie
Features (Ray Tracing/DLSS)
- 1650: Does not support Ray Tracing or DLSS, as it lacks the necessary hardware (RT Cores and Tensor Cores) to effectively implement these features.
- 1050 Ti: Does not support Ray Tracing or DLSS.
- Winner: Tie
Overclocking
- 1650: Can be overclocked for a performance boost, though the gains are often modest. Overclocking potential varies depending on the specific card and cooling solution.
- 1050 Ti: Can also be overclocked, offering a slight performance increase. Like the 1650, the extent of overclocking depends on the card’s quality and cooling.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 1650: Price varies depending on the specific model and availability, but it’s generally a budget-friendly option.
- 1050 Ti: Can sometimes be found at lower prices, especially used, but new prices are often comparable to the 1650. Price depends on availability and condition.
- Winner: Tie (Price dependent on availability)
Connectivity
- 1650: Offers standard display outputs, typically including HDMI and DisplayPort, allowing for multiple monitor setups.
- 1050 Ti: Also provides standard display outputs such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Performance | 1650 |
| Features | 1650 |
| Power Efficiency | Tie |
| Value (Used Market) | 1050 Ti |
What They Have in Common
- Memory Size: Both the GTX 1650 and GTX 1050 Ti come equipped with 4GB of video memory, ensuring sufficient capacity for gaming at lower resolutions and detail settings. This allows for similar performance in memory-intensive scenarios.
- Memory Bus: Both cards share a 128-bit memory bus. This bandwidth limitation influences the maximum amount of data that can be transferred between the GPU and the video memory, impacting performance in demanding games.
- Tdp: Both GPUs are designed with a 75W TDP (Thermal Design Power), making them power-efficient options. This low power consumption allows them to be used in systems with less powerful power supplies.
- Directx Support: Both cards support DirectX 12, enabling them to run modern games that utilize the latest graphics APIs. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of current and upcoming titles.
- Opengl Support: Both cards support OpenGL 4.6, which is a standard that ensures compatibility with various applications and games that utilize this graphics API.
1650 Vs 1050 Ti Buying Guide
Performance in Modern Games
The GTX 1650 generally outperforms the GTX 1050 Ti in modern games. This is due to architectural improvements and slightly higher clock speeds. You can expect a noticeable FPS increase, especially at 1080p resolution. While both cards can handle many modern titles, the 1650 offers a smoother experience. The performance difference becomes more pronounced in graphically demanding games, where the 1650’s newer architecture provides a significant advantage.
The 1050 Ti, while still capable, struggles with some of the latest releases.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Both the GTX 1650 and GTX 1050 Ti are known for their low power consumption. The GTX 1650, however, often edges out the 1050 Ti in terms of efficiency. It typically draws less power, making it a better choice for small form factor PCs or systems with limited power supplies. This lower power draw also translates to less heat generation, leading to quieter operation. This is good for longevity.
The 1050 Ti is still good, but the 1650 is slightly better.
Price and Availability
The price of both cards can fluctuate depending on market conditions and availability. Generally, the GTX 1650 is priced slightly higher than the 1050 Ti, reflecting its improved performance. However, due to the age of the 1050 Ti, it can sometimes be found at bargain prices, especially used. Always compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Check for sales.
Availability varies.
Features and Technologies
The GTX 1650 benefits from newer features and technologies. It supports the latest NVIDIA technologies, such as improved video encoding and decoding. The 1050 Ti, being an older card, lacks some of these advancements. These new features translate into better performance and efficiency in certain applications. This is especially true for tasks like streaming and video editing.
1650 is better.
Overclocking Potential
Both cards offer decent overclocking potential, allowing you to squeeze out extra performance. However, the gains from overclocking are usually more noticeable on the GTX 1650 due to its newer architecture. The 1050 Ti, while overclockable, might hit its thermal limits sooner. Careful overclocking can boost the performance of either card.
The 1650 benefits more.
VRAM and Memory Bandwidth
Both the GTX 1650 and GTX 1050 Ti typically come with 4GB of GDDR5 memory. This amount of VRAM is sufficient for gaming at 1080p resolution in most cases. The memory bandwidth is also similar, but the newer architecture of the 1650 can handle the data more efficiently. Consider the VRAM requirements of the games you plan to play when choosing between these cards.
Similar VRAM.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 1650 If…
- You want slightly better performance in modern games due to architectural improvements.
- You are looking for a more power-efficient card.
- You want a card with a newer architecture with updated features.
- You are building a new budget gaming PC.
Buy 1050 ti If…
- You find a significantly lower price on the used market.
- You need a card for older games and lighter workloads.
- You want a card that’s readily available and easy to find.
- You are upgrading an older system and don’t want to replace the power supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the GTX 1650 and GTX 1050 Ti?
The primary difference lies in the architecture. The GTX 1650 uses the newer Turing architecture, which provides performance improvements and efficiency gains compared to the older Pascal architecture of the GTX 1050 Ti. The 1650 also often has slightly higher clock speeds, leading to better performance in games and applications. The 1650 is the newer card.
Which card is better for gaming at 1080p?
The GTX 1650 generally provides a better gaming experience at 1080p. It delivers higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in most modern titles. While the GTX 1050 Ti is still capable of 1080p gaming, it may struggle with demanding games or require lower graphical settings to maintain acceptable frame rates. The 1650 is a better choice.
Is the GTX 1650 worth the extra cost?
Whether the GTX 1650 is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize performance and want a smoother gaming experience, the 1650 is generally worth the slightly higher price. However, if you are on a very tight budget, the 1050 Ti can still provide a decent gaming experience, especially if found at a good price. Consider your budget.
Does the GTX 1650 require a power connector?
Some GTX 1650 models do not require an external power connector, drawing power solely from the PCIe slot. However, some higher-end models may require a 6-pin power connector for increased performance and overclocking potential. The GTX 1050 Ti also does not require an external power connector in most cases. Check the specific model.
What are the power requirements for each card?
Both cards have relatively low power requirements. The GTX 1650 typically has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of around 75W, while the GTX 1050 Ti also falls around 75W. This means that both cards can run comfortably on most power supplies, making them suitable for compact PCs. Always ensure your PSU has enough wattage.
Can I upgrade from a GTX 1050 Ti to a GTX 1650?
Yes, you can upgrade from a GTX 1050 Ti to a GTX 1650. The upgrade is generally straightforward, as both cards use the same PCIe interface. You’ll need to uninstall your existing graphics drivers, install the new card, and then install the latest drivers for the GTX 1650. Make sure your PSU can handle the card.
Which card is better for streaming and video editing?
The GTX 1650 is generally better for streaming and video editing due to its improved video encoding capabilities. The Turing architecture includes a dedicated encoder (NVENC) that provides better performance and efficiency for these tasks. However, the 1050 Ti can still handle these tasks, but you may experience slightly lower performance or longer render times. The 1650 is better.
Final Verdict
The GTX 1650 emerges as the superior choice due to its newer architecture, resulting in better performance across various games and applications. While the GTX 1050 Ti remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers, the 1650 offers a noticeable performance advantage, particularly at 1080p resolution, and it also features better efficiency and newer technologies. The 1650 has a slight edge.
Winner: GTX 1650