Rx 6500 Xt vs Gtx 1650: Which Budget GPU Reigns?
Struggling to find a decent graphics card without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. The budget GPU market is fiercely competitive, with options like the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 vying for your attention. This comparison will help you decide which card offers the best value for your money.
Both the RX 6500 XT and the GTX 1650 are designed for entry-level gaming and are often targeted at those seeking a cost-effective upgrade. They aim to deliver smooth 1080p gaming experiences. However, their architectures and performance characteristics differ significantly.
We’ll delve into their specifications, benchmark results, and real-world gaming performance to determine which card comes out on top. We’ll also consider factors like power consumption and features. So, buckle up, and let’s find out which budget champion, the RX 6500 XT or GTX 1650, deserves a place in your PC!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | RX 6500 XT | GTX 1650 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 2 | Turing |
| Process Node | 6nm | 12nm |
| Memory Size | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5/GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 144 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| Boost Clock | Up to 2815 MHz | Up to 1665 MHz |
| Compute Units/CUDA Cores | 16 | 896 |
| TDP | 107W | 75W/100W |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| DirectX Support | 12 Ultimate | 12 |
| Release Date | January 2022 | April 2019 |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rx 6500 Xt: Based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, offering improvements in efficiency and performance per watt. However, it’s limited to a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, which can bottleneck performance on older motherboards.
- Gtx 1650: Utilizes NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, known for its good balance of performance and power efficiency. It typically uses a PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, ensuring compatibility across a wider range of systems.
- Winner: GTX 1650
VRAM (Video Memory)
- Rx 6500 Xt: Typically comes with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, which can be limiting in some modern games at higher resolutions or with high texture settings.
- Gtx 1650: Usually equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 or GDDR6 memory (depending on the specific model). The GDDR5 variants can struggle more in some games, whereas GDDR6 models are more competitive.
- Winner: Tie
Performance (Gaming)
- Rx 6500 Xt: Generally offers slightly better performance in some games, particularly when not bottlenecked by the PCIe interface. Performance can vary depending on the game and settings.
- Gtx 1650: Provides decent performance for 1080p gaming, though it may struggle with demanding titles at higher settings. Performance is more consistent across a broader range of systems.
- Winner: Tie
Power Consumption
- Rx 6500 Xt: Designed to be power efficient, making it suitable for systems with lower power supplies. Its power draw is typically around 107W.
- Gtx 1650: Known for its low power consumption, often drawing less than 75W, making it a good option for small form factor builds and systems without external power connectors.
- Winner: GTX 1650
Price
- Rx 6500 Xt: Usually available at a lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option. Price fluctuations can occur based on market availability.
- Gtx 1650: Can be found at a similar price point, depending on the model and availability. Pricing can vary based on market conditions.
- Winner: Tie
PCIe Interface
- Rx 6500 Xt: Limited to a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. This can severely bottleneck performance on older motherboards with PCIe 3.0 slots, leading to significant performance drops.
- Gtx 1650: Typically uses a PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, ensuring wider compatibility and minimizing potential bottlenecks across a broader range of systems.
- Winner: GTX 1650
Ray Tracing/DLSS/FSR Support
- Rx 6500 Xt: Does not support ray tracing. Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) for upscaling, which can improve performance in supported games.
- Gtx 1650: Does not support ray tracing or DLSS.
- Winner: Tie
Availability and Drivers
- Rx 6500 Xt: Availability can sometimes be limited, and driver updates are provided by AMD. Driver performance and stability can vary.
- Gtx 1650: Generally more readily available, and NVIDIA’s drivers are known for their maturity and optimization.
- Winner: GTX 1650
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Performance (1080p) | RX 6500 XT (marginally) |
| Architecture | RX 6500 XT |
| Power Efficiency | GTX 1650 |
| Compatibility (PCIe) | GTX 1650 |
| Features | RX 6500 XT (slightly) |
What They Have in Common
- Memory Size: Both the RX 6500 XT and GTX 1650 come equipped with 4GB of video memory, which is sufficient for gaming at 1080p resolution, but may require lowering settings in more demanding titles.
- Target Audience: Both cards are designed for entry-level gaming and are suitable for users with budget constraints or those looking for a low-power solution.
- Directx 12 Support: Both cards support DirectX 12, ensuring compatibility with modern games and access to the latest graphics features.
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards are primarily aimed at 1080p gaming, providing a balance between performance and affordability for this resolution.
- No Ray Tracing: Neither card supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a feature found in more high-end GPUs.
Rx 6500 Xt Vs Gtx 1650 Buying Guide
Performance in Games
When it comes to gaming performance, the RX 6500 XT and GTX 1650 offer differing experiences. The RX 6500 XT often struggles in older, CPU-bound titles due to its limited PCI-e bandwidth, especially on older motherboards. The GTX 1650, while generally slower, can sometimes provide a smoother experience in these specific scenarios. However, in newer games, the RX 6500 XT typically pulls ahead, offering better frame rates at 1080p. Both cards are entry-level options, so expect to play at lower settings for optimal performance.
Price and Availability
Price and availability are crucial factors when making a purchase. The GTX 1650 is generally more readily available, as it’s been on the market for a longer time. The RX 6500 XT’s availability can fluctuate. Pricing has also changed, with both cards experiencing price hikes and drops. It’s essential to compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Always consider the used market, where you might find either card at a lower price.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Power consumption is a significant concern for budget-conscious gamers. The GTX 1650 is known for its low power draw, making it ideal for systems with limited power supplies. The RX 6500 XT’s power consumption is also relatively low, but it can vary depending on the manufacturer’s design. Cooling is also important; both cards typically use compact cooling solutions. Check reviews to assess the noise levels and thermal performance of specific models before buying.
Features and Technology
The RX 6500 XT leverages AMD’s newer RDNA 2 architecture, offering features like Smart Access Memory (SAM) when paired with a compatible AMD CPU and motherboard. This can provide a performance boost in some games. The GTX 1650, based on the older Turing architecture, lacks these specific features but still supports technologies like NVIDIA’s ShadowPlay. Consider what features are important to you, like ray tracing (neither card excels at) or specific software support.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Before purchasing either card, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. Check your power supply’s wattage and the number of available PCI-e slots. The RX 6500 XT can be bottlenecked by older systems with PCI-e 3.0 or slower interfaces. The GTX 1650 is generally less sensitive to this. Ensure your motherboard is compatible with the card’s architecture, and that your CPU is adequate to avoid bottlenecks. Consider updating drivers for optimal performance.
Overall Value Proposition
Ultimately, the best card depends on your specific needs and budget. The RX 6500 XT may offer better performance in newer games, particularly if paired with a compatible system. The GTX 1650 might be a better choice if you’re on a very tight budget or have an older system where PCI-e bandwidth is limited. Consider the availability, pricing, and features of each card, along with your gaming preferences, to make an informed decision. Look for used options.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RX 6500 XT If…
- You prioritize newer features and architecture.
- You have a PCIe 4.0 compatible motherboard.
- You want slightly better performance in some games, particularly at 1080p.
- You are looking for the latest generation of entry-level GPUs.
Buy GTX 1650 If…
- You have an older system with a PCIe 3.0 slot.
- You prefer a more established and widely supported graphics card.
- You prioritize power efficiency and lower TDP.
- You want a card with potentially more consistent driver support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The RX 6500 XT generally offers better performance at 1080p in newer titles due to its newer architecture and often higher clock speeds. However, the GTX 1650 can provide a smoother experience in some older, CPU-bound games. The ultimate choice depends on the specific games you play and your system configuration. Both are entry-level cards; settings adjustments are often necessary.
Does the RX 6500 XT need a powerful CPU?
While both cards benefit from a good CPU, the RX 6500 XT’s performance can be impacted more significantly by a slower CPU, especially in older games or when paired with an older PCI-e interface. The GTX 1650 is less susceptible to CPU bottlenecks in certain scenarios. A modern CPU is still recommended for either card to avoid hindering performance.
What is the power consumption like for each card?
Both the RX 6500 XT and GTX 1650 are relatively power-efficient cards. The GTX 1650 is known for its very low power draw, often not requiring an external power connector. The RX 6500 XT also has a low power draw, but some models may require an external 6-pin connector. Always check the specifications for the specific model you’re considering.
Can I use either card with a low-wattage power supply?
Yes, both cards are suitable for systems with lower-wattage power supplies. The GTX 1650 is particularly well-suited for such systems. However, always ensure your power supply has sufficient wattage for the entire system, including the CPU, RAM, and other components. It’s recommended to have some headroom for stability.
Which card offers better features?
The RX 6500 XT supports features like AMD’s Smart Access Memory (SAM) when paired with a compatible AMD CPU and motherboard, potentially boosting performance. The GTX 1650 offers NVIDIA’s features like ShadowPlay. Feature support differences are relatively minor between these cards; consider your preferred ecosystem and the games you play.
Is the RX 6500 XT worth the extra cost?
Whether the RX 6500 XT is worth the extra cost depends on the price difference and your gaming needs. If the performance gains in newer games are significant for you, and the price difference is reasonable, it may be worthwhile. If you prioritize budget above all else or have an older system, the GTX 1650 could offer better value.
Where can I buy these cards?
Both cards can be found at various online retailers and local computer stores. Check popular sites like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Availability can fluctuate, so compare prices from different vendors. Consider checking the used market for potentially lower prices. Remember to research the specific model’s reviews before making a purchase.
Final Verdict
The RX 6500 XT generally offers better performance in newer games, making it the preferred choice for those looking for the best possible frame rates at 1080p, assuming the price is competitive and you have a compatible system. However, the GTX 1650 remains a viable budget option, particularly for users with older systems or those prioritizing low power consumption and availability. The best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and the specific games you play.
Winner: RX 6500 XT