Nvidia GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050 graphic cards

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How does Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics compares against the newer RTX 3050 model? The Nvidia GTX 1650 from the Turing generation was announced in April 2019. It is now over 2 years old and still being marketed by Nvidia as an entry-level gaming GPU and sold by all major laptop brands like Acer, MSI, Lenovo, HP and Dell. However, not until now, that there is a newer push from Nvidia to replace this card with the new Nvidia RTX 3050. In this article we will see a comparison between the Nvidia GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050 graphic cards.

The Nvidia RTX 3050 family, which includes RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 ti, both released in May 2021 has much higher power consumption than the GTX 1650. This card is set to break the tie in the budget laptop category. First, let’s see a technical comparison between these 2 GPU models:

	Nvidia RTX 3050	Nvidia GTX 1650
Lithography	8 Nanometers	12 Manometers
Architecture	Ampere	Turing
Min / Max frequency	713 MHz / 1545 MHz	1395 MHz / 1560 MHz
Memory capacity	4 GB	4 GB
Memory	GDDR6 1500 MHz	GDDR6 8000 MHz
Cores	2048	1024
Power consumption	60 W	50 W
Memory bus	128-bit	128-bit
Memory bandwidth	224 GB/ sec	128 GB/ sec
OpenCL	3	1.2
TMUs	64	56
Shading units	2048	896
Floating point performance	4.33 TFLOPS	2.984 TFLOPS

Testing the Nvidia GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

For the tests we are presenting here, we used the Asus ROG Strix version 2021, with 32 gigabytes of RAM (2x16GB), using the same chassis, manufacturer and model. This will eliminate variable factors such as major hardware deviations and thermal design differences.

All the tests were made at 1080p and in the highest settings possible, generally “Ultra” with the Vsync feature disabled.

1 – Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

This game was tested with the game’s built-in benchmark software. At 1080p and “Ulta” settings, the Nvidia GTX 1650 managed to perform fairly within the range of the RTX 3050. This is not that bad considering the GTX 1650 was made in AMD’s Zen 2 architecture. It scored 31 FPS. Something we need to keep in mind this test was performed in Ultra settings. If we lower the settings to medium or low the performance of the game will see a significant jump. RTX 3050 with 80 Watts TGP, plus 15 Watts of dynamic boost average 38 FPS in this graphically demanding title.

Real gameplay will likely vary depending on the scene. The numbers we present here are the averages.

2 – Batman Arkham Knight

Batman Arkham Knight - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

Batman Arkham Knight was tested with the performance benchmark software installed on the PC at its highest settings. The Nvidia GTX 1650 scored 48 FPS on this game, while the RTX 3050 managed to pull 62 FPS. That is nearly 30 percent difference in performance.

3 – F1 2018

In F1 2018 the GTX 1650 rendered 71 FPS in Ultra settings, while the RTX 3050 yielded 99 FPS in the same benchmark test. 39 percent difference in this case. This game typically draws benefit from both CPU and GPU upgrades.

4 – Far Cry 5

Here, the Nvidia GTX 1650 benchmarked 58 FPS and 81 FPS with the RTX 3050. A whooping 40 percent increase with the latter.

5 – Fortnite

Fortnite is probably the game where you will see the biggest advantage using the RTX 3050, as it enables Nvidia DLSS. With GTX 1650 in Epic settings you are generally looking at 60 FPS. With RTX 3050 and DLSS enabled you can easily go beyond 100 FPS even in Epic settings.

6 – Gears 5 and Gears Tactics

In Gears 5 the relative difference translates into 41 FPS in advantage for the RTX 3050, and in Gears Tactics around 36 percent.

7 – Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

Horizon Zero Dawn was tested using the in-game added benchmark tool. At 1080p with the highest settings the GTX 1650 pulled 35 FPS, while the RTX 3050 managed to get 52 FPS, a massive 49 gain over the former.

8 – Metro Exodus

In Metro Exodus it was a similar effect, with the RTX 3050 managing 44 more FPS on average.

9 – Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

The difference in Red Dead Redemption 2 was around 31 percent with neither card able to drive the game at “Ultra” settings.

10 – Rise of the Tomb Raider

Rise of the Tomb Raider - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

In Rise of the Tomb Raider the RTX 3050 came out roughly 33 percent higher than the GTX 1650.

11 – Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms - GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

This game was tested with the built-in benchmark at “Ultra” settings. The RTX 3050 represented a boost of 47 percent in FPS.

Final words about the Nvidia GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

In summary the difference between the Nvidia GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050 is rather substantial. The average data across all the games tested show a relative difference of around 35%. Of course, these are games tested without the ray tracing features or DLSS enabled.

With Nvidia DLSS enabled, the difference between the two cards would be even bigger. The Nvidia RTX 3050 is definitely determined to replace the GTX 1650 from the store shelves, and the choice is as clear as ever.

Right now, the difference in price between the two graphic cards is around $150 to $200 USD, added to that the low availability in stock of the RTX 3050. Nonetheless, you already saw the difference in performance. We are in front of a card that brings excellent value for your money and rises performance across the board.

The GTX 1650 will still be available in budget gaming laptop options, and they are not planning to abandon the market just yet. If you are planning to buy a new laptop with conservative gaming features, our recommendation is that you go with the Nvidia RTX 3050. It is built with newer technology and ensure a longer life span, for a better cost versus performance ratio.