The mid-range graphics card market has always been a hotbed of competition, with NVIDIA and AMD constantly vying for dominance. Two of the most popular mid-range graphics cards from NVIDIA are the GeForce GTX 1650 and the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. While both cards have their own strengths and weaknesses, the question on everyone’s mind is: which one is better?
Background and Architecture
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the comparison, it’s essential to understand the background and architecture of both cards.
The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti was released in 2016 as part of the Pascal generation of graphics cards. It’s based on the GP107 GPU, which features 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 ROPs. The 1050 Ti has a base clock speed of 1290 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1392 MHz. It comes with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, which is quite impressive for a mid-range card.
On the other hand, the GeForce GTX 1650 was released in 2019 as part of the Turing generation of graphics cards. It’s based on the TU117 GPU, which features 1280 CUDA cores, 80 texture units, and 32 ROPs. The 1650 has a base clock speed of 1485 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1665 MHz. It also comes with 4GB of GDDR6 memory.
CUDA Cores and Performance
One of the most significant differences between the two cards is the number of CUDA cores. The 1650 has 512 more CUDA cores than the 1050 Ti, which translates to a significant performance boost in most games and applications. The 1650’s TU117 GPU is also more efficient than the 1050 Ti’s GP107 GPU, thanks to the advancements in the Turing architecture.
In terms of real-world performance, the 1650 is around 15-20% faster than the 1050 Ti in most modern games at 1080p resolution. This means that the 1650 can handle more demanding games at higher frame rates, making it a better option for gamers who want to play the latest titles.
Benchmark Results
Here are some benchmark results to give you an idea of the performance difference between the two cards:
| Game | GTX 1650 FPS | GTX 1050 Ti FPS |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite (1080p, Medium Settings) | 75 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Overwatch (1080p, High Settings) | 80 FPS | 65 FPS |
| PUBG (1080p, Medium Settings) | 55 FPS | 45 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (1080p, High Settings) | 45 FPS | 35 FPS |
As you can see, the 1650 consistently outperforms the 1050 Ti in most games, especially at higher resolutions and detail settings.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Another crucial aspect to consider is power consumption and cooling. The 1050 Ti has a TDP of 60W, which is relatively low for a mid-range graphics card. The 1650, on the other hand, has a TDP of 75W, which is higher than the 1050 Ti but still relatively low compared to high-end graphics cards.
In terms of cooling, both cards have a single-fan design, but the 1650’s cooling system is more efficient and quieter than the 1050 Ti’s. The 1650 also has a more advanced cooling system, with a heat pipe that helps to dissipate heat more effectively.
Noise Levels and Temperature
Here are some noise level and temperature results to give you an idea of the cooling performance difference between the two cards:
| Card | Noise Level (dB) | Temperature (°C) |
| — | — | — |
| GTX 1650 | 30 dB | 65°C |
| GTX 1050 Ti | 35 dB | 70°C |
As you can see, the 1650 is quieter and runs cooler than the 1050 Ti, making it a better option for those who want a more silent and efficient graphics card.
Graphics and Compute Features
The 1650 and 1050 Ti have different graphics and compute features that set them apart from each other.
The 1050 Ti has support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan, which are all important for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. It also has dedicated hardware for acceleration of certain tasks, such as video encoding and decoding.
The 1650, on the other hand, has support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan, as well as newer features like Variable Rate Shading (VRS) and Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (MFAA). It also has improved Tensor Cores for AI-accelerated tasks, such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and AI-enhanced graphics.
Ray Tracing and AI Features
One of the most significant advantages of the 1650 is its support for real-time ray tracing, which is a feature that’s exclusive to NVIDIA’s Turing-based graphics cards. Ray tracing allows for more accurate and detailed lighting, reflections, and shadows, making it a game-changer for gamers and graphics enthusiasts.
The 1650 also has improved AI features, such as AI-enhanced graphics and DLSS, which can improve performance and image quality in supported games and applications.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing and availability of the 1650 and 1050 Ti are also important factors to consider.
The 1050 Ti was launched at a price point of around $150, but it’s now available for around $100-120 due to its age. The 1650, on the other hand, was launched at a price point of around $200, but it’s now available for around $150-180.
In terms of availability, both cards are widely available from online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores, but the 1650 is more readily available due to its more recent launch.
Conclusion
So, which is better: the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti? The answer is clear: the 1650 is the better option for most users.
The 1650’s improved performance, increased CUDA cores, and advanced features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics make it a more future-proof and powerful option. While the 1050 Ti is still a great mid-range graphics card, it’s starting to show its age, and the 1650 is a more modern and efficient option.
That being said, if budget is a concern, the 1050 Ti is still a great option for those who want a decent mid-range graphics card without breaking the bank. But if you can afford the slightly higher price point, the 1650 is the clear winner in this battle.
Final Verdict: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is the better option for most users due to its improved performance, increased CUDA cores, and advanced features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
What are the main differences between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and the 1050 Ti?
The main differences between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and the 1050 Ti lie in their architecture, performance, and power consumption. The GTX 1650 is based on the newer TU116 architecture, which provides better performance and power efficiency compared to the GP107 architecture used in the 1050 Ti. Additionally, the GTX 1650 has more CUDA cores, higher clock speeds, and faster memory bandwidth, making it a more powerful graphics card.
In terms of specifications, the GTX 1650 has 1280 CUDA cores, 80 texture units, and 32 ROPs, with a base clock speed of 1485 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1665 MHz. It also has 4GB of GDDR6 memory with a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s. In contrast, the 1050 Ti has 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 ROPs, with a base clock speed of 1290 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1392 MHz. It has 4GB of GDDR5 memory with a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
Which graphics card is better for gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is generally better for gaming than the 1050 Ti. With its newer architecture and higher CUDA core count, the GTX 1650 provides better performance and frame rates in modern games. It can handle higher graphics settings and resolutions, making it a better option for gamers who want to play at 1080p or higher.
In addition, the GTX 1650 supports newer features such as Variable Rate Shading, Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing, and NVIDIA DLSS, which can improve gaming performance and image quality. The 1050 Ti, on the other hand, is an older model that may struggle with newer games and higher graphics settings.
Can the GTX 1650 and 1050 Ti be used for content creation?
Both the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and the 1050 Ti can be used for content creation, but the GTX 1650 is generally better suited for tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and rendering. Its higher CUDA core count and faster memory bandwidth make it better equipped to handle demanding tasks and provide faster performance.
However, the 1050 Ti can still be used for content creation, especially for less demanding tasks such as photo editing and web development. It’s also a more affordable option for those on a budget. Ultimately, the choice between the two graphics cards will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the user.
How much power do the GTX 1650 and 1050 Ti consume?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 has a TDP of 125W, while the 1050 Ti has a TDP of 64W. This means that the GTX 1650 consumes more power than the 1050 Ti, which can be a consideration for those building systems with limited power supplies or for laptops with limited battery life.
However, the GTX 1650’s higher power consumption is offset by its higher performance and efficiency. It can provide better performance while consuming less power than older graphics cards with similar performance. Additionally, many modern systems are designed to handle higher power draw, so the GTX 1650’s power consumption may not be a significant issue.
Are the GTX 1650 and 1050 Ti compatible with all systems?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is compatible with systems that have a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a power supply that can provide at least 125W of power. It also requires a minimum of 6GB of system memory and a 64-bit operating system.
The 1050 Ti, on the other hand, is compatible with systems that have a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a power supply that can provide at least 64W of power. It also requires a minimum of 4GB of system memory and a 64-bit operating system. Compatibility may vary depending on the specific system configuration, so it’s always recommended to check the system specifications before purchasing a graphics card.
How much do the GTX 1650 and 1050 Ti cost?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is generally priced around $150-$180, depending on the specific model and brand. The 1050 Ti, on the other hand, is generally priced around $100-$130, depending on the specific model and brand.
It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the region, retailer, and availability. Additionally, prices may fluctuate over time, so it’s always a good idea to check current prices before making a purchase.
Is the GTX 1650 worth the extra cost over the 1050 Ti?
Whether the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is worth the extra cost over the 1050 Ti depends on the user’s specific needs and priorities. If you’re a gamer who wants to play at higher graphics settings and resolutions, or if you’re a content creator who needs better performance for demanding tasks, then the GTX 1650 may be worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or have more modest graphics requirements, then the 1050 Ti may be a more affordable and sufficient option. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific needs and priorities, as well as your budget.