Introduction:
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 is a graphics card designed for gamers looking for a cost-effective solution to run modern games on their PCs. With an MSRP of around $150, the GTX 1050 is one of the most affordable graphics cards on the market. But how does it perform compared to other graphics cards in its price range? In this review, we’ll look closer at the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 to see if it’s a good investment for gamers on a budget.
Specifications:
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 is powered by the Pascal architecture and features 640 CUDA cores. It has a base clock speed of 1354 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1455 MHz. The card comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory and a clock speed of 7008 MHz. Regarding connectivity, the GTX 1050 has one HDMI 2.0b port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one dual-link DVI-D port.
Compared to other graphics cards in its price range, the GTX 1050 is more powerful than the AMD Radeon RX 550 and slightly less robust than the Radeon RX 560. However, it is less potent than the GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1060.
Performance:
To test the performance of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, we ran a series of benchmarks on popular games and applications. In games like Fortnite and Overwatch, the GTX 1050 delivered consistent frame rates above 60 FPS on medium to high settings. On more demanding titles like Battlefield V and Metro Exodus, the card struggled to maintain a steady frame rate above 30 FPS on low to medium settings.
Regarding graphics quality, the GTX 1050 delivers crisp and clear images with accurate colors. However, it needs more complex graphical effects like shadows and reflections.
Power Consumption and Heat:
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 has a TDP of 75W, making it one of the most power-efficient graphics cards on the market. During our tests, the card consumed around 65W under load, significantly less than the GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1060. The card also runs relatively calm, with temperatures below 70°C under heavy load.
Features:
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 supports DirectX 12, which enables developers to create more realistic and immersive gaming experiences. It also supports VR, which means gamers can use the card to play virtual reality games on their PC. The HDMI 2.0b port allows for 4K output at 60Hz, which is perfect for users with a 4K monitor.
Price and Value:
At around $150, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 is one of the most affordable graphics cards in the market. It delivers decent performance on most modern games and has a low power consumption rate. However, for users who want to play more demanding games at higher settings, there may be better choices than the GTX 1050. In terms of value, the GTX 1050 is a solid investment for users on a tight budget.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 is a great graphics card for users on a budget. It performs well on most modern games and has a low power consumption rate. The card is also packed with features that make it a versatile choice for gamers. However, for users who want to play more demanding games at higher settings, there may be better choices than the GTX 1050. If you’re looking for a cost-effective graphics card that delivers good value, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 is worth considering.