Meanwhile, the first tests of the RTX 3050 are online. MeinMMO explains what kind of graphics card it is and how it performs in tests and benchmarks.
The most important points at a glance:
- The GeForce RTX 3050 will be available starting January 27, 2022.
- The graphics card delivers high performance for Full HD gaming and achieves triple-digit FPS values at reduced settings. Ray tracing plays a minor role.
- 279 euros is a fair offer for entering the RTX world, however, availability may be a problem.
From January 27, 2022, the RTX 3050 from Nvidia will officially be available. In our article, we want to introduce you to how the new graphics card from Nvidia performs in the tests and for whom the price is actually worthwhile.
What is the GeForce RTX 3050?
The GeForce RTX 3050 is currently Nvidia’s smallest graphics card. It is positioned below the GeForce RTX 3060.
What does the RTX 3050 offer? The RTX 3050 features 8 GB of GDDR6 video memory. Additionally, the graphics card offers HDMI 2.1 and PCI-Express 4.0. Furthermore, the RTX 3050 provides all modern ray tracing features and additional functionality that you can also find in other RTX graphics cards. This includes Nvidia’s DLSS and Nvidia’s Reflex.
GeForce RTX 3050 at a glance
| RTX 3050 | |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 |
| Base clock | 1.55 GHz |
| Boost clock | 1.78 GHz |
| Memory size | 8 GB |
| Bandwidth | 128 Bit |
| TDP (Power Consumption) | 130 (550 watts recommended for power supply) |
What do the testers say about the RTX 3050?
At this point, we want to present you with the most important tests of the RTX 3050. We will discuss the individual tests and explain to you in the end, for whom the graphics card is worthwhile.
| Tester | Quote |
|---|---|
| GameStar.de (DE) | The RTX 3050 is a solid graphics card. It delivers exactly what the specifications promise. With 8 GB of graphics memory, it is also sufficiently equipped and, as far as can be said today, future-proof. |
| HardwareLuxx.de (DE) | For NVIDIA in this area, it is certainly most important to keep an eye on the Radeon RX 6500 XT. The graphics memory with 8 GB contributes to this – alongside the already higher raw performance. But it is also clear: one should not expect miracles. It is a 1080p card, and only this objective is realistic. |
| ComputerBase.de (DE) | Without real weaknesses or notable limitations, and with the well-known Ampere features and – almost surprisingly much – memory (8 GB), the GeForce RTX 3050 as a new Ampere entry-level graphics card delivers a technically clean, albeit unspectacular performance. |
| TomsHardware.com (EN) | The RTX 3050 from Nvidia delivers good performance for its theoretical starting price of $249. Unfortunately, this also means that there is no chance at all that it will not be sold at drastically inflated prices. The RTX 3050 lies between the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1660 Super of the previous generation, both of which are well above Nvidia’s price target. |
| TechSpot.com (EN) | If you are aiming for entry-level 1440p gaming, the RTX 3050 is undoubtedly the better product, in my opinion even significantly better. Not only will you likely achieve well over 60 fps with the GeForce GPU, but it is also only 8% more expensive per frame compared to the 6500 XT in PCIe 4.0 mode. For those of you gaming at 1440p, the RTX 3050 is a much better product even at a price of $450, making it worth spending the extra money or saving for it. |
Where are the strengths? Testers agree that Nvidia delivers a significantly better entry-level graphics card with the RTX 3050 than AMD with its RX 6500 XT. There was a lot of criticism of the RX 6500 XT due to missing features. However, with the RTX 3050, you’ll receive a “real” RTX graphics card with all the essential features one would expect from an RTX graphics card.
Testers also explain that all games run smoothly in Full HD with high settings using the RTX 3050. One exception is ray tracing. Many also note that it is clearly a Full HD graphics card. In demanding games, the RTX 3050 quickly runs out of steam in WQHD.
Where are the weaknesses? Although the RTX 3050 is officially a graphics card with ray tracing, the card is too weak for ray tracing. So if you are looking for a graphics card for the latest technology, you will inevitably have to invest more.
Many testers also fear that the graphics card will be hardly available or will be very expensive at launch. Officially, the card is supposed to have a recommended retail price of $279. However, the card is likely to be much more expensive in the open market.
What advantages does DLSS bring with the RTX 3050?
What is DLSS? DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) uses AI to scale low-resolution textures to higher resolutions. This can enhance performance at higher resolutions when the graphics card is already under load.
What does DLSS bring to me with the RTX 3050? DLSS is primarily intended for high resolutions. However, the RTX 3060 has already shown in tests that it can benefit significantly from DLSS.
The RTX 3050 also benefits from Nvidia’s DLSS. According to ComputerBase, the RTX 3050 achieves 21% more FPS in Full HD with DLSS enabled, which represents a significant increase (via computerbase.de). The downside, however, is that Full HD with DLSS enabled looks worse than native Full HD. For those interested in gaming with the highest possible FPS, it might definitely be worth it.
For whom is the RTX 3050 worth it?
Both the RTX 3050 and the RX 6500 XT are entry-level graphics cards aimed at gamers who want to game in Full HD. You should keep in mind that you can play many current AAA titles in Full HD, but for some games, you will need to lower the details. WQHD works with older titles, but for newer titles, the raw performance of the card is not sufficient.
If you urgently need a new Full HD graphics card, you might find the RTX 3050 if the prices are reasonable. Overall, the RTX 3050 presents a better offer than the RX 6500 XT since AMD has cut many features.
For whom is the RTX 3050 worth it?
- You urgently need a Full HD graphics card and the prices are reasonable.
- You can forgo ray tracing features.
- You currently have a GTX 1650 or similar and are looking for RTX features.
For whom is the RTX 3050 not worth it?
- You want to game at maximum settings.
- You want to game at resolutions higher than Full HD.
- You are interested in ray tracing and similar features and wish to utilize them.
The faster alternative to the RTX 3050 would be the RTX 3060. This graphics card offers you more performance than the RTX 3050 and also provides enough power for ray tracing. However, the price of an RTX 3060 currently starts at at least 700 euros or more:
GeForce RTX 3060 in tests: How Nvidia’s mid-range graphics card performs
