NVIDIA GTX 1050 vs. GTX 1050 Ti: Which is better value?

NVIDIA GTX 1050 vs. GTX 1050 Ti: Which GPU should you buy?

The graphics card (GPU) market has seen a lot of inflation, more often than not due to cryptocurrency mining, and for many, the best graphics card options like the NVIDIA GTX 1080 or GTX 1080 Ti is simply unattainable. For others, that much power isn't needed, which is why NVIDIA makes lower-end models, similar the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti.

If you're soon investing in a new PC, whether pre-built or custom, you might exist wondering exactly which GPU makes the most sense. Let's compare the two to figure out which i is best for you lot.

Related: Encounter the best recent deals on graphics cards

What practise you need from your graphics card?

The comparison between the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti was much easier before May 2022, when NVIDIA decided to add together a 3GB GTX 1050 to the mix. Like the GTX 1060 with 3GB and 6GB models, these are two dissever products under the aforementioned proper noun, differentiated on most product pages but by the corporeality of VRAM inside.

NVIDIA no doubt decided to add the 3GB GTX 1050 as a relatively depression-toll option with a bit more power, and as an option that appeals more to gamers than crypto-miners. In a statement to PC Earth, an NVIDIA spokesperson had this to say:

It depends on the game, simply on boilerplate, GTX 1050 3GB is approximately x pct faster than GTX 1050 2GB.

At that place'south nonetheless no word on toll and there's nonetheless no definitive release engagement, but nosotros exercise have exact specs from the NVIDIA website. It seems like the 3GB GTX 1050 will make full about the same role as the 2GB model, which is a low-end, low-cost introductory GPU. Neither should exist used for VR in virtually cases, but it can provide a shine 1080p experience with popular esports titles as well as another non-intensive games. Note that the 3GB model is non SLI-gear up, significant y'all can't strap two together for extra ability.

See GTX 1050 at Amazon

As for the GTX 1050 Ti, it does encounter minimum specs for the Oculus Rift, though y'all certainly could practice much better, specially if yous're running an HTC Vive. When it comes to standard gaming, the 1050 Ti provides a superior experience over the standard 1050 models.

Related: Is the NVIDIA GTX 1050 good for gaming?

If you're building or ownership a PC that y'all'd similar to have last for every bit long as possible without requiring a GPU upgrade, the 1050 Ti is your best bet.

See GTX 1050 Ti at Amazon

Tech specs and benchmarks

Category	GTX 1050 (2GB)	GTX 1050 (3GB)	GTX 1050 Ti
VRAM	2GB GDDR5	3GB GDDR5	4GB GDDR5
Retention speed	7 Gbps	7 Gbps	seven Gbps
Memory bandwidth	112 GB/south	84 GB/due south	112 GB/due south
Base of operations clock	one,354 MHz	1,392 MHz	one,290 MHz
Boost clock	1,455 MHz	ane,518 MHz	1,392 MHz
CUDA cores	640	768	768
Memory interface	112 bit	84 flake	112 bit
TDP	75W	75W	75W
Price	From about $150	Uncertain	From about $180

The table above shows some interesting specs. The new 3GB GTX 1050 has a smaller retention interface than the 2GB model, resulting in a memory bandwidth of 84 GB/south as opposed to 112 GB/s. Other than that, the 3GB model is closely matched to the GTX 1050 Ti, with the same number of CUDA cores, a slightly faster base and boost clock, and the same memory speed.

To get a better idea of how these GPUs stack upwardly, allow's compare real-globe benchmarks. Since at that place aren't yet any bachelor benchmarks for the 3GB GTX 1050, I'll stick with the 2GB model and the GTX 1050 Ti.

On UserBenchmark, the 2GB GTX 1050 averages about 61.8 frames-per-second (FPS) playing Overwatch at 1080p on Max settings. In DOTA ii, information technology averages well-nigh 81.6 FPS at 1080p on Max settings. The 4GB GTX 1050 Ti averages well-nigh 70.six FPS playing Overwatch and about 107 FPS playing DOTA two with identical resolution and settings.

These esports titles are entirely playable on either GPU, simply what virtually games that requires high performance hardware? The 2GB GTX 1050 averages most 38.two FPS playing Grand Theft Automobile V (GTA V) at 1080p on Max settings and about 43.5 FPS playing Battleground ane at 1080p on Max settings. Under identical circumstances, the GTX 1050 Ti averages respectively about 44.two FPS and 44.5 FPS.

From these benchmarks, information technology'southward axiomatic that while esports titles are within reach, you'll either have to live with lower FPS or lower settings to play the other modern hits.

Which GPU is correct for you?

If you're shopping now for something new, I'd suggest waiting to run across how the 3GB GTX 1050 fares in comparison to its siblings, and to see how much it volition cost, peculiarly if it comes inside a pre-built PC. Considering the toll difference right at present is but about $xxx between the 2GB GTX 1050 and the GTX 1050 Ti, it makes most sense to get with the latter GPU if you're edifice your own rig.

Buying a new laptop with defended GPU volition no doubt be a different story, as yous might find a model with a 2GB GTX 1050 for far cheaper than one with a 1050 Ti. Information technology'll also come downwardly to temporary sales you find, but for the most part it's wise to go with the 1050 Ti for that chip of added performance, despite neither being able to propel yous into a realm to a higher place 1080p.

See GTX 1050 at Amazon
Run across GTX 1050 Ti at Amazon

More than resource

NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti vs. GTX 1060: Which GPU should you purchase?
Which NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti should yous buy?

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