Speed and performance have always been integral in gaming, but as new games are released, the graphics fidelity of the games also increases; to properly render these new graphics, you must get a usually beefy graphics card. Among the various companies that produce this component, the two biggest ones which tower over the rest are Nvidia and AMD. These two titans go head to head to see who can develop better GPUs.

Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming
ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC
ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
Looks
EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming, 08G-P5-3553-KR, 8GB GDDR6, Dual-Fan, Metal Backplate
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card - PCIe 4.0, 8GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, Axial-tech Fan Design, 2.7-Slot, Super Alloy Power II, GPU Tweak II
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDRR6 128-Bit HDMI/DP PCIe 4 Torx Twin Fans Ampere OC Graphics Card (RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 8G OC)
ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card - PCIe 4.0, 8GB GDDR6 Memory, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, 2-Slot, Axial-tech Fan Design, 0dB Technology, Steel Bracket
Type
Best Overall
RTX 3050 With Best Cooling
RTX 3050 for Mini-ITX
Best Budget
Dimensions
7.94 x 1.64 x 4.33 inches
11.81 x 5.26 x 2.11 inches
6.8 x 1.7 x 4.9 inches
7.87 x 4.84 x 1.5 inches
Boost Clock
1845 MHz
1860 MHz
1807 MHz
1852 MHz
Power Connectors
1x 8-pin
1x 8-pin
1x 8-pin
1x 8-pin
Required PSU
550W
300W
300W
550W
RGB
Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming
Looks
EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming, 08G-P5-3553-KR, 8GB GDDR6, Dual-Fan, Metal Backplate
Type
Best Overall
Dimensions
7.94 x 1.64 x 4.33 inches
Boost Clock
1845 MHz
Power Connectors
1x 8-pin
Required PSU
550W
RGB
Amazon
Graphics Card
ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
Looks
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card - PCIe 4.0, 8GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, Axial-tech Fan Design, 2.7-Slot, Super Alloy Power II, GPU Tweak II
Type
RTX 3050 With Best Cooling
Dimensions
11.81 x 5.26 x 2.11 inches
Boost Clock
1860 MHz
Power Connectors
1x 8-pin
Required PSU
300W
RGB
Amazon
Graphics Card
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC
Looks
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDRR6 128-Bit HDMI/DP PCIe 4 Torx Twin Fans Ampere OC Graphics Card (RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 8G OC)
Type
RTX 3050 for Mini-ITX
Dimensions
6.8 x 1.7 x 4.9 inches
Boost Clock
1807 MHz
Power Connectors
1x 8-pin
Required PSU
300W
RGB
Amazon
Graphics Card
ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
Looks
ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card - PCIe 4.0, 8GB GDDR6 Memory, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, 2-Slot, Axial-tech Fan Design, 0dB Technology, Steel Bracket
Type
Best Budget
Dimensions
7.87 x 4.84 x 1.5 inches
Boost Clock
1852 MHz
Power Connectors
1x 8-pin
Required PSU
550W
RGB
Amazon

Last update on 2023-12-13

Nvidia has been making waves with its GeForce RTX 3000 Series and recently released the GeForce RTX 3050, a budget-friendly model that deserves discussion. To that end, we will discuss the Best RTX 3050 graphics cards you can buy. Before we get into that, let’s discuss the specifications of GeForce RTX 3050. 

The GeForce RTX 3050 launched on January 4th, 2023, and it immediately sold out due to just how good the GPU was at the cheap MSRP of $250. The graphics card uses the 8nm process node based on the GA106 GPU Core. The GeForce RTX 3050 comes with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM coupled with a 128-bit Memory Bus to achieve a bandwidth of 224GB/s. The GPU has a Dual-slot width and requires a 1x 8-pin power connector; you’ll need at least a 450W PSU to run this little devil. Since the Geforce RTX 3050 is a low-powered GPU, a standard specification of 130W is more than enough. Even if you get to the maximum power limit of your Geforce RTX 3050, you should not see a major boost in their maximum clock speeds.

If you’re interested in one of Nvidia’s high-end 3000 series GPUs, have a glance at MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Review.

Built using the Nvidia Ampere Architecture, regarded as the world’s fastest GPU architecture, the GeForce RTX 3050 Specs offers powerful graphical performance alongside dedicated 2nd Gen RT Cores and 3rd gen Tensor Cores. These cores come packaged with new streaming multiprocessors and high-speed G6 memory allowing the GPU to tackle the latest and greatest games. With the low system latency and Nvidia’s DLSS, which provides accelerated performance, you can enjoy all top-tier and graphically demanding games at the highest quality, making sure you can witness the stunning visuals. Among these visuals, the GPU promises real-time shadows, Ray Tracing, advanced lighting effects, real-time reflections, and much more.

If you were in the mood for some Ray Tracing goodness, the GeForce RTX 3050 has you covered. With the decline of cryptocurrency, you should not hear much talk about GeForce RTX 3050 mining which opens the floodgates for dozens of GPUs for gamers, making it a good time to talk about the GPU. We have also prepared a list that includes the top candidates we selected among the hundreds of versions of the GeForce RTX 3050.

Best RTX 3050 Graphics Cards 

Our picks for the Best RTX 3050 graphics cards include:

  • EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming
  • ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
  • MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC
  • ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC

EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming

Best Overall GeForce RTX 3050

EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming
EVGA RTX 3050 XC Gaming

Specifications: Dimensions: ‎7.94 x 1.64 x 4.33 inches | Frequencies: 1552 MHz (Base), 1845 MHz (Turbo Boost)| Bandwidth: 224GB/s | Recommended PSU: 550W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: No

Were you looking for the number one Nvidia authorized AIB partner? Look no further than EVGA, a clear leader in all different categories, from retail to distribution and even system builders. Offering intelligent innovation and real-time operation, EVGA has shown time and time again that it is capable of providing a solution to the needs of the people.

Typically, you expect to drop a lot of money on high-quality graphics cards; with the sheer power the GeForce RTX 3050 provides, you wouldn’t think that any high-powered budget options even existed. Yet here, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming establishes itself as a near-perfect piece of hardware, going below the average price points of competitor GeForce RTX 3050 Price.

At the special price, you are getting a great-performing GPU capable of Ray Tracing and outputting 60 frames per second at 1440p with ease, ensuring an amazing gaming experience that offers immersion like no other. When you compare it to other graphics cards at its price point, you can tell that it is far ahead of anything.

The card is almost 8 inches long, whereas the PCB is shorter, only 7.5 inches. The VRM of the GPU is rated at 240A and comes with 4 power phases which operate on 60A of DrMos current, making it relatively safe to overclock. Utilizing the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming to its full advantage, it runs on 14000 MHz of Video Memory Frequency and can increase its power limit by 11%, pushing the base power limit of 130W to 150W. In a practical scenario, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. . One of the only downsides the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming faces is its high power consumption, which is a small price to pay for something which has as much utility as this.

Compared with other graphics cards, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming isn’t the worst in power consumption, but by no means does it get a high ranking among the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPUs. Equipped with an anodized aluminum heat sink and copper heat pipes that extend over the entire GPU and around the VRM, you should have no issues with cooling. If you were expecting some added aesthetic, you would be sad to hear that the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming does not come with any RGB.

Bringing all of Nvidia’s RTX features to a much lower price point, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming graphics card offers a great middle ground if you are looking for a high-quality graphics card but do not have the means or the budget to purchase one. Performance and quality are all exquisite, and the added DLSS of the graphics card can boost your game’s performance. Of course, being one of the Best RTX 3050 cards currently, the cherry on top is the added Ray Tracing feature, which is sure to provide you with a great experience that you normally cannot get at the price at which the graphics card stands. 

What We Liked:

One of the many standouts of the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming is the amount of utility it provides at its relatively low price. Ray Tracing, 1440p, and the decision to keep the Ampere Architecture generally do a lot of good for the graphics card. No other graphics card comes close to providing the same level of performance and features that the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming has at the price it is available, making it surefire to catch the eyes of the public.

Similar Articles: Best RTX 3090

What We Disliked:

If you love to delve into the world of cryptocurrency and use graphics cards to mine Ethereum, you may be out of luck due to the lower bandwidth the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming has, which makes it worse to mine with than an RTX 2060. Luckily this means that more gamers will get their hands on this product and will, unfortunately, have to consider upgrading their PSUs to manage the power consumption, which is on the higher side. 

Verdict:

Suppose you are looking for a product with an excellent price-to-performance ratio and can compete with higher-end GPUs. In that case, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Gaming is what you have been looking for, as the amazing price only rivals the stellar performance that it is sold at. Power consumption is the only part of the product that may cause trouble as you may have to upgrade your PSU, but it is a small price to pay for the utility and features this budget GPU brings. When discussing the Best Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, it is a solid product worth mentioning.

Pros

  1. High Overclocking potential
  2. Solid Price to Performance ratio
  3. Compact Twin Fan Design

Cons

  1. High Power Consumption

ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC

Nvidia RTX 3050 With Best Cooling

ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
The type of RTX 3050 that will never over-heat.

Specifications: Dimensions: 11.81 x 5.26 x 2.11 inches | Frequencies: 1890 MHz (OC Mode), 1860 MHz (Gaming Mode) | Bandwidth: 224GB/s | Recommended PSU: 300W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: Yes

When Nvidia announced the launch of the GeForce RTX 3050, ASUS became the first to implement the GPU and aimed it towards the people who generally play 1080p, promising a lot. Being the incredible company it is, it was hard not to believe the words of ASUS but was it able to honor its word with the release of the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC? Let’s find out!

Being branded as an entry-level card that hails from the RTX 3000 family, the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC graphics card offers more performance than you would expect. The card also prioritizes ease of access as it allows you to download ASUS GPU Tweak III, which allows you to set power limits as you see fit. You can bump up the boost clock and increase the power limit or set it down to the quiet profile that drops them both down, perfect for people who want a silent PC. As expected, the GPU can support Ray Tracing and features improved lighting and real-time shadows and reflections, making it one of the Best GeForce RTX 3050 GPUs you can get on a budget. 

Speaking of budget and pricing, you should know that this graphics card will cost you anywhere above $340, even reaching outrageous prices as high as $430. Price fluctuations like these are one of the products’ biggest downsides, considering the GeForce RTX 3050 MSRP retailed at $250. Luckily for users and customers, there is a plus when it comes to the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC, which might justify the price for some people, which is the fact that it comes with Axial- tech fan design. With this design, you also get a premium cooler with plenty of RGB lights which you can find along the front and top of the card and on the metal backplate. This 30 cm long cooler helps to reduce turbulence and ensure that the component remains within its optimum temperatures, necessary to keep up with the extreme power of modern GPUs. Furthermore, this added cooling is imperative since the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC requires at least 150W of power and needs to be kept cool.

You can increase the power limit of the GPU to 165W from its base of 150W. Along with this, the GPU is rated at 300A of VRM current and comes with 6 power phases, each of which has a 50A DrMos current, allowing you to overclock this GPU fearlessly. Comparatively, similar cards though needing less energy, get equally as hot, making the need for better cooling a priority; that’s why ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC is the GeForce RTX 3050 With Best Cooling.

Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 is a solid GPU, and ASUS does an amazing job in utilizing it to its maximum potential, honoring their word and the many promises they initially set. The ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC is brimming with quality and a premium feel unlike any other. 

What We Liked:

The cooling system highlights the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC as it comes with a premium cooler due to the courtesy of ASUS and the special design the creators have opted for. Not having to worry about the GPU is a luxury many have to pay to get, but fortunately for owners of the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC, it comes with the product. Furthermore, ASUS used only the highest quality materials to build this design, from the premium cooling system to the beautiful metal back plate that protects the component.

What We Disliked:

The price-to-performance ratio that the product sells is its biggest downfall as a lot of customers have complained about the lackluster performance of the ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC when you look at the absurd price tag it comes with. Ray Tracing, which should be a highlight of the GPU, performs average at best. Furthermore, people have even compared the product to the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, which is unbecoming of a product that markets itself as one of the Best RTX 3050 GPUs.

Verdict:

Our main strife against the product is that it is available at a scalping price in the market, a point many customers have raised upon testing the product, which at most gives the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti a run for its money. Furthermore, it isn’t easy to justify the price with the average, at best, Ray Tracing. The product’s saving grace is its amazing design and premium quality. A spectacular cooling system is the centerpiece of this design and helps to ensure quality performance and cooling. Unfortunately, it does not help much with the Ray Tracing, which many people look for in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics cards.

Pros

  1. Excellent cooling 
  2. Stays quiet at all times
  3. Amazing Performance 
  4. Solid Overclocking potential

Cons

  1. Average Ray tracing performance
  2. Expensive

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC

Best RTX 3050 for Mini-ITX

MSI Gaming RTX 3050
A Compact RTX 3050 that will well suit your mini-itx builds.

Specifications: Dimensions: 6.8 x 1.7 x 4.9 inches | Frequencies: 1807 MHz  | Bandwidth: 224GB/s | Recommended PSU: 300W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: No

If you are familiar with any of the various products created by MSI, you will be anxious to see how they handled the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC, which at one point would have been completely out of stock had crypto not fallen from the market. Thankfully, the GeForce RTX 3050 Availability should no longer be affected, allowing you to get your hands on this stellar product.

Reaping the benefits of features that were once associated with only high-end graphics cards, you will be able to see why the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC is appreciated by a lot of people. The GPU adds DLSS and Ray Tracing to the mix, which, albeit not the best, is still more than you can hope for from other graphics cards. However, something we all can appreciate is the very striking and powerful design that the graphics card flaunts.

Along with this design, you have thermal pads for the memory and the VRM, which makes good use of them considering it is rated at 250A and includes 5 power phases running at 50A DrMos current each for optimal overclocking. MSI also used a custom PCB with additional fuses built-in for additional layers of protection against electrical damage; the product doesn’t have to worry, considering it has a power limit of 130W, which you can opt to boost up to a mere 140W. Additionally, the TWIN FROZR 8 thermal system that the GPU has employed offers a lot of efficiencies and establishes a perfect balance of cooling and quietness for extensive gaming sessions.

Unbeknownst to most, the design aims to distract you from the fact that the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC is a GeForce RTX 3050 Equivalent to a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. Additionally, the design exaggerates the price of the component. Price to performance matters to many people, and regrettably, you will not find it with this product. What you will find with it is a consistent hundred FPS across a slew of titles.

Getting your hands on something as compact as the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC, you would not think it could be possible to reach 100 FPS in a 1080p environment, but the product can show that size does not matter. Additionally, its low weight and small size work to the advantage of people who like to make smaller and more compact PCs. Hence, we can say with ease that the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC is the Best GeForce RTX 3050 for Mini-ITX PC cases that we at least could find.

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB isn’t fabulous with the performance. Even though you can reach and even cross 100 FPS, there are times when the FPS drops to 90 and even less, which can cause some lag while gaming. The Ray Tracing, although present, is just not as good as it could be. The result is an incredible card with flaws but can carve its name among the various other graphics cards out there. 

What We Liked:

MSI is known for its great designs; this is evident when you look at the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC, which boasts a great aesthetic that we are sure you will love. A Dual Fan cooler design is the perfect setup for a small GPU such as this, as having three can easily be overkill and increase the size of the component. Additionally, this outstanding design choice helps distinguish itself from its competitors. The use of its in-house TWIN FROZR 8 cooling technology ensures that the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC does not overheat in the slightest and also allows for very high GeForce RTX 3050 Performance measures.

What We Disliked:

Ray Tracing is a good feature and can solidify a graphics card’s reputation when done right. Unfortunately, MSI did not do it right in the case of the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC, which has subpar Ray Tracing. Furthermore, this is even more infuriating when you notice the price point at which the product stands. Furthermore, for the hefty price, you would think the product would have some extra flair in RGB, but that is not the case.

Verdict:

The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB OC can establish its reputation using everything it has, from its impressive design, which we would say is the best in the entire list. Thermal pads for the memory and VRM greatly cool and provide maximum heat conduction; the custom PCB can withstand even the most grueling electrical damage. One thing that hurts this card’s reputation is that it cannot handle Ray Tracing. Combine this with the rather exorbitant price, and you have a product that just falls short of being the Best RTX 3050.

Pros

  1. Low Power Consumption
  2. High Overclocking potential
  3. Generally stays at lower temperatures

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Below Average Ray Tracing
  3. Similar to the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC

Best Budget RTX 3050

ASUS Dual Nvidia RTX 3050 OC
Compact, Fast, and Affordable – the ASUS Dual RTX 3050 has covered these segments.

Specifications: Dimensions: 7.87 x 4.84 x 1.5 inches | Frequencies: 1852 MHz (OC Mode), 1822 MHz (Gaming Mode), 1522 MHz (Base Mode) | Bandwidth: 224GB/s | Recommended PSU: 550W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: Yes 

We have already seen how amazing ASUS products can be, and the ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC is no different. What is different is the target demographic that will buy the product. Unlike the last ASUS product, this one is more catered towards smaller builds which should be evident with its small and compact design.

Speaking of the design, it is not the best by any means. Aesthetics can be subjective; you may love the design choice that ASUS has opted for when creating this product, but in our eyes, it is quite simplistic and almost cheap looking, despite the quality of the build feeling premium. Design and build quality play a huge role in determining the RTX 3050, so it is sad to see ASUS, of all companies, stumble in this regard. It is genuinely sad to see a robust build like this paired with a low aesthetic design. An upside of this small design is that it frees up more PCIe lanes and comes with slight RGB, which adds a bit of personality.

ASUS kept in mind the people who generally build smaller PCs when designing this product which is why it has a 2-slot design, which is compact and efficient for preventing the GPU from throttling. Heat Dissipation is prominent when you notice the rather large yet compact heatsink. Furthermore, you can easily see the two axial tech fans, which optimize the air pressure. All of this helps to guarantee maximum performance while gaming and prevents overheating. Additionally, when you figure out that all of this is a part of a budget graphics card, you can realize that this might be the Best Budget GeForce RTX 3050 on the market. Also, while you are here, check out Budget CPU Coolers & Budget PC Cases. 

Other Reads: Best RTX 3070 

Not only has the ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC opened doors to new games you could not open before, but it also grants you the added benefits of Ray Tracing and real-time shadows, which are amped up by the smooth processing aided by the DLSS of the GPU. A lot of competition is easily beaten out by 60+ consistent FPS, all at smooth 1080p, which it accomplishes at a power limit of 130W and can be bumped up to 145W if needed. Additionally, it comes with a VRM that boasts 200A and with 4 power phases that each have a DrMos current of 50A. The impressive GeForce RTX 3050 Benchmarks do wonders for this product and make it a definite must-buy.  

What We Liked:

Something which immediately caught our eye when we saw this product was that it could achieve the high level of performance it outputs while being so compact and small. It fits like a glove in any ITX build and even takes care of its cooling needs. The product’s creators cleverly integrated a cooling system into the ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC, optimizing the air pressure to provide high performance and making good use of the dual fans in tandem with the heat sink to ensure optimum cooling. 

What We Disliked:

To be honest, we did not like the product’s design due to some flaws. Fantastic build quality and the nice, compact build of the product are greatly appreciated, but the design itself is just too plain for our taste and does not compete with the other graphics cards mentioned in this list. Luckily, the GeForce RTX 3050 Performance more than makes up for this.

Verdict:

A perfect mix of performance, price, and superior cooling system make the ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC a great pick if you are looking for one of the Best GeForce RTX 3050 graphics cards at a budget price. Capable of outputting high benchmarks for a device so small, the product can maintain a consistent 60 FPS at all times, even in the most demanding games. Furthermore, it can masterfully keep itself cool, using everything from cooling fans and heatsinks to create the optimal temperature for high-performance gaming. With the only downside being its dull and mundane design, it is easy to see how the ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC is one of the Best.

Pros

  1. Simple and Compact Design
  2. Unparalleled Cooling
  3. Astounding out-of-box performance

Cons

  1. Mediocre Design

RTX 3050 vs RTX 2060

You might think that since the GeForce RTX 3050 is a higher class than the RTX 2060, it would be superior to it in every way, but unfortunately, this is not the case. From a purely graphical standpoint, the GeForce RTX 2060 outshines the GeForce RTX 3050 in most regards; Texture detail, Multi-Rendering, Reflection Handling, and Lighting Effects are all vastly better in the GeForce RTX 2060. 

From a performance point of view, things are also looking a bit one-sided; in favor of the GeForce RTX 2060. Although GeForce RTX 3050 aims to cater to 1080p gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 provides more frames per second, a pattern that is persistent throughout all other resolutions; 1440p and 4K included. This loss of the GeForce RTX 3050 should not be surprising, given that the GeForce RTX 2060 has 2GB more memory, a total of 6GB. While you end up paying more per frame for the GeForce RTX 2060, you still get a lot more FPS via the GeForce RTX 2060, but if you are looking for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 is for you.

Being released two years before the GeForce RTX 3050, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 is priced significantly higher at around $350. This hike in price makes it clear that you get what you pay for and what you get is a better GPU that offers higher FPS at all resolutions and better graphics, having 42% better performance and 38% more Ray Tracing capabilities. Most games just run better on a GeForce RTX 2060. With this added performance, you should also expect the GeForce RTX 2060 to heat up more than its competitor. For more information, read the full RTX 2060 vs RTX 3050 comparison.

RTX 3050 vs RTX 3060

Nvidia marketed the GeForce RTX 3050 as a much more budget-friendly GPU which should make it obvious which will be the winner in the comparison between these two GPUs. Almost immediately, you can see a rise in FPS when you switch from the GeForce RTX 3050 to the GeForce RTX 3060. Better lighting, more Detailed Textures, accurate Reflections, and Multi-Rendering are all in favor of the GeForce RTX 3060, which uses its capabilities to the maximum, reaching much higher temperatures than the GeForce RTX 3050.

Having more than double the memory, the GeForce RTX 3060 can easily beat the GeForce RTX 3050 in terms of performance. While neither of the two can reach a consistent 60 FPS at 4k, the GeForce RTX 3060 can get ten more frames per second, and this number doubles when you downscale to ultra-wide 1440p and becomes triple when you reach normal 1440p and 1080p. Once again, the cost per frame of the GeForce RTX 3050 is much lower than the GeForce RTX 3060, giving it more value for money.

Being a budget GPU, the GeForce RTX 3050 cannot beat its much pricier and better-performing counterpart; the GeForce RTX 3060, which was released in the same year and costs an additional $120. 

You can also check out our RTX 3070 Review for a better analysis of the performance Nvidia’s 3000 series GPUs are providing.

How We Selected The Best GeForce RTX 3050 GPU

Narrowing down the Best RTX 3050 graphics cards is no simple task as there are so many different options to choose from that you could spend hours looking at graphics cards and still have no idea which one is objectively better. For this reason, we decided to choose our selections based on strict criteria. Here, we will explain what we prioritized the most regarding choosing the high-quality GeForce RTX 3050 graphics cards.

Design and Build Quality

The GPU design may not be the most important factor to some people, but it can make or break a purchase for many. Either way, the build quality of your GPU should be high. A cheap or poor-quality build for a graphic card will never end well as you risk defects and overheating almost all of the time. The build must be sturdy and brimming with quality such that you should be able to identify a premium GPU from the feel alone.

Along with this, the Best GeForce RTX 3050 will also have a remarkable design. Depending on your choice, you can either opt for a simplistic design or one that is flashy; it is all up to personal preference and choice. The design may also directly impact the cooling of the GPU, which, as we will discuss later in the article, is another very important factor we need to consider when looking for the RTX 3050.

Hence, it was integral for us to look for GPUs with impressive design and catering to the general audience; they also included simplistic and straightforward designs allowing GPUs to achieve their maximum performance outputs without jeopardizing their build quality.

Also Check: Best RTX 3080 

VRM

A VRM stands for Voltage Regulator Module, and as the name suggests, it ensures that the graphics card receives an adequate amount of voltage. Power from the PSU sent to the VRM is then regulated and sent to the GPU.

You should be able to see just how important the VRM is as if you have a low-quality VRM or a defective one, it can cause a myriad of issues from shutdowns under load and poor overclocking.

You need to ensure the safety and health of your GeForce RTX 3050, and only the good RTX 3050 GPU’s will have a quality VRM capable of managing all of the voltage requirements of the processor and protecting it from voltage spikes or excess voltage in general. For this reason, we opted to look for GPUs with capable and reliable VRMs that could easily handle electrical issues. Through this selection, we could isolate quality GPUs that will not have their performance degraded under heavy loads.

Power Limit

As a user, you should have full control over the product you are using, which is why you should also be able to control how much power goes into your GPU. That is exactly the reason why power limits exist in GPUs. Most casual gamers won’t be tweaking their GPU’s power settings. Still, if you are an expert PC builder or an Overclocker and have the proper knowledge, you can increase its power limit, causing it to draw in more power if needed. Essentially, it enables GPU acceleration at its core, benefiting many people aside from gamers, especially gamers who use 2D and 3D graphic applications. 

Higher-performing GPUs are a requirement in today’s gaming scene, which is why many game developers recommend getting a better GPU. By having or being able to set a higher power limit, you can use the GPU to keep up with your display technology and get higher Refresh Rates. Furthermore, you can also use this to bolster the GeForce RTX 3050 Mining Hashrate, this GPU’s weakness, making it more viable for crypto mining. If you want the Best RTX 3050, you must guarantee that it comes with a higher power limit. Through this train of thought, we selected the GPUs mentioned in the article, making sure to include GPUs that can significantly increase their power limit significantly and safely, leading to increased performance, which is another aspect we will discuss now. Moreover, we also recommend checking Best Motherboard For Mining article. 

Performance

While all of the other features are just as important, the one thing which no one will compromise on is the performance of their GPU and how it affects their gaming experience. While you cannot feel attributes like temperature and power limit during gameplay, unless either of the two is causing issues, you will always be able to feel dips in the performance of your application. Whether in frame drops or pop-in, no one wants to break the immersion of their game and start troubleshooting why they are falling below 60 FPS. It is as clear as day that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 will always have performance over everything, and this is something we made sure all the selections had when browsing the endless stream of GPUs. One thing you will find in the GPUs we have selected is their ultra-high performance.

A GPU with good performance is integral above all else. Without proper performance, the GPU is practically worthless. Additionally, you must gauge the GPU’s performance if you are building a PC. Higher performance GPUs tend to heat up more and require proper cooling. As we will discuss in the next part of the article, temperature management is also an essential part of GPUs, which is why you need to have a firm grasp on the performance of your GPU. 

Temperatures

Regarding the GPU’s temperature, you should generally try to maintain the component from 149°F to 185°F. Although it won’t affect your GPU’s performance and health much, you should aim for lower temperatures to get slightly better performance. Fear of having your GPU overheat is also a major threat. You would not want to buy a GPU just to have it overheat and become useless, which is why temperature management is important.

Similar to the user managing the temperature of their GPU, it is the manufacturer’s job to ensure that the graphic card comes with the tool, design, and prevention measures needed for it not to overheat. Typically, you should purchase a GPU that can withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, you should aim to get a GPU with some in-built cooling so that the temperatures do not rise as often; these attributes can save you a lot of money on cooling apparatus and heat sinks. That is why we went the extra mile and brought you some of the top Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPUs with various cooling elements that will prevent overheating at all costs and offer the amazing performance you deserve!

On the topic of heatsinks and other cooling tools, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 comes equipped with them. Copper pipes are placed strategically around the graphics card’s core to dissipate any heat it generates properly. Not only will this ensure you get a quality gaming experience, but it will also ensure that the GPU does not overheat. A high-performance GPU will need a heatsink as they do a good job absorbing heat from what they are attached to, making them a necessity when dealing with GPUs that tend to heat up more.

Overall, temperature maintenance is crucial for your GPU’s health and performance. Having a good graphics card means having one with the necessary apparatus to manage the heat, leading to stellar performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RTX 3050 good for gaming?

The short answer is yes! GeForce RTX 3050 is probably one of the most highly rated budget gaming GPUs compared to others that you can find in the market. Featuring high-quality performance and the Ampere Architecture, the RTX 3050 will easily run any game you may want to play and take advantage of any graphical advancements, Ray Tracing and Real-Time Shadows included.

What Does a 3050 Compare to?

When you boil it down to the basics, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 is the most comparable to one of Nvidia’s GPUs, the GTX 1660 Ti, being sold at a similar price. Unfortunately, it is not comparable to the RTX 2060, which offers 38% more Ray Tracing capabilities and a performance gap of 42%. While it may not beat the RTX 2060, the GTX 1660 Ti is a worthy competitor bested by the GeForce RTX 3050.

Should I get a 3050 or 3060?

If you do not mind turning down your game’s graphics, you will probably be better off getting the 3050 and saving yourself a few extra bucks. An RTX 3050 priced at $250 is a definite must-buy, but if you can get an RTX 3060 at a reasonable price, it will be a much better pick, as it will provide you with a lot more utility and power.

Can RTX 3050 run 4k?

Resolution is the main thing many players care about when it comes to their game’s graphics, which is why many people will be upset to hear that the RTX 3050 is not the best for running at 4k. Since the GPU caters to 1080p gaming, it is possible to hit 4k, but you will have to make major sacrifices regarding frame rate and overall usage performance.

 
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[Hardware Reviewer] Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel. Get In Touch: [email protected]