NVIDIA RTX 3050
Rated: 8.3/10
NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti
Rated: 8/10
Pros & Cons
| GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3050 | ✅ Supports ray tracing and DLSS ✅ Newer card with longer driver support | ❌ Limited VRAM may become obsolete in recent games ❌ Potential future performance issues |
| GTX 1660 Ti | ✅ Reliable performer over the years ✅ Outstanding value for budget performance | ❌ May limit performance in modern titles ❌ Lacks modern features like ray tracing and DLSS |
- The NVIDIA RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti with approximately 6.78% higher FPS.
- The RTX 3050 beats the GTX 1660 Ti with a 5.4% lower temperature, showcasing superior cooling efficiency, possibly due to its smaller processing nodes and lower TDP.
- The price difference between the RTX 3050 and GTX 1660 Ti is 15%. Availability favors the RTX 3050, readily found in computer parts retailers.
- Despite the higher price, the RTX 3050 is a better option due to its availability and newer technology. The GTX 1660 Ti misses key features like DLSS and ray tracing.
Comparison Table
| Technical Specs | NVIDIA RTX 3050 | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Turing |
| Process Size | 8nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 2560 | 1536 |
| TMUs | 80 | 96 |
| ROPs | 32 | 48 |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 224.0 GB/s | 288.0 GB/s |
| Best Variants | Best RTX 3050 Graphics Crads | - |
Architectural Differences
- VRAM: The RTX 3050 and GTX 1660 Ti have different VRAM sizes. The RTX 3050 has 8GB of VRAM, while the GTX 1660 Ti has 6GB of VRAM.
- TDP: The RTX 3050 has a TDP of 130W, slightly higher than the GTX 1660 Ti’s TDP of 120W.
- Clock Speeds: The RTX 3050’s base clock is 1552MHz, with a boost clock of 1777MHz. The GTX 1660 Ti’s base clock is 1500MHz, which can boost up to 1770MHz.
- Other Features: The RTX 3050 supports DLSS and ray tracing, while the GTX 1660 Ti misses out on these features.
Explore our thorough comparison of the GTX 1660 Ti versus the RTX 3050. Our team previously examined the GTX 1660 Ti. In this article, we’ll delve into their performance, benchmark results, and improvements, revealing how the RTX 3050 has progressed from its budget predecessor in the last generation.
Gaming Benchmarks
In this part of the GTX 1660 Ti vs. RTX 3050 comparison, we will examine the performance of each graphics card in modern titles.
Testing Rig
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K
- Motherboard: MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Motherboard
- RAM: XPG Lancer RGB 32GB 7200MHz DDR5
- CPU Cooler: Deepcool Assassin II CPU Cooler
- Storage: XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 2TB NVMe SSD
- PSU: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
- In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 3050 performs slightly better than the GTX 1660 Ti. The RTX 3050 achieves an average of 81 FPS, surpassing the GTX 1660 Ti’s average of 77 FPS.
- During demanding gameplay sequences, both GPUs maintain similar 1% lows, with the RTX 3050 reaching 62 FPS and the GTX 1660 Ti achieving 1% lows of 60 FPS.
God Of War
- For God of War, the GTX 1660 Ti and RTX 3050 exhibit similar performance, with the GTX 1660 Ti achieving an average of 66 FPS and the RTX 3050 reaching an average of 63 FPS.
- Both GPUs maintain comparable 1% lows during graphically intense scenes, with the GTX 1660 Ti at 51 FPS and the RTX 3050 at 54 FPS.
GTA V
- While playing GTA V, the RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti, delivering a higher average of 77 FPS compared to 67 FPS for the GTX 1660 Ti.
- Now for the results, the GTX 1660 Ti exhibits higher 1% lows in Grand Theft Auto V at 94 FPS, while the RTX 3050 lags at 53 FPS.
Elden Ring
- Testing the Elden Ring, the GTX 1660 Ti and the RTX 3050 offer similar performance, with the GTX 1660 Ti achieving an average of 49 FPS and the RTX 3050 reaching 48 FPS.
- I noticed that both GPUs exhibit identical 1% lows of 35 FPS in the Elden Ring, indicating similar performance in handling more intense scenes.
Dying Light 2
- In Dying Light 2, the RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti, providing a higher average of 47 FPS compared to 41 FPS for the GTX 1660 Ti.
- While playing demanding gameplay sequences, the RTX 3050 also maintains better 1% lows with 41 FPS, while the GTX 1660 Ti falls behind with 34 FPS.
Far Cry 6
- The performance difference between the GTX 1660 Ti and the RTX 3050 in Far Cry 6 is minimal. The RTX 3050 achieves a slightly higher average of 47 FPS compared to 46 FPS for the GTX 1660 Ti.
- The RTX 3050 showed consistency, maintaining slightly better 1% lows with 38 FPS, while the GTX 1660 Ti fell behind with 35 FPS.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the RTX 3050 performs slightly better than the GTX 1660 Ti. The RTX 3050 achieves an average of 53 FPS, while the GTX 1660 Ti lags slightly behind at 51 FPS.
- During demanding gameplay sequences, the RTX 3050 also delivers better 1% lows with 41 FPS, compared to 36 FPS for the GTX 1660 Ti.
Cyberpunk 2077
- For Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 3050 shows a slight performance advantage over the GTX 1660 Ti. The RTX 3050 achieves an average of 67 FPS, while the GTX 1660 Ti falls slightly behind at 64 FPS.
- Furthermore, both GPUs offer similar 1% lows during hard-to-run parts of Cyberpunk 2077, with the RTX 3050 and GTX 1660 Ti at 53 FPS and 52 FPS, respectively.
Overall Gaming Performance
| Featured | NVIDIA RTX 3050 | GTX 1660 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Average FPS | 63 📈 | 59 📈 |
| %1 lows | 50 📉 | 49.7 📉 |
| Winner: NVIDIA RTX 3050 | ||
The NVIDIA RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti by approximately 6.78% in FPS. Our gaming tests proved that these cards do not have a huge difference in performance. The delta between these two cards is small enough to be unnoticeable in most scenarios.
Temperatures
| Game | GTX 1660 Ti (°C) | RTX 3050 (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 75 | 69 |
| God of War | 76 | 79 |
| GTA V | 66 | 67 |
| Elden Ring | 76 | 73 |
| Dying Light 2 | 75 | 72 |
| Far Cry 6 | 74 | 65 |
| Assassin's Creed Valhalla | 76 | 66 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 75 | 74 |
| Average Temperature | 74.2°C🌡️ | 70.2°C🌡️ |
| Winner: NVIDIA RTX 3050 | ||
The RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti in temperature management by approximately 5.4%. With an average temperature of 70.2°C, the RTX 3050 maintains cooler temperatures than the GTX 1660 Ti’s 74.2°C. This suggests more efficient cooling due to its smaller processing nodes and lower TDP.
Price And Value
| Graphics Card | Launch MSRP | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3050 | 💲329 | 💲200 |
| GTX 1660 Ti | 💲279 | 💲150 |
| Difference | 15% | 25% |
The RTX 3050 costs 15% more than the GTX 1660 Ti, but it’s a better choice due to newer technology and availability. Availability favors the RTX 3050, readily found in computer parts retailers, unlike the older GTX 1660 Ti.
What Do We Recommend?
NVIDIA RTX 3050: The NVIDIA RTX 3050 offers cutting-edge gaming features like ray tracing and DLSS for improved visuals and performance. It provides a solid choice with its newer architecture and longer driver support, balancing performance and future-proofing. However, it has limited VRAM, which may challenge handling recent games.
NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti: If you’re gaming on a budget but need reliable performance, consider the GTX 1660 Ti. It consistently delivers good value and performance without breaking the bank. However, it doesn’t have features like ray tracing and DLSS, and it might struggle with the newest games.
If you prioritize cutting-edge technology and future-proofing, go for the NVIDIA RTX 3050 and if value and budget-friendliness are paramount, opt for the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RTX 3050 supports DLSS 2 but lacks support for the frame-generating DLSS 3.
You can use AMD’s FSR software to get similar performance results as DLSS in games that support it.
The GTX 1660 Ti represents great value for anyone looking to game at 1080p on a budget.
More from RTX 3050:
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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