The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is an fascinating new launch from Nvidia concentrating on the sub-$200 market. Now, the fascinating half shouldn’t be a lot for its efficiency as it’s for different elements which we’ll element on this introduction to provide correct context on this GPU as we’ll must cowl a couple of totally different angles.
First, let’s get the dodgy naming out of the way in which. The 6GB RTX 3050 is not merely the unique RTX 3050 8GB mannequin with 2GB of VRAM eliminated. As a substitute, it is a considerably minimize down product in nearly each approach. Whereas the unique mannequin, launched two years in the past, relies on the GA106 silicon, the brand new 6GB variant makes use of the GA107 which is sort of 30% smaller.
This discount leads to a ten% lower in core depend, with two fewer SM models, resulting in 10% fewer Tensor cores and RT cores. Moreover, the cores are clocked 17% decrease, decreasing the enhance from 1,777 MHz to simply 1,470 MHz. These downgrades have led to a big TDP discount, from 130 watts to simply 70 watts. This transformation is necessary because it means the RTX 3050 6GB would not require exterior energy, a degree we’ll return to shortly.
About that 6GB VRAM buffer. Whereas the 8GB mannequin employs a 128-bit extensive reminiscence bus, the 6GB model omits a 2GB reminiscence chip, narrowing the bus to 96-bit and consequently decreasing the reminiscence bandwidth by 25% to 168 GB/s.
In different phrases, though the 6GB and 8GB variations of the RTX 3050 share the identical identify, they’re basically totally different merchandise, utilizing fully totally different silicon. Thus, potential patrons would possibly suppose they’re buying the identical RTX 3050 with simply 2GB of VRAM eliminated, when in actual fact, they’re getting a considerably slower product.
This deceptive observe is clearly anti-consumer, and that alone spoils the 6GB RTX 3050 for us. It will be extra applicable and affordable to have named this product the RTX 3040 or 3040 Ti, avoiding confusion and setting reasonable expectations. So we’re not giving Nvidia a cross right here, the naming is atrocious. However it’s not one other GT 1030 DDR4 state of affairs, naming apart we would even have a great product on our palms.
One motive is pricing. The RTX 3050 8GB was supposed to be a $250 product, but it hardly ever offered at this value and presently exceeds $300, severely undermining its worth proposition. In distinction, the 6GB mannequin has a urged retail value of $170 and is presently obtainable for $180, making it 40% cheaper than the 8GB mannequin.
Pricing seems respectable, however one other constructive side is energy consumption. With a TDP of simply 70 watts, the 6GB RTX 3050 would not want exterior PCI Categorical energy; all crucial energy could be equipped by way of the PCIe slot. Though this may not appear important to most, as connecting 6 or 8-pin PCIe energy is simple and the distinction between a 70 watt and 130 watt TDP is negligible for a lot of, it turns into pivotal for particular situations.
As an example, those that have picked up an inexpensive Dell Optiplex or related OEM system, will discover the 6GB 3050 revolutionary. These office-type PCs typically include proprietary energy provides missing PCIe energy connectors, making an set up of a extra highly effective graphics playing cards just like the Radeon RX 6600 fairly tough.
Granted, that is area of interest use case and typically, it will not make sense. Furthermore, the tech savvy amongst it is possible for you to to get one thing like a Radeon RX 6600 working in such a system, both by shopping for an ATX wiring adapter, so you should utilize a traditional energy provide, or by jerryrigging your individual energy provide to the graphics card, and there are a number of low value and efficient methods wherein this may be accomplished, generally even utilizing a DC energy pack that you simply would possibly have already got and there are some nice YouTube movies on how to do that.
Whereas the 6GB RTX 3050 now holds the title of the world’s quickest gaming graphics card that does not require exterior energy, this distinction may not imply a lot to most. Nonetheless, we are going to think about this angle as we assessment the product.
What’s going to finally matter to most is how the 6GB RTX 3050’s efficiency at $180 compares with the marginally pricier Radeon RX 6600. There’s additionally the brand new 8GB model of the 6500 XT to think about. Nevertheless, regardless of being considerably higher than its 4GB counterpart, it stays an unattractive choice in comparison with the RX 6600.
For testing, we’re utilizing our Ryzen 7 7800X3D check system outfitted with 32GB of DDR5-6000 reminiscence and the most recent show drivers. All knowledge has been validated and up to date for this assessment, with all GPUs examined at their base specification. In complete, we have examined 13 video games at 1080p utilizing applicable high quality settings. Let’s take a better take a look at what we’ve…
Benchmarks
First up, we’ve Remnant II, the place the 6GB 3050 is simply 14% slower than the unique model. It is a important margin for 2 merchandise that share the identical identify, however based mostly on the specs, one may need anticipated a bigger hole between the 2. It was barely slower than the 8GB model of the 6500 XT but in addition a notable 46% quicker than the RX 6400, AMD’s quickest GPU that does not require exterior energy.
In case you’re not involved about exterior energy, then trailing the RX 6600 by a 35% margin will possible be problematic for the 6GB RTX 3050.
In exams with The Final of Us Half I, we once more discover the 6GB RTX 3050 not too far behind the 8GB mannequin, displaying a 14% slower efficiency. It additionally delivers twice the efficiency of the RX 6400, although it’s nearly 30% slower than the RX 6600.
In Starfield, the 6GB RTX 3050 averaged 36 fps utilizing the bottom high quality settings at 1080p, making it 16% slower than the RTX 3050 8GB however nearly 40% quicker than the RX 6400. Once more, nevertheless, it was a little bit over 30% slower than the RX 6600.
Testing with Resident Evil 4, we discover the 6GB model of the RTX 3050 to be 23% slower than the 8GB mannequin, matching the efficiency of the 4GB 6500 XT. This made it 27% quicker than the RX 6400. Nevertheless, it was a big 54% slower than the RX 6600, because the RDNA2 GPU performs very nicely on this title. This demonstrates cases the place RDNA2 GPUs can match or outperform RDNA 3 GPUs in sure situations.
Subsequent, we’ve Ratchet & Clank: Rift Aside, the place the 6GB RTX 3050 rendered 61 fps on common, making it 21% slower than the 8GB mannequin and 41% slower than the RX 6600. In comparison with the RX 6400, nevertheless, it was an enormous 56% quicker, providing a big improve for these needing a GPU with out exterior energy.
Testing with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the 6GB mannequin was 22% slower than the unique, averaging simply 45 fps, however nonetheless a considerable 32% quicker than AMD’s RX 6400. For these in search of the very best worth, and if exterior energy shouldn’t be a priority, the RX 6600 affords almost 40% extra efficiency on this title for roughly the identical value.
In Forza Motorsport, the efficiency between the 6GB and 8GB fashions was pretty related, with the extra inexpensive 6GB model trailing by 11%. This meant it was 62% quicker than the RX 6400, a exceptional enchancment, although nonetheless 24% slower than the RX 6600.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty noticed the 6GB 3050 averaging 58 fps, 24% slower than the 8GB mannequin, indicating a big efficiency drop. Even so, it completely surpassed the RX 6400, providing 71% extra efficiency. But, it was nonetheless 36% slower than the RX 6600, reinforcing the 6600 as the higher worth choice if exterior energy could be supplied.
In Hogwarts Legacy, the 6GB RTX 3050 carried out on par with the 4GB 6500 XT, making it 20% slower than the 8GB model however nonetheless 31% quicker than the RX 6400. Nevertheless, with out the necessity for a GPU with out exterior energy, the RX 6600 delivers nearly 60% extra efficiency for roughly the identical value, making it the preferable selection relying on the consumer’s necessities.
Testing with Avatar revealed the 6GB mannequin to be 22% slower than the unique, a substantial margin. On account of what seems to be ray tracing use even on the lowest high quality settings, the RX 6400 considerably underperformed, making the 6GB RTX 3050 almost twice as quick. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless 33% slower than the RX 6600.
In Murderer’s Creed Mirage, the 6GB RTX 3050 averaged 70 fps, corresponding to the Arc A580 and RX 5500 XT. On this case, it was solely 15% quicker than the RX 6400, a modest margin relative to the numerous benefits seen in nearly each different title examined.
With Alan Wake 2, the 6GB RTX 3050 managed simply 31 fps on common, not exceptional efficiency given the 1080p decision and lowest high quality settings, however nonetheless 55% quicker than the RX 6400, regardless of being 23% slower than the 8GB mannequin.
Lastly, in Counter-Strike 2, the 6GB model was 15% slower than the unique, averaging 178 fps, which continues to be wonderful general efficiency. This stage of efficiency is corresponding to the 6500 XT 4GB and even the older 5500 XT, however amazingly, it nonetheless represents a 16% enchancment over the RX 6400.
Common Efficiency
This is the 13-game common: the 6GB RTX 3050 was 18% slower than the 8GB mannequin, a big margin that’s definitely problematic contemplating they share the identical identify. The 6GB mannequin was additionally barely slower than the 8GB 6500 XT however 25% quicker than the 4GB model. As famous in a current characteristic that checked out VRAM, 4GB of VRAM is inadequate for contemporary gaming, even at 1080p utilizing the bottom high quality settings.
In comparison with AMD’s quickest GPU that does not require exterior energy, the RX 6400, the 6GB 3050 is a exceptional 50% quicker, outperforming it considerably. Nevertheless, AMD takes the lead for budget-conscious players who can handle exterior PCIe energy connectors, because the RX 6600 is 53% quicker than the 6GB RTX 3050, possible providing significantly better worth. Let’s discover this additional.
Value per Body
As anticipated, the RX 6600 retains its title as the very best worth entry-level gaming GPU, provided that the 6GB RTX 3050 prices an extreme 38% extra per body. Except required for a low-powered software, the brand new GeForce GPU presents poor worth.
One might argue that for these with the choice for exterior PCIe energy, the 8GB model of the 6500 XT additionally affords higher worth, costing 14% much less per body and being marginally quicker. It additionally contains an additional 2GB of VRAM, however just like the RX 6400, it’s restricted to simply two show outputs, PCIe x4 bandwidth, and lacks {hardware} encoding.
For us, the slight financial savings on the 8GB 6500 XT, which is anticipated to be priced at $160, don’t justify its buy. With $160 supposed because the beginning value, any value above this renders it unattractive.
For low-powered functions, it is marginally higher worth than the RX 6400, however provided that the Radeon GPU solely averaged 40 fps, and the 6GB 3050 achieved 60 fps, we might argue it affords a lot better worth than the price per body would possibly recommend. The GeForce GPU additionally advantages from extra VRAM, double the PCIe bandwidth, help for greater than two show outputs, and contains {hardware} encoding.
In comparison with the 8GB RTX 3050, the brand new 6GB model is sort of 30% higher worth per body, marking a big enchancment. Though we disapprove of the naming technique Nvidia has chosen, as it’s consumer-unfriendly, the surprising benefit right here finally ends up being higher worth, even when it is noticeably slower. So it is tough to go exhausting on them right here, even when it’s a bit dodgy.
Energy Consumption
This is a fast take a look at complete system energy draw. Curiously, in Cyberpunk 2077, the 6GB RTX 3050 and the 4GB 6500 XT consumed an analogous stage of energy, or at the least the whole system energy consumption was related. Consumption was additionally 20% larger than that of the RX 6400, however efficiency was additionally 71% better. By way of effectivity, the Radeon GPU will get annihilated, and so does the 4GB 6500 XT.
For probably the most half, we noticed related margins in Murderer’s Creed Mirage. Once more, the 6GB RTX 3050 had an analogous energy draw to the 6500 XT and was 6% quicker on this title. In comparison with the RX 6400, the facility draw for the 6GB 3050 was 13% larger, however its efficiency was additionally 15% better. So effectivity is considerably higher for AMD on this title.
Temperatures
Now for a fast take a look at working temperatures and clock speeds. For all our testing, we bought the MSI Ventus 2x model of the 6GB RTX 3050. After an hour of load in an enclosed ATX case with an ambient room temperature of 21°C, we noticed a peak hot-spot temperature of 72°C, which is appropriate, although the two,000 RPM fan pace was a bit loud, and the cardboard might be clearly heard over our case followers.
On this check, we noticed a mean clock pace of 1,650 MHz, and the reminiscence ran on the anticipated 1,750 MHz. Concerning overclocking, there is no headroom as you are restricted by the facility by way of the PCIe slot. The facility slider is locked at 100%, and trying to squeeze out an additional 100 MHz resulted in crashes.
What We Discovered
We have combined emotions concerning the RTX 3050 6GB. The naming selection is definitely problematic; calling this an RTX 3050 may be very deceptive. The RTX 3050 was launched two years in the past as a GA106 half, and its efficiency and specs are nicely established.
To introduce a GA107 half underneath the identical identify and muddy the waters is questionable. After all, it is not solely Nvidia participating in humorous buggers with product names; not too long ago, we addressed AMD’s complicated naming with the Ryzen 7 5700, which opposite to expectations is a 5700G with the iGPU disabled, making it a a lot slower half than its identify suggests.
We have witnessed numerous levels of deceptive product naming from Nvidia through the years. Within the case of the 6GB RTX 3050, whereas it is one of many much less extreme cases and the product itself is kind of good, it might have been extra applicable if it had been named the RTX 3040.
Now, after we say it is a good product, usually talking it is respectable. To think about it good or nice, you should be involved in its capability to function with out exterior energy – a distinct segment use case however one which exists. As a typical gaming product, it is satisfactory however not distinctive.
For simply $20 extra, the Radeon RX 6600 affords considerably higher worth, delivering over 50% extra efficiency on common, extra VRAM, and a superior gaming expertise general, even permitting for 1440p gaming.
So there you’ve gotten it, the RTX 3050 6GB is not as outrageous as we had anticipated. What are your ideas on this GPU? Be happy to share your opinions within the feedback beneath.
Purchasing Shortcuts:
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB on Amazon
- AMD Radeon RX 6600 on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti on Amazon
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Tremendous on Amazon
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Tremendous on Amazon