NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max Q

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max Q: Budget GPU for Mobile Tasks and Gaming in 2025

An updated review of a graphics card that remains relevant in the era of demanding technologies.

1. Architecture and Key Features

Turing Architecture: A Timeless Foundation

Despite the release of new generations of GPUs, the GTX 1650 Ti Max Q continues to rely on the Turing architecture introduced by NVIDIA in 2018. The card uses a 12nm manufacturing process from TSMC, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency and performance. However, unlike the RT series, it lacks dedicated RT and Tensor cores, which means ray tracing (RTX) and DLSS support are absent. This limits its capabilities in modern games with advanced effects, but it keeps the price accessible.

Image Optimization Features

To enhance graphics in games, the GPU relies on NVIDIA Optimus technology and adaptive sync, and also supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) through drivers. This allows for increased FPS at 1080p resolution, although image quality falls short compared to DLSS.

2. Memory: Modest but Effective

GDDR6 and 4GB: Minimum for Comfortable Gaming

The graphics card is equipped with 4GB of GDDR6 memory and a 128-bit bus. The bandwidth reaches 192 GB/s, which is sufficient for most games at medium settings. However, by 2025, projects like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty or Starfield already demand 6-8 GB of VRAM for high-quality textures, which poses limitations.

Impact on Performance

When working with “lighter” games (Fortnite, Apex Legends, CS2), the memory capacity is more than adequate. However, in scenes with numerous objects or mods (such as Minecraft with shaders), frame rates may drop to 30-40 FPS due to VRAM limitations.

3. Gaming Performance: Realistic Expectations

1080p — Comfortable Zone

At medium settings in 2025, the GTX 1650 Ti Max Q shows the following results:

- Fortnite (Epic, no RT): 60–70 FPS;

- Hogwarts Legacy (Low-Medium): 40–45 FPS;

- Valorant (High): 120–140 FPS.

1440p and 4K: Not for This Card

Even with FSR Performance (resolution 720p → 1440p), achieving a stable 60 FPS is challenging. For example, in Elden Ring at such settings, the average is 35-45 FPS. 4K mode is excluded due to memory and computational power limitations.

Ray Tracing: Not Available

The absence of RT cores makes running games with ray tracing (like Alan Wake 2) impossible. Even with software emulations like RTX Remix, performance drops to an unacceptable 10-15 FPS.

4. Professional Tasks: Limited but Useful Support

CUDA for Basic Tasks

With 1024 CUDA cores, the card handles:

- Rendering in Blender (Cycles): a moderately complex scene processes in 15-20 minutes;

- Editing in DaVinci Resolve: smooth playback for 1080p at 60fps, but 4K requires proxy files;

- Machine learning: only training models (like MNIST) via TensorFlow with limited batch size.

OpenCL and Compatibility

For use in Adobe Premiere Pro or AutoCAD, it is recommended to use Studio drivers. However, compared to the RTX 3050 (which offers DLSS and more cores), the GTX 1650 Ti Max Q lags behind in task execution speed by 30-40%.

5. Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation: Ideal for Thin Laptops

TDP 35–50W: Quiet Operation

Thanks to Max Q technology, tailored for ultrabooks, the card consumes up to 50W under load. This allows it to be installed in cases thinner than 20mm without overheating.

Cooling Recommendations

- For Laptops: systems with dual fans and copper heat pipes (e.g., ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 or Lenovo Legion Slim 5);

- External coolers: not necessary, but useful during long streaming sessions.

6. Comparison with Competitors: Who Offers More?

AMD Radeon RX 6500M (4GB GDDR6)

- Pros: FSR 3.0 support, slightly higher FPS in Vulkan games (e.g., Doom Eternal);

- Cons: Higher power consumption (60W), less stable drivers.

Intel Arc A370M (4GB GDDR6)

- Pros: Better ray tracing quality through emulation, XeSS support;

- Cons: Optimization issues in older projects (GTA V, Skyrim).

Conclusion: The GTX 1650 Ti Max Q excels in energy efficiency but falls short in supporting modern technologies.

7. Practical Tips: How to Avoid Problems

Power Supply

For a laptop with this graphics card, a standard 90-120W adapter is sufficient. For a PC build with an external GPU (via Thunderbolt), a 450W power supply with an 80+ Bronze rating is required.

Compatibility

- Laptops: models from 2023–2025 with PCIe 4.0 x8;

- Platforms: ideal for Windows 11 and Linux (with Nouveau drivers).

Drivers

- Regularly update GeForce Experience to support FSR in new games;

- Avoid beta versions: stability is more important than experimental features.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low power consumption;

- Quiet operation even under load;

- Affordable price ($250–$300 for laptops).

Cons:

- Only 4GB of VRAM;

- No support for RTX or DLSS;

- Limited performance in AAA titles.

9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the GTX 1650 Ti Max Q For?

This graphics card is a choice for those seeking a budget laptop for studying, work, and light gaming. It’s ideal for:

- Students: sufficient power for rendering and editing;

- Office users: support for multi-monitor configurations;

- Gamers: smooth FPS in CS2, Dota 2, and indie projects.

However, if you plan to play the latest AAA hits or work with high-quality 3D models, it’s worth considering the RTX 3050 or AMD RX 6600M. The GTX 1650 Ti Max Q in 2025 is a compromise, but a reasonable one.