NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 in 2025: Is it Worth Getting the Budget Legend?
Analysis of Architecture, Performance, and Practical Value
Introduction
Despite being released back in 2016, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 remains a popular choice for budget builds. In 2025, it continues to be sold in new boxes priced between $150 and $180, competing with modern integrated solutions and entry-level discrete GPUs. But how relevant is it today? Let’s explore the details.
Architecture and Key Features
Pascal: The Foundation of Stability
The GTX 1050 is built on the Pascal architecture, manufactured using Samsung's 14nm process. This was the first generation of NVIDIA focused on energy efficiency. The card is equipped with 640 CUDA cores and a boost clock speed of up to 1455 MHz.
Lack of "Premium" Features
The GTX 1050 does not support ray tracing (RTX), DLSS, or FidelityFX—these technologies were introduced in later GPUs. Its advantage lies in its minimalism: it only includes basic features such as DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL 4.6. For games focusing on ray tracing or AI upscaling, this model is not suitable.
Memory: Modest, But Sufficient?
GDDR5 and Narrow Bus
The card uses GDDR5 memory with options for either 2 GB or 4 GB (depending on the variant) and a 128-bit bus. The bandwidth is 112 GB/s, which, in 2025, appears modest even compared to AMD Ryzen 8000G’s integrated graphics (up to 108 GB/s).
Impact on Gaming
For modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty or Starfield, 2 GB of VRAM is critically insufficient. Even on low settings, textures consume memory, causing lag. The 4 GB version performs better but still hits bus limitations. Optimal scenarios include older games (pre-2020) or indie projects.
Gaming Performance: The Realities of 2025
1080p: Only for Undemanding Projects
- CS2: 60–70 FPS on medium settings.
- Fortnite: 45–55 FPS (with Nanite or Lumen turned off).
- Hogwarts Legacy: 25–30 FPS on low settings (4 GB version).
- Elden Ring: 30–35 FPS (1080p, low settings).
1440p and 4K: Not Recommended
Even in less demanding games (like Overwatch 2), resolutions above 1080p result in FPS dropping below 40. There is also insufficient power for streaming or recording gameplay.
Professional Tasks: Limited Applicability
Video Editing
In Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, the GTX 1050 handles HD video rendering but struggles with 4K timelines. CUDA acceleration helps, but 640 cores are too few for 2025 tasks.
3D Modeling
In Blender or Maya, the card is suitable for learning and simple scenes. Rendering complex objects (e.g., using Cycles) takes 3 to 4 times longer than on an RTX 3050.
Scientific Calculations
For machine learning or simulations, the GTX 1050 is underpowered: the lack of Tensor Cores and modest memory limits its use. It's better to look at GPUs supporting CUDA 8.0 and above.
Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP 75W: Savings on Power Supply
The GTX 1050 does not require additional power—just a PCIe slot is enough. This makes it an ideal choice for compact PCs or upgrades to older systems.
Cooling
Even under load, the card rarely exceeds 65°C. Most models come with passive or single-slot coolers. One or two intake fans are sufficient for the case.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Radeon RX 6400
- Pros: 4 GB GDDR6, support for FSR 3.0.
- Cons: Price ($170) is higher than GTX 1050.
- Conclusion: The RX 6400 excels in modern games but falls short in compatibility with older PCs.
Intel Arc A310
- Pros: XeSS support, 6 GB VRAM.
- Cons: High requirements for PCIe 4.0, drivers are still immature.
- Conclusion: The A310 is preferable for new systems.
Practical Tips
Power Supply
A power supply rated at 300–350W is sufficient. Examples include be quiet! System Power 10 400W or Corsair CV450.
Compatibility
- Motherboards: Any with PCIe x16 will work (even version 2.0).
- Processors: There are no restrictions, but for gaming, it’s better to use a CPU like a Core i5 10th generation or Ryzen 5 3600.
Drivers
NVIDIA regularly updates the software for the GTX 10 series, but optimization for new games is diminishing. It is recommended to turn off automatic updates and use stable versions (for example, 551.32).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Silent operation.
- Compatibility with older systems.
Cons:
- Insufficient VRAM for modern games.
- No support for DLSS/FSR 3.0.
- Weak performance in professional tasks.
Conclusion: Who Should Consider the GTX 1050 in 2025?
This graphics card is suitable for those who:
1. Are upgrading an old PC (e.g., with a Core i3 7100 and HDD).
2. Are building an office computer with room for casual gaming.
3. Are looking for a temporary solution before purchasing a more powerful model.
However, if your budget allows for $200–250, it’s better to consider the Intel Arc A580 or AMD RX 6600—they provide 2 to 3 times higher FPS and are ready for the challenges of the coming years. The GTX 1050 remains a niche product for very specific scenarios.