NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti in 2025: Is it worth considering a legend of the past?
Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, released in 2016, became a symbol of affordable gaming for millions of users. However, in 2025, amidst new technologies such as ray tracing and AI rendering, its relevance raises questions. Let's explore who might still find this model useful today, and who should seek alternatives.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Pascal Architecture: modest but efficient
The GTX 1050 Ti is built on the Pascal architecture (GP107) using a 14nm manufacturing process. It has 768 CUDA cores and a boost clock speed of up to 1392 MHz. The card does not support modern features like RTX (ray tracing), DLSS, or FidelityFX. Its main advantages are energy efficiency and compactness.
Lack of RT and DLSS: a limitation for modern games
In 2025, ray tracing and neural network upscaling (DLSS 3.0, FSR 3) have become standards for AAA titles. The GTX 1050 Ti remains outside these technologies, reducing its appeal for new games.
2. Memory: modest potential
GDDR5 and 4 GB: the bare minimum for 2025
The card is equipped with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus and a bandwidth of 112 GB/s. In comparison, modern budget models (such as the NVIDIA RTX 3050) use GDDR6 with 8 GB and speeds of up to 224 GB/s.
Impact on performance
4 GB is critically low for games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (2024) or Starfield (2023) at medium settings. In such projects, FPS drops are possible due to video memory overflow.
3. Gaming Performance
1080p: the minimum for comfortable gaming
- Fortnite (Epic Settings, no RT): 45-55 FPS.
- Apex Legends (Medium settings): 60-70 FPS.
- Hogwarts Legacy (Low settings): 25-35 FPS — the game noticeably "lags."
1440p and 4K: not recommended
Even in less demanding titles (CS2, Valorant), resolutions above 1080p lead to FPS drops below 60. The card is unsuitable for 4K.
Ray tracing: lack of support
Without hardware support for RT cores, the GTX 1050 Ti cannot handle ray tracing even through software hacks.
4. Professional Tasks
CUDA: basic capabilities
768 CUDA cores enable acceleration in Blender or DaVinci Resolve, but for complex scenes (e.g., 4K video with effects), the performance is insufficient.
3D modeling: suitable only for beginners
In Autodesk Maya or ZBrush, the card can handle simple projects, but loading heavy textures can lead to lags.
Scientific calculations: narrow limits
For machine learning tasks or simulations, a minimum of 6-8 GB of memory is required. The GTX 1050 Ti is only suitable for educational experiments.
5. Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP 75 W: ideal for compact PCs
The card does not require additional power and operates from the PCIe slot. This makes it a choice for mini-PCs and office builds.
Cooling: passive or single-fan
Even under load, the temperature rarely exceeds 70°C. Cases with basic ventilation, such as the Fractal Design Core 1100, are recommended.
6. Comparison with Competitors
NVIDIA RTX 3050 (8 GB):
Priced at $200-250 (new models), it offers 2.5 times more performance, support for DLSS 3.0 and RT.
AMD Radeon RX 6400 (4 GB):
Costs around $150, but underperforms compared to the GTX 1050 Ti in older DX11 games. However, it supports FSR 3.
Intel Arc A380 (6 GB):
Priced at $120-140, it handles DX12 and AV1 encoding better but requires a modern CPU and motherboard.
Conclusion: The GTX 1050 Ti lags behind even budget newcomers of 2025, but it can still be a bargain in the second-hand market (priced around $50-80).
7. Practical Tips
Power Supply: 300 W is sufficient
The card is compatible with low-wattage power supplies, but for an upgrade, it's better to get a model rated at 450-500 W.
Compatibility:
- PCIe 3.0 x16 (backward compatible with 2.0).
- For Windows 11 and Linux, up-to-date drivers are required (NVIDIA continues to release security updates but does not add new features).
Drivers:
Avoid experimental versions — NVIDIA's focus has shifted to the RTX 40/50 series.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Quiet operation.
- Compact size (suitable for SFF builds).
- Affordable price on the second-hand market.
Cons:
- Weak for modern games.
- Only 4 GB of memory.
- No support for RT/DLSS/FSR.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the GTX 1050 Ti for?
Choose this card if:
- You need to upgrade an old PC without replacing the power supply.
- Your primary tasks are office applications, video streaming, or indie games (like Stardew Valley or Hollow Knight).
- Your budget is limited to $50-100, and purchasing used is acceptable.
Opt for the RTX 3050 or RX 6400 if:
- You plan to play new releases in 2024-2025.
- You are involved in 4K video editing or 3D rendering.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti in 2025 is a "workhorse" for very specific scenarios. It is unsuitable for modern games or professional tasks, but it remains a lifeline for owners of older systems. If your budget allows for $150-200, it's better to choose a new RTX 3050 or Intel Arc A380 — they will provide a buffer for the future. The GTX 1050 Ti should only be considered as a stopgap solution or a nostalgic choice.