Introduction to the RTX 3050 Series
The gaming community is abuzz with the latest performance leaks of NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti mobile GPUs. These entry-level cards promise significant improvements over their predecessors while introducing features like ray tracing and DLSS support.
Key Specifications
| Specification | RTX 3050 Mobile | RTX 3050 Ti Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 2560 |
| Boost Clock | 1740 MHz | 1695 MHz |
| TDP Range | 35W–80W | 35W–80W |
| Memory Configuration | 4GB GDDR6 (128-bit) | 4GB GDDR6 (128-bit) |
| FP32 Performance | 7.2 TFLOPS | 8.7 TFLOPS |
👉 Discover how these specs translate to real-world gaming performance
Performance Benchmarks and Comparisons
3DMark Time Spy Results
- RTX 3050 Ti: ~46% faster than GTX 1650 Ti
- RTX 3050: ~37% faster than GTX 1650 Ti
- Inter-model gap: 9% between 3050 and 3050 Ti
Game Performance (Shadow of the Tomb Raider)
| Setting | RTX 3050 Ti vs. GTX 1650 Ti | RTX 3050 vs. GTX 1650 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | +63% | +27% |
| Ultra | +44% | +36% |
The performance uplift positions these cards close to the GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, making them compelling options for budget-conscious gamers.
Why This Matters for Gamers
- Ray Tracing on a Budget: Entry-level access to real-time ray tracing and DLSS upscaling.
- Mining-Resistant Design: With only 4GB VRAM, these cards are unattractive for ETH/CFX mining.
- Power Efficiency: 35W–80W TDP range ideal for thin-and-light gaming laptops.
👉 Learn about mining-resistant GPU designs
The Unexpected Return of GTX 1650
In a surprising move, NVIDIA is reportedly ramping up production of the GTX 1650 for the Chinese market:
- Availability: Expected to increase by May 2021
- Specs: TU117 core, 4GB GDDR5/GDDR6, 75W TDP
- Market Context: Response to ongoing GPU shortages and mining demand
This suggests NVIDIA is employing a dual strategy – launching new RTX 30-series models while continuing to supply older architectures to meet demand.
Team Group’s High-Frequency DDR4 Memory
Complementing the GPU news, Team Group announced their T-FORCE XTREEM DDR4 memory lineup:
- Flagship Model: DDR4-5600 (16GB kit)
- Other Variants: DDR4-5333/5066 with RGB options
- Compatibility: Optimized for Intel 11th-gen Rocket Lake CPUs and Z590 motherboards
This represents a significant leap in commercially available memory speeds, potentially benefiting high-end gaming and content creation setups.
FAQ Section
Q: When will RTX 3050/3050 Ti laptops be available?
A: While NVIDIA hasn’t announced an official date, ASUS accidentally listed a 3050 Ti model, suggesting imminent release.
Q: Can the RTX 3050 handle ray tracing games?
A: Yes, though performance will vary. DLSS support helps maintain playable framerates.
Q: Why is NVIDIA still producing GTX 1650 cards?
A: Ongoing shortages and mining demand have created unexpected demand for older GPUs.
Q: Is 4GB VRAM enough for modern games?
A: For 1080p gaming at medium settings, yes. It’s a deliberate choice to deter miners.
Q: How does DDR4-5600 compare to upcoming DDR5?
A: While DDR5 promises future improvements, these high-frequency DDR4 kits offer exceptional current-gen performance.