This article has been just updated: January 16, 2024
In recent years, the cryptocurrency craze has caused the prices of graphics cards to reach new highs, putting them out of reach of many consumers. Fortunately, budget graphics cards, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti, have remained fairly inexpensive because their limited performance makes them unsuitable for cryptocurrency mining. It doesn’t, however, make them unsuitable for regular computer use and even light gaming.
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 retails for $109, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti goes for $139. With just $30 separating the two budget graphics cards, choosing the obviously more powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti over the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 may seem like a no-brainer, but you have to keep in mind that those $30 represent nearly one-third of the price of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050. The question then is whether the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is really 30 percent better, and this article is here to help you answer that question.
Specifications
| Graphics card | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 2 GB GDDR5 | 4 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory speed | 7 Gbps | 7 Gbps |
| Base clock | 1,354 MHz | 1,290 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,455 MHz | 1,392 MHz |
| CUDA cores | 640 | 768 |
| TDP | 75 W | 75 W |
Both the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti are based on the Pascal GPU architecture, the successor to the Maxwell architecture. According to Nvidia, Pascal is the world’s most advanced GPU architecture, and it was developed to bring virtual worlds to life and give you superior performance and power efficiency by using ultra-fast FinFET and supporting DirectX 12 features.
The two graphics cards also support G-Sync technology, which was developed by Nvidia to eliminate screen tearing and the need for software alternatives such as Vsync. If you look at the specifications chart above, you may notice that the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 has only 2 GB of VRAM, whereas the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti has 4 GB.
In 2024, 2 GB of video memory isn’t much, but the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 does quite a good job with what it has to work with because of its higher base and boost clock speeds compared with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. As long as you keep texture settings low, you shouldn’t struggle to stay above 30 frames per second in most AAA games at Full HD, and you may even be able to reach 60 frames per second in certain titles. 
There’s also a 3 GB version of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, but it has a significantly lower memory bandwidth than both the 2 GB version of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, making it a very tough sell.
Benchmarks
| Game | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| The Division (high settings) | 51.8 FPS | 58.4 FPS |
| Hitman (medium settings) | 66.8 FPS | 76.2 FPS |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider (very high settings) | 40.05 FPS | 51.9 FPS |
| Ashes of the Singularity (high settings) | 33.5 FPS | 38.3 FPS |
| Gears of War 4 (ultra settings) | 34.5 FPS | 44.6 FPS |
FPS – Average frames per second. Higher is better.
The benchmarks above tell a clear story: the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is a significantly more powerful graphics card than the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050. In some games, such as Gera of War 4, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti gives you more than 30 percent extra frames per second, so its higher price is definitely justified.
Games like Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch, DOTA 2, and Rocket League are easily playable on both the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, so you can go with the cheaper of the two graphics cards and use the extra money to buy an additional memory stick or a better CPU cooler if you only play esports titles.
Competition
When it comes to competing graphics cards, the 2 GB AMD Radeon RX 460 is a very attractive choice. It performs slightly better in certain games, especially Battlefield V, and is priced right between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti.
The downside of the AMD Radeon RX 460 is the fact that it requires an additional six-pin power connector to deliver peak performance. Both the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti are designed to draw their full power from a motherboard, making them more attractive for prebuilt PC manufacturers.
You could also pay extra $100 or $200 respectively for the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 with either 3 GB or 6 GB of video memory to unlock the VR experiences and future-proof your gaming rig, but you may as well get a brand-new budget graphics card one or two GPU generations down the road and enjoy similar performance benefits with the added bonus of being able to sell your current GPU on eBay.
Verdict
Ask yourself what you expect your graphics card to do. If you don’t play any games and need a new graphics card just to watch movies, browse the web, and perhaps edit photos without constant stuttering and annoying lags, both the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti are fit for the job.
But if you consider yourself to be either a casual or sports-oriented gamer, you’re better off paying $30 extra for the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti to enjoy your games at 60 frames per second. Just keep in mind that not even the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is powerful enough for playing the latest AAA games at the highest video quality settings.
There’s also the 3 GB version of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, but we can’t recommend it because it has slower video memory and its price is just too close to the much more capable Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti.
FAQ
What kind of performance can I expect from the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 in modern games?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 offers decent performance for entry-level gaming, handling most modern games at medium to low settings with 1080p resolution. However, do not expect high frame rates in very demanding titles, as it might struggle to maintain smooth gameplay at higher settings.
How does the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti compare to the GTX 1050 in benchmarks?
The GTX 1050 Ti generally performs about 10-15% better than the GTX 1050 in gaming benchmarks, providing smoother framerates and allowing for modestly higher settings in most games at 1080p resolution.
Are the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti suitable for high refresh rate monitors?
The GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti are not ideally suited for high refresh rate monitors if you’re aiming to play graphically intensive games at high settings. They are more suited for standard 60Hz monitors at 1080p where they can provide a more consistent gaming experience.
Can the GTX 1050 Ti handle VR applications?
The GTX 1050 Ti offers minimal VR support and could run some less demanding VR applications. However, it is not recommended for a good VR experience. VR enthusiasts should consider more powerful GPUs that meet the recommended specifications for VR gaming.
How do the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti perform in synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark?
In synthetic benchmarks such as 3DMark, the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti score modestly, reflecting their entry-level gaming performance. The 1050 Ti shows a noticeable improvement over the 1050, aligning with real-world gaming performance differences.
Would the GTX 1050 or 1050 Ti be adequate for competitive gaming titles?
Both the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti are adequate for competitive gaming titles such as ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,’ ‘Overwatch,’ and ‘League of Legends,’ which are less demanding and can run smoothly at higher settings on these GPUs.
Is the GTX 1050 still a viable option for gaming in 2024?
As of 2024, the GTX 1050 is an entry-level option best suited for less demanding games or older titles. For newer games, more powerful GPUs would ensure better performance and future-proofing.
Can the GTX 1050 Ti support 4K resolution?
While the GTX 1050 Ti technically supports 4K resolution, it is not powerful enough for 4K gaming. It can manage 4K output for video streaming or less demanding applications but expect limited gaming performance at this resolution.
Are there any games that the GTX 1050 Ti can’t handle?
Very demanding titles, particularly recent AAA games, may not perform well on the GTX 1050 Ti at higher settings. Users may need to significantly lower settings or resolution to achieve playable framerates in these cases.
How does the GTX 1050 perform with eSports titles?
The GTX 1050 performs well with most eSports titles, offering good performance at 1080p. Many popular eSports games are optimized for a wide range of hardware, allowing for smooth gameplay on this GPU.
Does the GTX 1050 Ti offer good price-to-performance value?
At its launch, the GTX 1050 Ti offered good price-to-performance value for budget gamers. Current value depends on market prices and availability, which can vary. It is advisable to compare with newer GPU models for the best deal.
Are there significant thermal differences between the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti during gaming?
Both the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti are energy-efficient and don’t generally run hot, but the 1050 Ti can be slightly warmer under load due to its higher performance. Proper case airflow should mitigate any significant thermal differences.
Does overclocking the GTX 1050 Ti significantly improve gaming performance?
Overclocking the GTX 1050 Ti can lead to performance gains, albeit modest. It can provide a slight framerate increase but is unlikely to transform the gaming experience drastically. Users must also consider thermal constraints and potential stability issues.
What sort of power supply do I need for a PC with a GTX 1050 Ti?
A PC with a GTX 1050 Ti doesn’t require a high-wattage power supply. A reliable 300-350 watt power supply should be sufficient, given that the rest of the system components are not excessively power-hungry.
How well can the GTX 1050 handle multitasking with gaming and streaming?
The GTX 1050 can handle basic multitasking such as gaming and streaming at 1080p; however, it might not provide the best experience for both activities simultaneously, particularly if gaming at high settings or stream at higher resolutions.
Can the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti support multiple monitors?
Both the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti support multiple monitors and can be used for multi-display setups for increased productivity or an immersive gaming experience.
Which driver should I use for optimal GTX 1050 Ti performance?
For optimal performance, always use the latest drivers from Nvidia’s official website. Staying updated ensures compatibility with the latest games and often includes performance improvements and bug fixes.
What are the memory configurations available for GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti?
The GTX 1050 typically comes with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, while the GTX 1050 Ti often has 4GB of GDDR5 memory, offering better performance in games that require more VRAM.
Are there any specific versions of the GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti that are better for overclocking?
Certain versions of the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti from third-party manufacturers such as ASUS, MSI, and EVGA may have better cooling solutions or factory overclocks that provide higher performance ceilings for overclocking.
Where can I find the latest benchmarks and reviews for the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti?
For the latest benchmarks and reviews, it’s best to check reputable tech websites and forums. You can also visit Nvidia’s official website for detailed specifications and support documentation.
