The GeForce RTX 3050 is considered to be NVIDIA’s performance-segment graphics card, which was first officially launched on January 4th, 2022. The card features a GA106 graphics chip, which is based on the Ampere microarchitecture, and is designed to deliver ultimate gaming experience at 1080p resolution. The card also features supports for raytracing, meaning it’s designed to deliver adequate rendering performance in different types of graphics applications.
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The GeForce RTX 3050 features the same graphics chip as its more powerful cousin – the GeForce RTX 3060. This means it packs 12,000 million transistors in a die size of 276 mm². However, the RTX 3050 has almost 1,000 less shading units (2,560 vs. 3,584), as well as 32 less Tensor cores (80 vs. 112), and 8 less RT cores (20 vs. 28). The card also features fewer VRAM (8GB vs. 12GB), and is able to deliver 9.10 TFLOPS of computer power (compared to RTX 3060’s 12.74 TFLOPS).
The reference GeForce RTX 3050 has a base GPU clock speed of 1,320 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 1,777 MHz. The card supports PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, and uses 192-bit wide memory bus to deliver 360 GB/s memory bandwidth. Compared to other Ampere graphics cards, the RTX 3050 is so far the most energy-efficient RTX 30 series graphics card, as it consumes 170 W of power under full load, and it requires a 450 W power supply to run.
Speaking of its performance, the GeForce RTX 3050 is roughly on par with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 56. The card is around 5% faster than the GTX 1660 SUPER, and it features support for raytracing, which is a big plus. In games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Forza Horizon 5, the card can deliver around 55 FPS on average at 1080p on ultra settings. In competitive first-person shooters, like Battlefield V and Call of Duty: Warzone, the card is able to deliver 75 FPS on average at 1440p resolution on ultra settings. Although the RTX 3050 supports raytracing, its performance is quite poor, which is to be expected from an entry-level GPU.
The GeForce RTX 3050 is only available in AIB variations. However, because each variant has different cooling and GPU clock speeds, we’ve created a list of the top aftermarket models to assist you in choosing the card that will best suit your needs. To view more, scroll down.
Best Overall:
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC
Best Cooling:
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC 8G
Best RGB Lighting:
MAXSUN GeForce RTX 3050 iCraft OC
Best Value:
Zotac GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC
Best Small Form Factor:
ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Best Overall: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC
Boost Clock: 1890 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 3 x DP, 2 x HDMI
Compared to other custom designed RTX 3050 cards, the ASUS ROG Strix model sticks out the most with its stunning cooler design, and slightly enhanced performance. The ROG Strix RTX 3050 OC features 6.4% higher boost clock speed, which is able to net you 1-2 extra FPS in most games, and it comes with a chunky heatsink block for improved cooling performance.
Under full load, the card’s temperatures reside in sub-65 degrees Celsius area, which is simply excellent performance. In our opinion, ASUS shouldn’t have bothered installing such an overkill cooler on such an energy-efficient card, but there is no doubt that this is better than having a overheating GPU. In terms of acoustics, this card is also great, but is a bit on the noisy side. Speaking of overclocking, achieving memory speed of 16.5 Gbps with this card is possible, and the performance improvements are quite noticeable. Put simply, this card really delivers, even though it is a budget card primarily designed for gaming at 1080p resolution.
Best Cooling: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC 8G
Boost Clock: 1822 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 2 x DP, 2 x HDMI
The GeForce RTX 3050 is a great graphics card for 1080p gaming at highest settings, since there are a very few titles in which the card can’t hit 60 FPS. When it comes to custom designed models, the one that can boast with the best cooling is without a doubt the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC. Not only does this card come with a 2.5% factory increased GPU boost clock, but it also features an overkill triple-fan cooler, which keeps the card below 65°C, even during long gaming sessions.
Unlike the ROG Strix model made by ASUS, this one is a little bit more louder, and it lacks more vibrant RGB lighting, which is considered to be the hallmark feature of the more premium graphics cards. Nevertheless, this card performs great and it runs quite cool, and on top of everything, it is a bit more affordable than the more premium model from ASUS.
Best RGB Lighting: MAXSUN GeForce RTX 3050 iCraft OC
Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 3 x DP, 1 x HDMI
When it comes to RGB lighting, nothing can beat the tech products made by Chinese brands. Featuring tons of LED lights, and RGB elements, these products can always boast with colorful lighting, and attractive visual design. The MAXSUN GeForce RTX 3050 iCraft OC is no exception in that regard, and despite being made by a Chinese brand, this is still a proper RTX 3050 graphics card that comes with a premium price tag.
The MAXSUN RTX 3050 iCraft OC features a factory increase GPU boost clock speed of 1,807 MHz, and it comes with a fairly efficient triple-fan cooling solution that does a decent job in keeping the card cool. Besides being equipped with a proprietary Skylight RGB lighting system, the card also comes with an independent S.I.P. digital power supply system that can ensure efficient power delivery to the GPU, and thus sustain more aggressive GPU overclocks. The card can also boast with stylishly designed backplate, which is another plus.
Best Value: Zotac GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC
Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 3 x DP, 1 x HDMI
The Zotac GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC is probably the cheapest custom designed RTX 3050 card currently on the market, and as such is a perfect buy for users who are looking for an affordable and simple graphics card that is able to provide great shading performance at Full HD resolution. Although the card lacks more premium features, such as the adjustable RGB lighting or enhanced power delivery system, it is capable of running quiet and stable, as long as you don’t overclock it.
This card is quite compact in size, meaning it fill fit even in smaller PC cases, and it won’t bend too much thanks to its short length. Given the fact that it features only two fans, the card does tend to run a bit warmer than other premium RTX 3050 models, but this shouldn’t bother you too much since the temps will always remain in safe zones. Overall, this is a great budget 1080p graphics card, and if you are in the market for a such product, be sure to get it while it’s still in stock.
Best Small Form Factor: ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 3 x DP, 1 x HDMI
- Small physical footprint
- Features proper GA106 chip
- Factory overclocked
- Axial-tech fan design
- Loud fan under full load
- Increased average temperatures
If you are planning to build a tiny small form factor PC, and you are looking for an equally small, yet capable graphics card, then the ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3050 should perfectly suit your needs. Measuring only 175 mm in length, this graphics card should fit in most mini-ITX PC cases, and transform your tiny mini PC into a capable gaming machine.
Featuring only one fan, the Phoenix RTX 3050 does heat a lot more than other custom designed RTX 3050 cards, but this didn’t discourage ASUS from pre-overclocking it, meaning that this card comes with a 1.7% higher GPU boost clock speed than the reference NVIDIA model. The card features a proper GA106 graphics chips, which means it also support raytracing and other NVIDIA Ampere features. The card also comes with a protective backplate and PCB coating which are here to protect the card from moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Which RTX 3050 should you buy?
Now that we’ve shown you the best RTX 3050 graphics cards, which one should you ultimately pick?
In our opinion, if overclocking is not a top priority on your list, and you just want a card that will deliver the best bang for the buck, than the Zotac GeForce RTx 3050 Twin Edge OC is an obvious choice. Not only that this is one of the cheapest custom designed RTX 3050 cards out there, but is also factory pre-overclocked, meaning it’s able to deliver very good gaming performance at 1080p resolution.
If however, you are looking for a premium graphics card that features high-quality PCB components, adjustable RGB lighting, and efficient cooling solution, then consider purchasing the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming OC. ASUS is a reputable brand, well-known for producing high-quality PC components, and its products come with multi-year warranties, meaning they should work well for years to come. Besides that, ASUS can boast with great product support, which is another big plus.
Of course, those are only our top choices, and any of the cards listed here will definitely be a good pick as long as you keep your requirements and their capabilities in mind.
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