Ultimate Bottleneck Calculator
Entry-Level RTX 30 Series

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050

Experience solid entry-level performance with the RTX 3050. Featuring Ampere Architecture, DLSS 2.0, and 8GB VRAM that delivers good 1080p gaming performance at a budget-friendly price.

8GB GDDR6Ampere ArchitectureDLSS 2.0Ray Tracing 2.0
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NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050

Advanced Technologies

🏗️

Ampere Architecture

Advanced GPU architecture delivering good performance and efficiency for 1080p gaming.

🧠

AI Performance

Enhanced AI capabilities for content creation, streaming, and productivity applications.

⚡

DLSS 2.0

Advanced neural rendering technology for superior image quality and performance.

🎯

Ray Tracing 2.0

Complete ray tracing support for photorealistic lighting and reflections.

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

Game TitleSettingsAverage FPS1% Low FPSRTX On
Cyberpunk 2077High3525
Alan Wake 2High2515
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIHigh7050
Forza Horizon 5High5035
Assassin's Creed MirageHigh4530
Spider-Man: Miles MoralesHigh4025
Hogwarts LegacyHigh3525
Dying Light 2High4025

Test system: Intel Core i5-14600K, 16GB DDR5-5600, Windows 11, Latest drivers

RTX 3050 Bottleneck Analysis

Optimal Pairings (0-3% Bottleneck)

  • Intel Core i5-12400
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Intel Core i3-13100
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Intel Core i5-11400

Good Pairings (3-8% Bottleneck)

  • Intel Core i5-10400
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Intel Core i3-12100
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
  • Intel Core i5-9400

Not Recommended (8%+ Bottleneck)

  • Intel Core i3-10100
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
  • Intel Core i5-8400
  • AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
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RTX 3050 vs Competitors

SpecificationRTX 3050GTX 1660 SuperGTX 1660
ArchitectureAmpereWinnerTuringTuring
CUDA Cores2,560Winner1,4081,408
Memory8GB GDDR6Winner6GB GDDR66GB GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth224 GB/s336 GB/sWinner192 GB/s
Base Clock1,552 MHzWinner1,530 MHz1,530 MHz
RT Cores20Winner00
TDP130W125W120W
MSRP$249$229$219

Detailed Specifications

Core Specifications

ArchitectureAmpere
CUDA Cores2,560
RT Cores20 (2nd Gen)
Tensor Cores80 (3rd Gen)
Base Clock1,552 MHz
Boost Clock1,777 MHz

Memory & Bandwidth

Memory TypeGDDR6
Memory Size8GB
Memory Interface128-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps
Memory Bandwidth224 GB/s
L2 Cache8MB

Display & Connectivity

DisplayPort3x DisplayPort 1.4a
HDMI1x HDMI 2.1
Max Resolution8K @ 60Hz
Multi-Monitor4 Displays
HDCP2.3
VR ReadyYes

Power & Thermal

TDP130W
Recommended PSU450W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin
Idle Power8W
Max Temperature83°C
CoolingDual Fan

Physical Dimensions

Length230mm
Width110mm
Height35mm
Weight0.7kg
Slot Width2-Slot
PCIe InterfacePCIe 4.0 x16

Key Features & Technology

RTX Technology Overview

The RTX platform revolutionizes gaming with real-time ray tracing, AI-powered neural rendering, and advanced shading techniques. Experience photorealistic graphics that were previously impossible in real-time.

200+
Games & Apps
1080p
Ray Tracing
RTX Technology Overview

DLSS 2.0 - Neural Rendering

DLSS 2.0 uses advanced AI to upscale lower resolution images to higher resolutions while maintaining or even improving image quality. Experience 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS with the performance of 720p rendering.

1.2x
Performance Boost
1080p
AI Upscaling
DLSS 2.0 - Neural Rendering

Full Ray Tracing

Experience the most realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections ever seen in games. The RTX 3050's advanced RT Cores deliver ray tracing performance at 1080p resolution, bringing cinematic quality to real-time gaming.

20
RT Cores
1080p
Ray Tracing
Full Ray Tracing

NVIDIA Reflex - Low Latency Technology

Dominate in competitive gaming with NVIDIA Reflex technology that reduces system latency by up to 50%. Get the edge you need in fast-paced esports and competitive gaming scenarios.

50%
Latency Reduction
144Hz
Gaming Ready
NVIDIA Reflex - Low Latency Technology

Where to Buy NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050

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Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPU pairs best with RTX 3050?
The RTX 3050 pairs best with budget to mid-range CPUs like the Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. These processors provide optimal performance without bottlenecking the GPU. Budget CPUs like the i3-13100 or Ryzen 5 3600 also work well with minimal bottlenecking.
Will RTX 3050 bottleneck with Intel Core i5-12400?
There will be minimal bottlenecking with the i5-12400, typically around 1-3% depending on the game and resolution. This is still very playable and you'll get good performance. The RTX 3050 is well-matched with budget to mid-range processors.
What PSU do I need for RTX 3050?
We recommend at least a 450W 80+ Bronze power supply for the RTX 3050. The GPU has a 130W TDP, and you need additional power for your CPU, motherboard, and other components. A high-quality PSU ensures stable power delivery and prevents system instability.
Is RTX 3050 good for 1080p gaming?
Yes! The RTX 3050 is good for 1080p gaming with ray tracing enabled. It can achieve 60+ FPS in most games at 1080p with high settings and ray tracing. With DLSS 2.0, you can even push higher frame rates while maintaining good image quality.
How does RTX 3050 compare to GTX 1660 Super?
The RTX 3050 offers similar performance to the GTX 1660 Super but with ray tracing support and DLSS 2.0. It's built on the newer Ampere architecture with better efficiency and features, making it a better choice for future-proofing.
When was RTX 3050 released?
The RTX 3050 was released on January 27, 2022, with a starting MSRP of $249. It's now available from various retailers and offers good value for budget gaming.
Do I need a new motherboard for RTX 3050?
You need a motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for optimal performance, though PCIe 3.0 x16 will work with minimal performance loss. Most modern motherboards (Z690, X570, B550) support PCIe 4.0. Check your motherboard specifications to confirm compatibility.

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