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When choosing a graphics card for gaming or creative work, understanding the performance differences between models is essential. In this article, we compare the NVIDIA RTX 3050 and the GTX 1660 Ti, focusing on benchmark results with undervolt settings to evaluate their efficiency and power consumption.
Overview of the RTX 3050 and GTX 1660 Ti
The NVIDIA RTX 3050 is a newer entry in NVIDIA’s lineup, built on the Ampere architecture, offering ray tracing capabilities and DLSS support. The GTX 1660 Ti, based on the Turing architecture, lacks dedicated ray tracing cores but remains popular for its price-to-performance ratio.
Benchmark Setup and Undervolt Configuration
Both graphics cards were tested using the latest games and synthetic benchmarks at 1080p resolution. Undervolt settings were applied to reduce power consumption and heat output while maintaining stable performance. The RTX 3050 was undervolted to 850mV, and the GTX 1660 Ti to 900mV, based on stability tests.
Benchmark Results: Gaming Performance
- Cyberpunk 2077: RTX 3050 averaged 45 FPS; GTX 1660 Ti averaged 38 FPS.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: RTX 3050 achieved 70 FPS; GTX 1660 Ti reached 60 FPS.
- Fortnite: Both cards performed well, with RTX 3050 at 120 FPS and GTX 1660 Ti at 105 FPS.
Benchmark Results: Synthetic Tests
- 3DMark Time Spy: RTX 3050 scored 7000 points; GTX 1660 Ti scored 5600 points.
- Unigine Heaven: RTX 3050 achieved 1500 FPS; GTX 1660 Ti reached 1300 FPS.
Impact of Undervolt Settings
Undervolting resulted in lower power consumption for both cards, with the RTX 3050 reducing its power draw by approximately 15%, and the GTX 1660 Ti by about 10%. Performance remained stable, with negligible drops in frame rates, making undervolting a viable option for quieter and cooler operation.
Performance vs. Power Efficiency
- RTX 3050: Offers better ray tracing and DLSS support, with improved benchmark scores even after undervolting.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Slightly less powerful but more affordable, with decent performance and lower power draw without additional features.
Conclusion
The RTX 3050 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti in both gaming and synthetic benchmarks, especially with ray tracing enabled. Undervolt settings enhance power efficiency for both cards, making them suitable for different user needs. For gamers seeking higher performance and future-proofing, the RTX 3050 is the better choice; for budget-conscious users, the GTX 1660 Ti remains a solid option.