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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The GTX 1050 Ti was the better card in NVIDIA’s 2016 budget Pascal lineup, but neither model should be treated as a general-purpose modern gaming GPU. In HotHardware’s October 25, 2016 testing, the GTX 1050 Ti was faster than AMD’s Radeon RX 460 and offered a more useful 4GB of VRAM, while the GTX 1050 generally traded performance with the RX 460. Both cards’ biggest advantage was efficiency: reference-specification boards drew power through the PCIe slot and could upgrade many systems whose power supplies had no auxiliary GPU connector.
This is a historical review interpreted for a 2026 buyer. The original $109 GTX 1050 and $139 GTX 1050 Ti prices were launch-era figures, not current prices.
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A 2016 review, not a current-generation buying guide
NVIDIA launched the GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti in October 2016 as entry-level Pascal cards based on the GP107 GPU. They targeted affordable gaming PCs, prebuilt desktop upgrades, and systems that could not easily support a more power-hungry graphics card.
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HotHardware tested three partner cards rather than NVIDIA Founders Edition models: the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 OC 2GB, MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC 4GB, and EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SuperClocked Edition. NVIDIA did not make Founders Edition versions of these GPUs, so cooler design, clock speed, dimensions, PCB layout, and power connectors were left to board partners. The review’s conclusions therefore describe the tested models and the reference GPU designs—not every GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti ever sold.
#1 Best Overall
- Cutting-Edge Pascal Architecture: The GTX 1050 Ti graphics card is built on the advanced Pascal architecture, delivering cutting-edge performance and efficiency with a 14nm manufacturing process. This ensures an optimal balance of power and capability for a superior computing experience.
- High-Performance GDDR5 Memory: Boasting 4GB of high-performance GDDR5 memory and a 128-bit memory bus, the GTX 1050 Ti offers rapid data transfer, enabling seamless graphics rendering across a diverse array of applications, from gaming to graphics-intensive tasks.
- Versatile Connectivity and Maximum Resolution: With HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort interfaces, the GTX 1050 Ti provides versatile connectivity options for multi-monitor setups. Supporting a maximum resolution of 7680x4320, it delivers stunning visuals and accommodates various display configurations.
- Efficient Power Management: With a power requirement of just 75W, the GTX 1050 Ti maintains an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking robust graphics capabilities without the need for a high-wattage power supply.
- Dual Fan Cooling Solution: Featuring a dual fan cooling solution, the GTX 1050 Ti ensures efficient heat dissipation while maintaining a quiet and cool operating environment. This design contributes to prolonged hardware life and consistent performance during extended usage.
Its central verdict remains clear: the GTX 1050 Ti was the stronger choice when its price premium was reasonable. The GTX 1050 made sense when the budget was extremely tight or when low power, compact dimensions, and a connector-free installation mattered more than performance.
Read the original HotHardware review.
GTX 1050 vs. GTX 1050 Ti specifications
| Specification | GTX 1050 | GTX 1050 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal, GP107 | Pascal, GP107 |
| Streaming multiprocessors | 5 | 6 |
| CUDA cores | 640 | 768 |
| Texture units | 40 | 48 |
| ROPs | 32 | 32 |
| Reference base clock | 1,354MHz | 1,290MHz |
| Reference boost clock | 1,455MHz | 1,392MHz |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 | 4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 112GB/s | 112GB/s |
| Process | 14nm | 14nm |
| Reference TDP | 75W | 75W |
| Reference recommended PSU | 300W | 300W |
| Reference auxiliary power | None | None |
The Ti model has more active shader resources—768 CUDA cores versus 640—and more texture units. Its most important practical difference is the 4GB framebuffer. Both cards use the same 128-bit memory bus and have the same 112GB/s memory bandwidth, so the Ti is not faster because of a wider memory subsystem. It benefits from additional GPU resources and, especially in texture-heavy games, more available VRAM.
These are reference specifications. Partner cards can use higher factory clocks, different coolers, different output combinations, unusual dimensions, and—in some cases—an auxiliary PCIe power connector.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat HotHardware tested
The review used a high-end-for-its-time test platform:
- Gigabyte X99 Gaming 5P motherboard
- Intel Core i7-5960X eight-core processor
- 16GB of Corsair DDR4 memory
- Windows 10 Professional x64
- Updated 2016-era drivers and game software
- High-performance motherboard defaults with XMP enabled
That configuration was useful for exposing differences between graphics cards, but it was substantially faster than many computers these GPUs were intended to upgrade. A weak dual-core OEM processor, limited system memory, poor airflow, or restrictive firmware can produce a very different experience. The benchmark results should therefore be read as GPU comparisons rather than promises for every old desktop.
The test suite included Unigine Heaven 4.0, 3DMark Fire Strike, SteamVR Performance Test, 3DMark Time Spy, and games including Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Thief, Hitman, and Ashes of the Singularity. The review also examined multiple resolutions, quality settings, and selected DirectX 12 paths.
Performance in the 2016 test suite
HotHardware’s results established a straightforward performance hierarchy:
Rank #2
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is a desktop GPU that supports various technologies, including DirectX 12 and NVIDIA Pascal
- Silver plated PCB & all solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency & stability
- HDMI+DP Support 7680*4320 pixel resolution output, multi monitors to enjoy wider audio and video entertainment.
- Boost Clock / Memory Speed : up to 1392 MHz / 4GB GDDR5 / 7000 MHz Memory / PCIe 3.0 x16
- Slim Low profile desgin (6.5*2.71inch/16.7*6.9cm) perfect in Mini Small Form Factor SFF computer pc cases & easy to fit most of brand SFF pc such as: Dell OptiPlex 7070 / 7020 / Lenovo ThinkCentre M720Q/ M710S / HP EliteDesk 800 / 400 etc
- GTX 1050 Ti versus Radeon RX 460: The Ti was faster across the tested games and settings.
- GTX 1050 versus Radeon RX 460: The GTX 1050 generally traded blows with AMD’s competing card.
- GTX 1050 Ti versus Radeon RX 470: The Ti trailed the faster RX 470.
In other words, the GTX 1050 Ti occupied a useful middle position in the launch-era budget market. It was a meaningful step above the RX 460 and GTX 1050, but it was not a substitute for the RX 470’s higher performance class.
The cards were capable of credible 1080p gaming in the software environment of 2016, especially with sensible quality settings. That statement should not be expanded into a claim that either card can run every modern 1080p game well. Game engines, texture requirements, operating systems, drivers, and minimum GPU expectations have changed substantially since the review was published.
Why the extra 2GB of VRAM mattered
The GTX 1050’s 2GB of GDDR5 was adequate for many older games, esports titles, and modest 1080p settings at launch. It was also a significant constraint in demanding games when high-resolution textures or heavier quality presets exceeded the available framebuffer.
The GTX 1050 Ti’s 4GB does not turn it into a modern high-performance card. The GPU still has limited shader and raster performance, and extra VRAM cannot make a demanding game render frames faster. It can, however, reduce capacity-related stutter and allow more comfortable texture settings where the 2GB GTX 1050 would need compromises.
That distinction is even more important when evaluating a used card today. Between otherwise similar listings, 4GB gives the Ti more breathing room. It does not justify paying an unlimited premium, particularly if a newer low-power GPU is available at a similar price.
Power consumption, noise, and OEM upgrades
Low power was the GTX 1050 family’s defining feature. The reference design was rated at 75W and did not require a six-pin or eight-pin PCIe power connector. That made it attractive for older office desktops and prebuilt systems whose power supplies lacked spare GPU cables.
HotHardware found the tested GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti cards used the least total system power among the compared cards at stock settings. These were outlet-level or total-system measurements, not measurements of GPU power alone. They demonstrate platform efficiency in the test system but should not be mistaken for a precise card-only consumption figure.
Rank #3
- Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 It
- Video Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 128-bit
- Max. Resolution: 2560 x 1600, Support 3x Display Monitors
The tested cards were generally quiet. The review did note occasional fan ticking or clicking from the MSI samples as fan speeds changed. On a used card, inspect this separately: years of operation can lead to bearing noise, dust buildup, degraded thermal paste, or a failing fan even if the original sample was quiet.
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Overclocking: modest gains and sample-specific results
The review raised the temperature target and adjusted GPU and memory clocks without changing voltage or fan speed. The MSI GTX 1050 and MSI GTX 1050 Ti both reached a reported 1,911MHz GPU clock during the testing, producing moderate performance gains.
Those results are not a guarantee for every card. The tested boards lacked power-target adjustment in MSI Afterburner and EVGA Precision, and the review observed signs that the cards were power-limited. A board with an auxiliary connector might have more headroom, but that is an observation about the tested behavior rather than a universal rule.
For a used purchase, overclocking should not be the deciding factor. Factory BIOS limits, cooler condition, silicon quality, board layout, and previous abuse all matter. A stable card at stock settings is usually more valuable than an unknown card advertised with an impressive former overclock.
Which should you buy: GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti?
Choose the GTX 1050 Ti when:
- The price premium over a comparable GTX 1050 is modest.
- You want the safer 1080p option of the two.
- Your games benefit from 4GB rather than 2GB of VRAM.
- You are upgrading an OEM system without an auxiliary GPU power connector.
- You are playing older AAA games or texture-heavy titles.
The Ti was the original review’s recommendation because it combined more performance with a much more comfortable framebuffer. Its advantage is strongest when the two cards are close in price and condition.
Choose the GTX 1050 when:
- It is substantially cheaper than the Ti.
- You mainly play older games, esports titles, or lightweight 1080p games.
- Your system has a marginal PSU and no PCIe power connector.
- You need a compact or low-profile version, after verifying the exact model.
- You accept the limitations of 2GB of VRAM.
The GTX 1050 is not simply a slower Ti. Some partner versions are especially useful because of their small size and low power draw. For a basic upgrade in an aging office PC, those characteristics may matter more than benchmark ranking.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.OEM compatibility checklist
A low-power GPU is not automatically compatible with every office desktop. Check all of the following before buying:
Rank #4
- Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030
- Video Memory: 4GB DDR4
- Boost Clock: 1430 MHz
- Memory Interface: 64-bit
- Output: DisplayPort x 1 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.0b x 1
- PCIe slot: Confirm that the motherboard has a suitable full-length PCIe x16 slot, or a mechanically compatible slot that the OEM firmware supports.
- Case clearance: Measure card length, height, and adjacent-slot clearance. A low-power card can still be full-height, dual-slot, or too long for a drive cage.
- Form factor: Slim desktops require a low-profile bracket and a genuinely low-profile board; a short full-height card will not fit.
- Power supply: Check rated wattage, 12V capacity, age, condition, and proprietary OEM connectors. “No six-pin required” does not mean a failing PSU is safe.
- Auxiliary connector: Inspect the exact board. Some partner cards may include a connector despite the reference design not requiring one.
- Cooling: Ensure the case has airflow. A small cooler in a sealed office chassis can run hot even when the GPU’s rated power is low.
- Firmware: Some OEM systems impose BIOS, UEFI, or display-initialization restrictions. Confirm that the machine can boot with a discrete GPU.
- Monitor outputs: Compare the card’s actual DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI outputs with your display. A VGA-only monitor may need an active adapter rather than a passive cable.
The original reference-output configuration included DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0b, and dual-link DVI, with support for using all three outputs simultaneously. Retail boards vary, so verify photographs and the exact model number.
Buying a used GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti in 2026
The launch prices—$109 for the GTX 1050 and $139 for the GTX 1050 Ti—explain the original recommendation, but they are historical reference points only. They should not be used as current market prices or as proof that any present-day listing is good value.
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- Identify the exact manufacturer and model number.
- Confirm whether it is full-height or low-profile and single-slot or dual-slot.
- Check whether it needs an auxiliary power connector.
- Request clear photographs of the fan, bracket, PCB, and power connector.
- Prefer a tested, returnable card with seller protection.
- Check for fan wobble, bearing noise, corrosion, missing screws, damaged fins, and excessive dust.
- Ask whether the card has a mining history, while remembering that seller claims may be unverifiable.
- Compare the total price with newer low-power cards available in your region.
A GTX 1050 Ti is only the better buy if its extra VRAM, performance, and condition justify the premium. Avoid listings priced near newer entry-level GPUs, especially when the older card has no warranty and uncertain cooling. Conversely, a clean GTX 1050 can still be sensible for a low-profile OEM upgrade, a legacy gaming machine, or a system whose PSU cannot support a hungrier card.
For current driver information, consult NVIDIA’s official GeForce driver portal. The HotHardware review used Windows 10 and contemporary 2016 drivers; it did not test current games, current drivers, or current operating-system support. Check the requirements of each game and operating system rather than assuming that a 2016 benchmark result remains representative.
GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti versus the RX 460 and RX 470
The original comparison remains useful as historical context. The GTX 1050 generally competed with the Radeon RX 460, while the GTX 1050 Ti was faster than the RX 460 in the tested suite. The RX 470 was faster than the GTX 1050 Ti, but it could be less attractive for an OEM upgrade because board power, connectors, cooling, and PSU requirements vary.
For a current purchase, the right comparison is not just the 2016 performance chart. Consider power and form factor, current software compatibility, used-card condition, warranty and return protection, and the cost of a newer alternative. This dossier does not establish current prices or availability, so no specific modern replacement can responsibly be named as the best value without checking the buyer’s market.
Final verdict
HotHardware’s 2016 conclusion was sound: the GTX 1050 Ti was the better choice when the additional cost was reasonable. It delivered more performance than the GTX 1050, beat the RX 460 in the tested games, and its 4GB framebuffer was substantially more useful than the GTX 1050’s 2GB.
The GTX 1050 remains defensible for very constrained systems, older games, esports, low-profile upgrades, and PCs with weak power supplies. Both cards remain interesting because they can provide useful graphics performance without an auxiliary power connector—but their age matters. Neither should be presented as a blanket recommendation for modern AAA gaming, and neither is automatically a good used purchase merely because it is inexpensive.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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