For those exploring options in the laptop market, an important point to note is that the RTX 2050 is not available for desktop computers; it’s exclusively for laptops. This becomes particularly relevant when considering the common dilemma faced by buyers at the $700 price point: should one opt for a laptop equipped with the RTX 2050 or go for a model with the GTX 1650? This is a question many of you have been grappling with, and in today’s post, we’re going to delve into this topic to help dispel the confusion.
Quick Takeaway
- The RTX 2050 is 19.3% faster than GTX 1650 in our tested games.
- The GTX 1650 may require playing games at minimum settings for acceptable performance, while the RTX 2050 allows for higher settings.
- The RTX 2050 provides a smoother and more enhanced gaming experience with features like DLSS, which is not available on the GTX 1650.
- The RTX 2050 positions as a more cost-effective option compared to the GTX 1650, offering better performance for a similar or lower price.
GPU Specs Difference
| RTX 2050 | GTX 1650 | |
| GPU | GA 107 | TU117-12NM |
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 896 or 1024 |
| Tensor Cores | 64 | 0 |
| RT Cores | 32 | 0 |
| Boost Clock (MHz) | 1155 – 1477 MHz | 1245 – 1560 MHz |
| TGP (W) | 30 – 45 | 35 – 70 |
| Memory | 4GB DDR6 | 4GB DDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 14 GBPS | 10 GBPS |
| Memory Interface | 64-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 112 GB/s | 160 GB/s |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
The 2050 has double the CUDA cores compared to the original 1650 that launched in 2019, but Nvidia quietly refreshed the 1650 in 2020 with fewer CUDA cores.
They both have 4GB of VRAM capacity, but the 1650’s memory bus is double the size of the 2050. The 1650 also has more memory bandwidth, but the 2050’s memory has a higher clock.
The 1650 has a larger possible power range, which is why it can reach higher boost clock speeds.
Laptops Tested
| Asus TUF F15 | MSI GF63 Thin 11SC |
 |  |
| Intel Core i5-11400H RTX 2050 4GB GDDR6 (TGP: 70W) 8GB DDR4-3200 | Intel Core i5-11400H GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 (TGP: 40W) 8GB DDR4-3200 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
I am using the ASUS TUF F15 for the 2050, and the MSI GF63 for the 1650. Both laptops have the same 6 core CPU, and I used the same dual channel kit of memory in both.
70W RTX 2050 vs 40W GTX 1650
It’s important to note that the Asus TUF F15 comes with a 70W TGP with Dynamic Boost, while the MSI GF63 features a GTX 1650 with a 40W TGP, also with Dynamic Boost. In simpler terms, the higher the TGP of a GPU, the more frames per second it can deliver in games. This means that the RTX 2050, which is in the Asus TUF F15, is expected to perform better. But the question is, by how much? Let’s find out.
Benchmarks
I tested the RTX 2050 without DLSS because the GTX 1650 does not support DLSS. In this way, we will obtain the best comparison.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 showcases a notable performance boost on the RTX 2050 graphics card, delivering an average of 34 FPS at 1080p medium settings, outpacing the GTX 1650 by a smooth margin.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 2050 delivers impressive performance at 46 FPS on highest settings, showcasing a significant advantage over the GTX 1650’s 43 FPS at 1080p resolution.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Running Red Dead Redemption 2 at high settings on 1080p, the RTX 2050 edges out with 45 FPS, slightly ahead of the GTX 1650’s 43 FPS.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn played on the RTX 2050 yields an average of 36 FPS at ultra settings and 1080p, a smooth increase over the GTX 1650’s 32 FPS.
Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 runs remarkably well on the RTX 2050, achieving 50 FPS at high settings and 1080p resolution, noticeably surpassing the GTX 1650’s performance of 45 FPS.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy was running around 43 FPS on the RTX 2050 graphics at 1080p high settings. The 2050 was 30% faster compared to the cheaper GTX 1650.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty was reaching a 15% higher average FPS with the RTX 2050.
Assassin’s Creed Vallhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game I’m currently playing through for a second time, and while it doesn’t need a super high frame rate to enjoy, the 2050 was still able to offer a 37% higher average frame rate, a major difference.
Forza Horizon 5
In Forza Horizon 5, the 2050 just 25% ahead of the 1650, or in this case about 17 FPS. The 1650 was still running the game above 60 FPS with high settings, so it’s not as if it’s unplayable or anything.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator had the biggest win for the RTX 2050 out of all games tested. Even the dips in performance, as measured by the 1% low, were same of the average FPS coming out of the 1650. The 2050 was reaching a 40% higher average frame rate here.
Final Words
Honestly, I don’t think that it’s worth saving a little bit of money by going for the lower-tier GTX 1650. In 2024 that just kind of seems like it’s a bit too old these days. Unless it’s not possible for you to get any more money, and you don’t mind playing games at minimum settings and not having DLSS, which is a nice feature to boost FPS in games.
