Inno3D recently unveiled its performance benchmarks for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8 GB, and the results are intriguing. 
Despite being positioned as an entry-level GPU with a price tag of $249, the RTX 5050 appears to be slightly slower than the RTX 4060, a model that costs more but offers a better performance profile, particularly at 1080p resolution.
The synthetic benchmarks offer a mixed picture. In tests such as Steel Nomad, Port Royal, and Fire Strike, the RTX 5050 either outperformed or matched the RTX 4060, but it fell behind in the Speed Way and Time Spy tests
. For those not keen on diving deep into detailed specs, the takeaway is simple: in terms of raw performance, the RTX 5050 holds its ground but doesn’t lead the charge.
Synthetic Benchmark Highlights:
- Steel Nomad: 2.3k for RTX 5050 vs 2.3k for RTX 4060
- Port Royal: 6.1k for RTX 5050 vs 5.9k for RTX 4060
- Time Spy Extreme: 4.6k for RTX 5050 vs 4.9k for RTX 4060
However, when it comes to gaming, the RTX 5050’s performance is a bit more nuanced. Compared to the RTX 3060, it shines, delivering up to 18.5% better performance in certain games like Borderlands 3, Far Cry 6, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. But when stacked against the RTX 4060, it falls slightly behind in most titles. For example, the RTX 5050 is neck and neck with the 4060 in Far Cry 6, but it lags behind in the others.
Gaming Performance (1080p, Max Settings):
- Borderlands 3: RTX 5050 – 86 FPS, RTX 4060 – 90 FPS
- Horizon Zero Dawn: RTX 5050 – 109 FPS, RTX 4060 – 118 FPS
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: RTX 5050 – 93 FPS, RTX 4060 – 102 FPS
The RTX 5050 performs admirably, but its true value only becomes apparent when considering its power consumption. With a maximum power draw of just 130W, it’s an efficient option for those with lower-wattage setups. Additionally, the dual-fan cooling system ensures the card stays within reasonable temperature limits, with GPU temperatures peaking at 65°C and memory at 66°C.
For those eyeing an upgrade, it’s worth noting that the RTX 4060 and RTX 5050 are priced similarly, but the RTX 5060 8 GB GPU, priced at $299-$329, offers a better long-term investment. In the sub-$250 price range, options like the Intel Arc B580 12 GB and the B570 10 GB are worth considering for budget-conscious gamers.
At the end of the day, the RTX 5050 offers decent performance for its price but may not be the best choice if you’re looking for high-end gaming at a competitive level. For just a bit more, you can unlock significantly better performance with the RTX 5060 or even consider the AMD RX 9060 XT 8 GB.