📆 Launch and Availability
Nvidia has officially launched the RTX 5050 as the new entry-level GPU in the Blackwell lineup.
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Desktop version starts at $249, with availability expected mid-July.
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Laptop version is already shipping in selected models, starting at $999.
🧩 Specifications Overview
| Variant | CUDA Cores | VRAM | TDP | Boost Clock | Memory Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5050 Desktop | 2,560 | 8GB GDDR6 | 130W | up to 2.57GHz | 320 GB/s |
| RTX 5050 Mobile | 2,560 | 8GB GDDR7 | 35–100W | ~2.52GHz | 384 GB/s |
Both versions use the Blackwell architecture, with support for:
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4th-gen RT cores
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5th-gen Tensor cores
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PCIe 5.0
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DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation
⚙️ Performance Benchmarks
Compared to RTX 3050
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Up to 60% more FPS in rasterized gaming.
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With DLSS 4 enabled, performance can quadruple in supported titles due to frame generation.
Compared to GTX 1050
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As much as 12× higher performance in pure raster workloads.
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Marketing claims up to 60×–6000% improvement with DLSS 4 — mostly due to AI upscaling and generation.
Compared to RTX 4060
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Around 13% lower theoretical performance than RTX 4060.
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Still handles 1080p games smoothly, and costs $50 less.
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Lacks GDDR7 and some efficiency gains, but makes up for it with price.
🎮 Real-World Gaming FPS (1080p)
System tested: Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 32GB DDR5, RTX 5050, Windows 11.
| Game | Settings (RT+DLSS) | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | RT High + DLSS 4 | 150+ fps |
| Call of Duty: MW3 | Ultra + DLSS | ~140 fps |
| Fortnite (Performance) | Epic + DLSS | ~180 fps |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | Ultra | ~110 fps |
| Elden Ring | Max settings | ~95 fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | High | ~120 fps |
Without DLSS, expect ~60–90 fps in AAA titles at High/Ultra settings in Full HD.
💸 Price vs Performance
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RTX 5050 targets budget gamers, priced at $249 MSRP.
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Some reviewers believe a fair price would be closer to $199, considering competition from AMD.
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Factory-overclocked models from brands like MSI or ASUS may cost $259–279 with slightly higher boost clocks (up to 2.7GHz).
✅ Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Excellent 1080p gaming performance, even with ray tracing.
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Support for DLSS 4 and Frame Generation.
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Compact power draw and efficient cooling.
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8GB VRAM is sufficient for most modern titles.
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Mobile version with GDDR7 offers impressive power efficiency.
Cons:
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GDDR6 in desktop version limits bandwidth.
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Performance drops without DLSS in some newer games.
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Priced close to RTX 4060, which delivers better raw raster power.
🏁 Conclusion
The RTX 5050 is a strong entry-level GPU, ideal for 1080p gamers looking to experience ray tracing and AI-driven performance. It’s not a powerhouse like the RTX 4060 or 5060, but it brings Nvidia’s latest features — including DLSS 4 and Reflex — to a broader audience. If you're gaming on a budget and want future-ready tech, the RTX 5050 is a smart choice.
