Amd Radeon 520 Vs. Gtx 1050: Which Budget Gpu Is Better?
What To Know
- On the other hand, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 is powered by the Pascal architecture, packing 640 CUDA cores and a base clock speed of 1354 MHz, which can boost up to 1455 MHz.
- The Radeon 520 consumes less power than the GTX 1050, with a TDP of 25 watts compared to the GTX 1050’s 75 watts.
In the realm of budget graphics cards, two titans stand tall: the AMD Radeon 520 and the NVIDIA GTX 1050. Both offer impressive performance at an affordable price, making them ideal choices for gamers and casual users alike. But which one is the better choice? Let’s delve into the depths of their features, benchmarks, and real-world performance to uncover the ultimate victor.
The AMD Radeon 520 is built on the Polaris architecture, featuring 512 stream processors and a clock speed of up to 1229 MHz. It boasts 2GB of GDDR5 memory with a memory bandwidth of 64 GB/s. On the other hand, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 is powered by the Pascal architecture, packing 640 CUDA cores and a base clock speed of 1354 MHz, which can boost up to 1455 MHz. It comes with 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory, offering a memory bandwidth of up to 112 GB/s.
Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Scenarios
When it comes to performance, the GTX 1050 takes the lead. In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike, the GTX 1050 outperforms the Radeon 520 by a significant margin. This advantage extends to real-world gaming scenarios as well. At 1080p resolution with medium settings, the GTX 1050 delivers smoother gameplay and higher frame rates in popular titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Rocket League.
Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
The Radeon 520 consumes less power than the GTX 1050, with a TDP of 25 watts compared to the GTX 1050’s 75 watts. This makes the Radeon 520 a more energy-efficient option, especially for budget-conscious builds. In terms of thermal performance, both cards run relatively cool and quiet, making them suitable for compact builds or systems with limited airflow.
Features: Beyond Raw Performance
The GTX 1050 comes equipped with NVIDIA’s Game Ready drivers, which provide optimizations for the latest games and ensure a seamless gaming experience. It also supports NVIDIA Ansel, a powerful screenshot tool that allows users to capture stunning in-game moments. The Radeon 520, on the other hand, offers AMD FreeSync technology, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering when paired with a compatible FreeSync monitor.
Price and Availability
The AMD Radeon 520 and NVIDIA GTX 1050 are both budget-friendly graphics cards, with prices typically ranging from $100 to $150. However, availability can vary depending on market conditions and regional differences. It’s worth keeping an eye on pricing trends and sales to snag the best deal.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Radeon 520 and the NVIDIA GTX 1050 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance and features like NVIDIA Ansel and Game Ready drivers, the GTX 1050 is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option with FreeSync support, the Radeon 520 is a solid choice.
The Verdict: A Balanced Decision
In the battle of the budget graphics cards, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 emerges victorious thanks to its superior performance and feature set. However, the AMD Radeon 520 remains a compelling option for those seeking a more power-efficient and budget-friendly alternative. Whichever card you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a satisfying gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Q&A
Q: Which card is better for 1080p gaming, the Radeon 520 or the GTX 1050?
A: The GTX 1050 is the better choice for 1080p gaming, delivering higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in most titles.
Q: Can either card handle 4K gaming?
A: Neither the Radeon 520 nor the GTX 1050 is suitable for 4K gaming. They are best suited for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings.
Q: Which card consumes less power?
A: The Radeon 520 consumes less power than the GTX 1050, with a TDP of 25 watts compared to the GTX 1050’s 75 watts.
Q: Does the GTX 1050 support ray tracing?
A: No, the GTX 1050 does not support ray tracing. Ray tracing is a feature found in newer NVIDIA graphics cards based on the RTX architecture.
Q: Which card is better for video editing and content creation?
A: Both cards are capable of handling basic video editing and content creation tasks. However, for more demanding workloads, a more powerful graphics card would be recommended.
