The world of graphics cards is ever-evolving, with new technologies and architectures emerging every few years. Two popular graphics cards from Nvidia’s lineup, the GeForce GTX 1060 and the GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, have been widely debated among gamers and enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifications, performance, and features of both GPUs to determine which one comes out on top.
The Background: A Brief History of the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650 Ti
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 was released in 2016, based on the Pascal architecture. It was a popular mid-range option, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency. The GTX 1060 was widely used in gaming laptops and desktops, providing smooth performance in 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Fast-forward to 2020, and Nvidia released the GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, based on the Turing architecture. This newer GPU aimed to provide improved performance and power efficiency, targeting the same mid-range market as the GTX 1060. The GTX 1650 Ti also boasted enhanced features, such as Variable Rate Shading (VRS) and Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (MFAA).
Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Before we dive into performance and features, let’s examine the specifications of both GPUs:
| Specification | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1408 |
| Memory | 6 GB GDDR5 | 4 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 256 GB/s |
| Base Clock | 1506 MHz | 1350 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1708 MHz | 1485 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 120W | 125W |
| DIMM Width | 192-bit | 128-bit |
As we can see, the GTX 1650 Ti boasts a newer architecture, more CUDA cores, and higher memory bandwidth. However, the GTX 1060 has more memory (6 GB vs 4 GB) and a wider DIMM width (192-bit vs 128-bit).
Performance: Benchmarking the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650 Ti
To evaluate the performance of both GPUs, we’ll examine benchmarking results from various sources, including 3DMark, gaming benchmarks, and power consumption tests.
3DMark Benchmarks
In 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark, which measures DirectX 12 performance, the GTX 1650 Ti scores an average of 5,500 points, while the GTX 1060 scores around 4,500 points. This indicates a noticeable performance advantage for the GTX 1650 Ti.
Gaming Benchmarks
In gaming benchmarks, the GTX 1650 Ti generally outperforms the GTX 1060, especially at higher resolutions. For example, in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at 1440p, the GTX 1650 Ti averages around 45 FPS, while the GTX 1060 averages around 37 FPS.
Power Consumption
In terms of power consumption, the GTX 1650 Ti has a slight advantage, with an average power draw of 125W, compared to the GTX 1060’s 120W. However, this difference is relatively small and may not be noticeable in real-world usage.
Features: What Sets the GTX 1650 Ti Apart
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti boasts several features that set it apart from the GTX 1060:
Variable Rate Shading (VRS)
VRS is a technology that allows developers to dynamically adjust the shading rate of objects in a scene, reducing the computational workload and improving performance.
Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (MFAA)
MFAA is an anti-aliasing technique that combines the benefits of multisample anti-aliasing with the performance of post-processing anti-aliasing methods.
Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS)
DLSS is a technology that uses deep learning to improve image quality while reducing the performance impact of anti-aliasing.
Ray Tracing and Artificial Intelligence
While the GTX 1060 does not support ray tracing or AI-enhanced features, the GTX 1650 Ti supports both, albeit with limitations.
Conclusion: Is the GTX 1650 Ti Better than the GTX 1060?
The answer is a resounding yes. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti offers significant performance advantages over the GTX 1060, thanks to its newer architecture, improved memory bandwidth, and enhanced features like VRS, MFAA, and DLSS. While the GTX 1060 still provides excellent performance in 1080p and 1440p resolutions, the GTX 1650 Ti is better suited for 1440p and 4K gaming.
However, it’s essential to consider the power consumption and pricing of both GPUs. The GTX 1060 is still a popular option, and its lower power consumption and potentially lower price point might make it an attractive choice for those on a budget.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a mid-range GPU with the latest features and improved performance, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is the better choice.
What are the main differences between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti and GTX 1060?
The main differences between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti and GTX 1060 lie in their architecture, performance, and power consumption. The GTX 1650 Ti is based on the newer TU116 architecture, whereas the GTX 1060 is based on the older GP106 architecture. This newer architecture provides the GTX 1650 Ti with a more efficient design and improved performance.
Additionally, the GTX 1650 Ti has a lower TDP (total design power) of 125W compared to the GTX 1060’s 120W. This means the GTX 1650 Ti is more power-efficient and can be powered by a single 6-pin power connector, whereas the GTX 1060 requires a 6-pin and an 8-pin power connector. These differences result in distinct performance and power consumption profiles for the two GPUs.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti a better choice for 1080p gaming?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming, as it provides smooth performance at high frame rates in modern games. With its 128-bit memory bus and 4GB of GDDR6 memory, the GTX 1650 Ti can handle the demands of 1080p gaming with ease.
In comparison, the GTX 1060 also performs well at 1080p, but its older architecture and lower clock speeds mean it may struggle with more demanding games at high detail settings. Overall, the GTX 1650 Ti is a better choice for 1080p gaming due to its improved performance and efficiency.
How does the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti compare to the GTX 1060 in terms of power consumption?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is a more power-efficient GPU compared to the GTX 1060. With a lower TDP of 125W, the GTX 1650 Ti is more suitable for systems with limited power supplies. Additionally, its more efficient design means it produces less heat and noise.
In contrast, the GTX 1060 has a slightly higher TDP of 120W, which can be a concern for systems with limited power supplies. Furthermore, its older architecture means it produces more heat and noise compared to the GTX 1650 Ti. Overall, the GTX 1650 Ti is a better choice for systems with power consumption constraints.
Does the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti support ray tracing and AI-enhanced features?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti does not support ray tracing and AI-enhanced features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and DXR (DirectX Raytracing). These features are exclusive to Nvidia’s RTX series of GPUs, which are based on the more advanced TU10x architecture.
In contrast, the GTX 1060 also does not support ray tracing and AI-enhanced features, as it is an older GPU based on the Pascal architecture. If you need these features, you may want to consider a more modern GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or higher.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti compatible with older systems?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is compatible with older systems that have a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a 300W or higher power supply. However, it’s essential to ensure that your system’s power supply can provide the necessary power connectors (6-pin) for the GTX 1650 Ti.
In contrast, the GTX 1060 also requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a 300W or higher power supply. However, it may require an 8-pin power connector in addition to the 6-pin connector, which can be a concern for older systems with limited power supplies.
Which GPU is better for esports games like Fortnite and League of Legends?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is an excellent choice for esports games like Fortnite and League of Legends. Its fast clock speeds, low latency, and efficient design make it well-suited for fast-paced games that require high frame rates.
In comparison, the GTX 1060 is also suitable for esports games, but its older architecture means it may not be as efficient or provide the same level of performance as the GTX 1650 Ti. If you’re looking for the best possible performance in esports games, the GTX 1650 Ti is a better choice.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti a better value than the GTX 1060?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is generally a better value than the GTX 1060, especially considering its improved performance and power efficiency. With its lower TDP and more efficient design, the GTX 1650 Ti provides better performance per watt compared to the GTX 1060.
Additionally, the GTX 1650 Ti is often priced competitively with the GTX 1060, making it a more attractive option for those looking for a balance of performance and value. However, prices can vary depending on the region and retailer, so it’s essential to compare prices before making a purchase.