Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Suitable for Modern Gaming?

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is a budget graphics card that has garnered attention for its affordability and power efficiency. However, its suitability for modern gaming is a topic of debate among enthusiasts and gamers. In this article, we will explore the performance of the GTX 1650 on various game settings and whether it is a suitable choice for today's demanding titles.

Performance in 1080p Resolution

The GTX 1650, with its modest 4GB of VRAM, delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings. This makes it a reliable choice for players on budgets who prioritize long-term stability and affordability. When running sunlight-heavy games like The Last of Us Part I, players can achieve around 25-30 FPS, which is comfortably playable despite the limitations.

For more recent and demanding AAA titles, the GTX 1650 may struggle. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 can be run at lower settings, such as 'Low' or 'Medium,' to maintain a playable frame rate. Players aiming for higher settings or higher frame rates will likely need to resort to performance upscaling techniques or lower resolutions.

Power Efficiency and Customization

The GTX 1650 models we typically see in the market operate on a 75W TDP, which is designed to reduce power consumption. Some variants, like the revisited COMICALL variant, feature a slight underclocking to maintain the 75W power limit, which reduces peak power use to 75W effectively. This makes it easier for users with restrictive power supplies to use the card without issues.

Hence, if you already have a system with a limited power supply, the GTX 1650 is an excellent choice to ensure stable performance without overheating or straining your existing hardware.

Comparison with Higher-End Cards

While the GTX 1650 is capable of handling 1080p gaming, it faces competition from more powerful cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super and the 1660 Super. These cards offer better performance and higher VRAM, making them more versatile for a wider range of games. For example, the GTX 1650 Super and 1660 Super can easily handle high settings in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fallout 76 without granting only low or medium settings and 30-40 FPS performance.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

The current market sees a shift towards integrated graphics solutions, particularly with AMD's upper-tier Ryzen 6000 processors and their Navi RDNA2 architecture. These integrated GPUs compete directly with dedicated graphics cards like the GTX 1650, leading to a potential decline in demand and price. The GTX 1650, once priced at around $139, is currently sold for $219, reflecting the anticipation of obsolescence.

As the situation stands, the GTX 1650 will likely see a drop in price in the next couple of months, making it a good time for bulk purchases. However, if you are planning to upgrade your system in the near future, it might be worth considering more recent or powerful cards that align better with your gaming needs.