Testing the GTX 1650 Without PCIe Power, Still Pointless at 75W?

Summary

In this detailed review, Steve from Hardware Unboxed compares the GTX 1650 to the RX 570, revealing the GTX 1650 as a lackluster option for budget gamers. Despite its power efficiency, it struggles to match the performance of the RX 570, offering only minimal gains with overclocking. The review highlights two models: the base GTX 1650 without a 6-pin connector and the Gaming OC version with a 6-pin, noting that while overclocking improves performance slightly, it still lags behind competing cards. For most gamers, the RX 570 remains the better value for money.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GTX 1650 struggles to outperform older budget options like the RX 570, which provides better overall performance for its price.
• 😀 The RX 570 is a better value for budget-conscious gamers, delivering around 20% better performance in most modern titles compared to the GTX 1650.
• 😀 The GTX 1650 is more power-efficient than other cards in its class, but this comes at the expense of lower performance.
• 😀 The base GTX 1650 model (without a 6-pin power connector) is limited to a 75W power budget and struggles to overclock beyond a modest 7-13% gain.
• 😀 The GTX 1650 with a 6-pin connector can be overclocked more effectively, offering a performance boost of up to 17%, but still falls behind the RX 570 and GTX 1060.
• 😀 Memory overclocking on the GTX 1650 can lead to some significant gains (up to 13% for the base model), but GPU core overclocking offers minimal improvements.
• 😀 The GTX 1650 is generally underwhelming in gaming performance, with even the overclocked models failing to surpass the performance of the GTX 1060 or RX 570.
• 😀 For a minimal increase in price, the RX 570 offers better performance and longevity, making it a more attractive option than the GTX 1650 in most cases.
• 😀 The GTX 1650 may be an attractive option for those with OEM systems or small builds that don't have external power connectors, but it’s still not the best performer in its price range.
• 😀 Despite its lower power consumption, the GTX 1650 doesn't provide enough performance to justify the cost when better alternatives, like the RX 570, exist at a similar or lower price point.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the GTX 1650 as discussed in the video?

The main issue with the GTX 1650 is its disappointing performance compared to the older and more affordable RX 570. Despite being marketed as a successor to the GTX 1050 Ti, the GTX 1650 fails to match the performance of the RX 570, especially in modern games.

How does the GTX 1650 compare to the RX 570 in terms of gaming performance?

The RX 570 outperforms the GTX 1650 by a significant margin in most modern titles. While the GTX 1650 is more power-efficient, the RX 570 provides better value for money with its superior performance in gaming, offering up to 20% better performance in some scenarios.

What advantage does the GTX 1650 offer over other budget graphics cards?

The GTX 1650's main advantage is its power efficiency. It does not require an external power connector, making it suitable for low-power systems. Additionally, it is cooler and quieter due to its low power draw, which is ideal for compact PC builds.

Why does the GTX 1650 underperform despite its low power consumption?

The GTX 1650 is memory-bound, meaning its performance is more affected by its GDDR5 memory than by the GPU itself. The card's power constraints also limit its ability to achieve higher clock speeds, making it less capable compared to the RX 570.

Can overclocking improve the GTX 1650's performance?

Yes, overclocking the GTX 1650's memory provides noticeable performance gains, with improvements of up to 18% in some games. However, overclocking the GPU itself offers minimal performance improvement due to the card's power limits.

How do the GTX 1650's base model and the 6-pin variant compare?

The base model of the GTX 1650, which lacks a 6-pin power connector, has limited clock speeds due to its 75-watt power cap. The 6-pin variant can support higher clock speeds, providing up to 7% better performance. However, both models still trail behind the RX 570.

Why is the GTX 1650 considered a poor value compared to the RX 570?

The GTX 1650 is priced similarly to the RX 570 but offers lower performance in gaming. The RX 570 is faster in modern games and offers a better performance-to-price ratio, making it the better option for budget-conscious gamers.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing between the GTX 1650 and the RX 570?

When choosing between the two, performance is the most critical factor. The RX 570 outperforms the GTX 1650 in most games, making it the better choice if you prioritize gaming performance. The GTX 1650 might be appealing if you need a card with lower power consumption or if your system can't support higher power demands.

Is the GTX 1650 a good choice for upgrading OEM systems?

The GTX 1650 can be a good upgrade for OEM systems that lack an external power connector, as it does not require additional power cables. However, the performance gains might not be significant compared to older cards like the RX 570, especially in systems with older CPUs and limited GPU support.

What is the overall conclusion about the GTX 1650 in this review?

The overall conclusion is that the GTX 1650 is not a great option for budget-conscious gamers. While it is power-efficient and compact, its gaming performance lags behind the RX 570. Unless you specifically need a low-power card for a compact system, the RX 570 provides far better value for money.