When it comes to gaming, one of the most critical components of a gaming PC is the graphics card. A good graphics card can make all the difference in delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Two popular options in the mid-range segment are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. Both cards have their strengths and weaknesses, and in this article, we’ll dive deep into their specifications, performance, power consumption, and pricing to help you decide which one is better suited for your gaming needs.
Specifications and Architecture
The GTX 1060 is based on the Pascal architecture, which was launched in 2016. It features 1280 CUDA cores, 80 texture units, and 48 ROPs. The card has a base clock speed of 1506 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz. It comes with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, which has a bandwidth of 192 GB/s.
On the other hand, the GTX 1650 is based on the TU116 architecture, which is a newer and more power-efficient design. It features 1280 CUDA cores, 80 texture units, and 32 ROPs. The card has a base clock speed of 1485 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1665 MHz. It comes with 4 GB of GDDR6 memory, which has a bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
Although both cards have similar CUDA core counts, the GTX 1060 has a higher clock speed and more memory bandwidth. However, the GTX 1650 has a more modern architecture, which provides better power efficiency and thermal performance.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to gaming performance, the GTX 1060 is still a powerful card, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. In games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and League of Legends, the GTX 1060 can deliver frame rates in excess of 100 FPS at high graphics settings. However, in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the GTX 1060 may struggle to maintain 60 FPS at very high graphics settings.
The GTX 1650, on the other hand, is more geared towards entry-level and mid-range gaming. It can deliver smooth frame rates in less demanding games like Minecraft and Dota 2, but may struggle in more demanding titles. However, the GTX 1650 has a significant advantage in terms of power consumption, which makes it an attractive option for those who want to build a compact and energy-efficient gaming PC.
Here’s a rough estimate of the performance difference between the two cards:
- At 1080p, the GTX 1060 is about 15-20% faster than the GTX 1650.
- At 1440p, the GTX 1060 is about 20-25% faster than the GTX 1650.
- At 4K, the GTX 1060 is about 30-35% faster than the GTX 1650.
Power Consumption and Cooling
One of the most significant advantages of the GTX 1650 is its low power consumption. The card has a TDP of just 75W, which makes it an excellent option for compact and energy-efficient gaming PCs. The GTX 1650 also has a more modern and efficient cooling system, which makes it quieter and more reliable.
The GTX 1060, on the other hand, has a TDP of 120W, which is significantly higher than the GTX 1650. The card also has a more aggressive cooling system, which can be noisier and more prone to overheating.
Here’s a rough estimate of the power consumption difference between the two cards:
- The GTX 1650 consumes about 40% less power than the GTX 1060 at idle.
- The GTX 1650 consumes about 25% less power than the GTX 1060 at load.
Pricing and Value
The pricing of the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650 is a significant factor to consider when deciding which card to buy. The GTX 1060 is generally more expensive than the GTX 1650, especially when it comes to the 6 GB GDDR5 variant.
The GTX 1650, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers excellent value for its price. The card is available in a range of configurations, including a 4 GB GDDR6 variant and a 4 GB GDDR5 variant.
Here’s a rough estimate of the pricing difference between the two cards:
- The GTX 1650 is about 20-30% cheaper than the GTX 1060.
- The GTX 1650 is about 10-20% cheaper than the GTX 1060 when it comes to the 4 GB GDDR5 variant.
Conclusion
So, which is better, the GTX 1060 or the GTX 1650? The answer depends on your specific gaming needs and budget. If you’re looking for a more powerful card that can handle demanding games at high graphics settings, the GTX 1060 is the better option. However, if you’re on a budget and want a more energy-efficient card that can deliver smooth frame rates in less demanding games, the GTX 1650 is an excellent choice.
In terms of specifications, performance, and power consumption, the GTX 1060 is a more powerful card, but it’s also more expensive and power-hungry. The GTX 1650, on the other hand, offers excellent value for its price and is an attractive option for those who want a compact and energy-efficient gaming PC.
Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650 depends on your specific needs and priorities. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each card, and has helped you make a more informed decision.
What are the main differences between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650?
The main differences between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650 lie in their performance, power consumption, and price. The GTX 1060 is a higher-end graphics card from the Pascal generation, while the GTX 1650 is a budget-oriented option from the Turing generation. The GTX 1060 has more CUDA cores, higher memory bandwidth, and a higher boost clock speed compared to the GTX 1650.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1060 is capable of handling more demanding games and applications at higher resolutions and frame rates, whereas the GTX 1650 is better suited for entry-level gaming and less demanding applications. Additionally, the GTX 1060 consumes more power than the GTX 1650, which makes it less suitable for smaller form factor builds or laptops.
Which graphics card is better for gaming?
The GTX 1060 is generally better for gaming due to its higher performance and ability to handle more demanding games at higher resolutions and frame rates. It can smoothly play most modern games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, and even some games at 4K resolution. In contrast, the GTX 1650 is better suited for entry-level gaming and may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions.
That being said, the GTX 1650 can still handle some modern games at lower resolutions and settings, making it a good option for casual gamers or those on a budget. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience with higher frame rates and resolutions, the GTX 1060 is the better choice.
What is the power consumption difference between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1650?
The GTX 1060 has a higher power consumption compared to the GTX 1650, with a TDP of 120W compared to the GTX 1650’s 75W. This means that the GTX 1060 requires more power to operate, which can be a concern for those building smaller form factor PCs or laptops.
The higher power consumption of the GTX 1060 also means that it requires a more powerful power supply and may generate more heat during operation. In contrast, the GTX 1650 is more power-efficient and can be powered by a smaller power supply, making it a better option for smaller builds or laptops.
Which graphics card is more expensive?
The GTX 1060 is generally more expensive than the GTX 1650, especially for newer or higher-end models. The GTX 1060 can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 or more, depending on the model and brand. In contrast, the GTX 1650 can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more.
The higher price of the GTX 1060 is due to its higher performance, more advanced features, and higher production costs. If you’re on a budget, the GTX 1650 may be a more affordable option, but you’ll need to sacrifice some performance and features.
Can the GTX 1650 be overclocked?
Yes, the GTX 1650 can be overclocked to some extent, but its overclocking potential is limited compared to the GTX 1060. The GTX 1650 has a lower boost clock speed and fewer CUDA cores, which limits its ability to be overclocked.
However, some users have reported being able to overclock the GTX 1650 by around 10-20% using specialized software and cooling systems. This can result in some minor performance gains, but it’s still not as potent as the GTX 1060’s overclocking capabilities.
Which graphics card has better cooling?
The GTX 1060 generally has better cooling compared to the GTX 1650, especially for high-end models. Many GTX 1060 models come with advanced cooling systems, such as dual-fan or triple-fan designs, which can help to dissipate heat more efficiently.
In contrast, the GTX 1650 often comes with a simpler cooling system, such as a single fan or a passive cooling design. While this can be sufficient for casual gaming and less demanding applications, it may not be as effective for more demanding games or overclocking.
Is the GTX 1650 a good option for entry-level gaming?
Yes, the GTX 1650 is a good option for entry-level gaming, especially for those on a budget. It’s an affordable graphics card that can handle some modern games at lower resolutions and settings, making it a good option for casual gamers or those who are new to PC gaming.
Additionally, the GTX 1650 is a good option for those who want to play esports games or other less demanding titles, as it can handle these types of games at higher frame rates and resolutions. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience with higher graphics quality, the GTX 1060 may be a better option.