Is the GTX 1650 Still Good in 2023? A Comprehensive Look
The short answer is: yes, the GTX 1650 is still usable in 2023, but with significant caveats. It’s no longer a powerhouse, but it can still provide a decent gaming experience for many users, particularly at 1080p resolution with medium settings. However, if you are looking for high frame rates and the highest graphical fidelity, the GTX 1650 will likely fall short of expectations in newer, more demanding titles.
The GTX 1650, released back in April 2019, was initially targeted at the entry-level and budget-conscious gaming market. It offered a significant performance boost over its predecessor, the GTX 1050, and quickly became a popular choice for those looking for an affordable card capable of running most games. In 2023, the gaming landscape has evolved, with games becoming increasingly demanding in terms of graphics and processing power. So, while the GTX 1650 remains a functional option, its limitations are now more apparent.
The GTX 1650’s Performance in 2023
The GTX 1650 is still capable of running many modern games. However, it often requires compromises in visual settings to achieve a playable frame rate of 60 FPS or higher. Games that rely on complex graphics and advanced rendering techniques will likely push the GTX 1650 to its limits. You may find yourself needing to dial down settings to medium or even low to achieve a smooth experience.
One of the GTX 1650’s strengths was its power efficiency. This card doesn’t require a lot of power to operate, making it a great choice for those with older power supplies, or those who are not looking to increase their electricity bill too much. This efficiency also translates to cooler operating temperatures, which reduces the risk of overheating.
While it’s not a top-tier card, the GTX 1650 has shown itself to still be very popular within the market. The most recent Steam Hardware and Software Survey revealed it to be the most used card on the platform, showcasing its continued relevance among gamers due to its low price and overall accessibility.
Games the GTX 1650 Can Handle in 2023
Many popular games are still playable on the GTX 1650, including:
- Fortnite: Achieves a solid 60 FPS on Epic settings, making it a very good choice for most users.
- Minecraft: Easily handled by the GTX 1650, although some intensive modded settings could provide a challenge.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2): Playable at a mixture of medium to high settings, offering an enjoyable experience.
- Elden Ring: Can run at medium settings, sometimes high settings in less complex scenes, but struggles to maintain a stable 40fps at 1080p max settings.
- Many other popular eSports titles and less graphically intensive games.
However, newer triple-A titles that are graphically intensive may not perform well on the GTX 1650 unless you lower the settings substantially. It’s important to temper expectations and understand the limitations of the card when playing newer games.
Why the GTX 1650 Is Not Future-Proof
Despite its current usability, the GTX 1650 is definitely not future-proof. The rate at which graphics cards are developed and released means that most cards (unless you are investing in the high-end) quickly become outdated. The GTX 1650 will become less capable as game developers push the boundaries of what’s graphically possible, meaning you may need to consider an upgrade sooner rather than later to continue gaming at respectable settings.
The GTX 1650 is often considered low-end in terms of its performance in 2023, and while the card is still useable, it’s not the best in terms of performance value. Newer games will push this card to its limits, resulting in the card struggling to achieve stable frame rates or require significant adjustments to settings.
Alternatives to the GTX 1650
If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, there are several better alternatives to the GTX 1650 at similar price points, such as:
- RX 580 8GB: Often provides better performance for a similar price, making it a worthwhile upgrade in many cases.
- GTX 1660Ti/1660S: Offer a more significant performance boost over the 1650, which could provide you with more future-proofing in terms of future game releases.
- RTX 2050: Outperforms the GTX 1650 by around 20%, offering a better gaming experience, particularly in terms of frame rates and visual settings.
- RTX 3050: A much more powerful card than the GTX 1650, providing significant performance gains at a slightly higher price point.
Conclusion
The GTX 1650 is still usable in 2023 for casual gamers who are happy to play at 1080p with medium or low settings. It’s an affordable card that can handle a large number of less demanding games, along with the ability to play some modern games at compromised settings. However, it is not a future-proof option. If you’re looking for high performance and want to play the newest and most graphically intensive games at higher visual settings, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more powerful card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many years will the GTX 1650 last for gaming?
As a rule, an entry-level card like the GTX 1650 is unlikely to remain competitive for much more than three years. While it can still run some modern games in 2023, you’ll need to dial down settings significantly for newer, more graphically intensive releases.
2. Is the GTX 1650 outdated?
Not strictly outdated, but definitely showing its age. The GTX 1650 can still handle most recent games, but not with the highest performance. The rapid advancements in GPU technology are pushing older cards like the 1650 to their limits.
3. Is the GTX 1650 good for high-end gaming?
No, the GTX 1650 is not suitable for high-end gaming. It is better equipped for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings in many games, but it will struggle with demanding titles at higher settings.
4. Is the GTX 1650 considered low-end?
In terms of modern graphics cards, the GTX 1650 can be considered a low-end card. It was designed to be a more affordable option than high-end cards, so it does have performance limitations.
5. Is the GTX 1650 good for Minecraft?
Yes, the GTX 1650 is good for running Minecraft. It offers a better experience compared to some older cards and will be able to run the game with high frame rates at different settings.
6. What is the GTX 1650 equivalent to?
The GTX 1650 Super is approximately equivalent to the GTX 1060 6GB OC Edition, with the 1650 Super offering slightly better performance in most cases, but not by much.
7. Why is the GTX 1650 so popular?
The GTX 1650 is popular due to its affordability, decent performance per watt, smaller size, and ability to run well without excessive cooling requirements.
8. What games can the GTX 1650 handle in 2023?
The GTX 1650 can handle games like Fortnite, Minecraft, RDR2, and many eSports titles at reasonable settings. However, it will struggle with more demanding newer titles.
9. Is the RTX 2050 or GTX 1650 better?
The RTX 2050 is generally better than the GTX 1650, providing roughly 20% more performance, which will lead to better frame rates and higher visual settings.
10. Can the GTX 1650 run Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2)?
Yes, the GTX 1650 can run RDR2 at a mixture of medium to high settings, depending on your desired balance between performance and visual quality.
11. Can the GTX 1650 run Elden Ring?
Yes, you can run Elden Ring on a GTX 1650, but you may need to stick with medium settings. The card struggles to maintain 40FPS at 1080p max settings, meaning you’ll have to compromise on the settings.
12. How does the GTX 1650 compare to the PS4 GPU?
The GTX 1650 should be technically faster than the PS4’s GPU, although the difference may not be substantial.
13. Should I upgrade from a GTX 1650 to an RTX 3060?
Yes, upgrading from a GTX 1650 to an RTX 3060 is a significant jump in performance and would provide a much better gaming experience in all areas.
14. Does the GTX 1650 overheat?
The GTX 1650 generally does not overheat. Its power efficiency means it produces less heat than some of its more powerful counterparts. Some specific edition cards include enhanced coolers, providing even better cooling.
15. Is the GTX 1650 good for modern gaming?
The GTX 1650 is useable for modern gaming. It will allow you to play a lot of newer titles at medium settings at 1080p, but it’s not ideal for those seeking the best visual fidelity and consistent high frame rates.