When shopping for a mid-range graphics card, you have two choices: shop for the latest mid-range card or shop for a high-end card that is 3-5 years old.
When the GTX 1050 TI came out in 2016, it was considered the fastest budget GPU. While it’s not VR-Ready, it still packs a heavy punch and it’s cheaper than ever.
If you are planning to get a GTX 1050 TI, why not shop for two and run them in tandem. Whatever you choose, the following guide will help you pick the best GTX 1050 TI.
Top 5 NVidia GTX 1050 TI Graphics Card
In this guide, we’ll give you short reviews of the five of the best manufacture-built GTX 1050 TI graphics cards. A buying guide to help you pick your own graphics card in the future will follow this. The guide will then end with an FAQ.
If you want to know more about NVidia GTX 1050 TI, as well as video cards in general, you should read on until the end. Without further delay…
Best Choice: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC
Pros & Cons
- Relatively low power consumption
- Durable build
- Easy to overclock through Gigabyte’s XTREME Engine Utility
- Compact low profile design
- Easy to install
- Not VR-Ready
Key Features:
- Low profile
- Modified Reference blower design
- 4GB GDDR5 Integrated Memory
- Lower ESR Solid Capacitors for longer life
- Metal Choke ensures lower power consumption
Specifications:
- Full Model Name: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC Low Profile
- 4GB GDDR5 128 Bit PCI-E Graphic Card (GV-N105TOC-4GL)
- Gaming Mode: 1303 MHz (Base) / 1417 MHz (Boost)
- OC Mode: 1328 MHz (Base) / 1442 MHz (Boost)
- Memory Clock Speeds: 7008 MHz
- Memory Size: 4 GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 128 bit
- Card Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x 16
- Max Number of Displays: 4
- Output Ports: Dual-link DVI-D x 1, HDMI-2.ob x2, Display Port-1.4 x1
- Card Dimensions: 37x167x68.9 mm / 1.45×6.57×2.71 inches
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC Review
Graphics cards can be large and bulky, making them awkward to fit into your case and motherboard. This is due mostly to the size of their coolers. That is why it is so hard to shop for a graphics card for mini ITX Cases.
This is where the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 TI shines. It’s compact both in length and height, so it’s easy to slot into your computer. Gigabyte used a modified reference blower design with a single fan. However, they put their own stamp on the cowling/hood design for more optimized airflow and aesthetics.
GTX 1050 TI GPUs tend to reach temperatures of up to 97°C (206.6°F). Gamers may be worried that a single fan may not be enough to keep it cool. However, a unit’s ability to cool is not only in the fan or its design, but it is also in the heat sinks, pipes, and vents.
For less heating and optimal cooling, the card uses lower RDS(on) MOSFETs which allow faster electric currents to pass through lower switching resistance. This produces less heat.
You will not get temperatures that exceeding 60°C (140°F) while playing an open-world game like GTA V on high settings. Gigabyte’s GTX 1050 TI will handle games like these will maintaining frame rates at around 50-60 FPS.
For easy boosting and overclocking, gamers can download Gigabyte’s XTREME Engine Utility. It will also allow you to monitor your GPU’s clock speeds, temperature, cooling, and voltage. Besides Gigabyte’s reasonable price rates, it is another great incentive for choosing to purchase this card.
Premium Pick: MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI Gaming X 4G
Pros & Cons
- Superior cooling
- Great value for money
- Durable
- Great customizability
- Quiet
- Is not VR-Ready
- Only supports a maximum of three monitors
Key Features:
- Dual MSI TORX 2.0 fans
- TWIN FROZR VI heat pipes
- Dragon LED logo on the side
- DirectX 12 Ready
Specifications:
- Full Model Name: GeForce® GTX 1050 TI GAMING X 4G
- Gaming Mode: 1354 MHz (Base) / 1468 MHz (Boost)
- OC Mode: 1379 MHz (Base) / 1493 MHz (Boost)
- Silent Mode: 1290 MHz (Base) / 1392 MHz
- Memory Clock Speeds: (Gaming Mode) 7108 MHz (OC Mode)
- Memory Size: 4 GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 128 bit
- Card Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x 16
- Max Number of Displays: 3
- Output Ports: Dual-link DVI-D x 1, HDMI-2.ob x1, Display Port-1.4 x1
- Card Dimensions: 229x131x39 mm/ 9×5.15×1.53 inches
MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI Gaming X 4G Review
In most cases, you have to sacrifice silence to get the best air-cooling. Not in MSI’s eyes. Despite having two fans, MSI implementation of the GeForce GTX 1050 is remarkably quiet.
Firstly, this can be credited to the MSI’s patented TORX 2.O fan design, which produces almost a quarter more air pressure with less power. More air pressure means that there is more air being pushed into the heat sink.
MSI’s advanced Airflow Control Technology and TWIN FROZR VI heat pipes maximize airflow into the heat sink. It’s fine to talk about it in theory but does it really perform better than most iterations of the same GPU?
MSI’s GeForce GTX 1050 TI consumes a maximum of 75 watts; however, it is recommended that you have a 300-watt PSU. This card’s power consumption is exceptional, especially when compared to rival cards at the same price range.
Pushing the card to capacity for an hour will not breach temperatures above 65°C (149°F). You can play games like Overwatch or Crysis 3 on the highest settings without worrying about screen tearing or a drop in FPS.
It is unfortunate that it only supports three monitors while the baseline number for newer cards is four. It’s not a biggie if you’re like me and you can only afford two budget gaming monitors.
The card is easy to set up and install. Overclocking can be done using MSI’s afterburner. You can also monitor your card’s health and stream your gameplay using MSI’s Gaming App, which is also available for mobile phones.
Best Value: Asus GeForce GTX 1050 TI 4GB
Pros & Cons
- Compact
- Durable
- Affordable
- Comes with driver and tweak the software
- Takes up dual slots
- Only supports a maximum of three displays
- Not VR-ready
Key Features:
- Single Phoenix fan with double ball bearings
- GPU Teak II CD
- Super Alloy Power II components
- HDCP Support
Specifications:
- Full Model Name: ASUS Phoenix GeForce® GTX 1050 TI 4GB GDDR5 (PH-GTX1050TI-4G)
- Gaming Mode: 1290 MHz (Base) / 1392 MHz (Boost)
- Memory Clock Speeds: 7008 MHz
- Memory Size: 4 GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 128 bit
- Card Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x 16
- Max Number of Displays: 3
- Output Ports: Dual-link DVI-D x 1, HDMI-2.ob x1, Display Port-1.4 x1
- Card Dimensions: 192x111x37 mm / 7.6×4.4×1.5 inches
Asus GeForce GTX 1050 TI 4GB Review
Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Phoenix Fan Edition’s design is very reminiscent of a double cheeseburger. It is compact in width and length, but it is hefty in terms of height.
Because of that, I would not recommend it for smaller cases, as it may take up two slots. Another requirement that Asus’s implementation of the GTX 1050 TI has is a 300W PSU. Although, I barely rose above 150W of total system power consumption while playing Rise of the Tomb Raider on ultra-settings.
I am also glad to report that it maintained frame rates between 60-65 FPS. Another thing that I love about this card is how it takes me back to a time when hardware was bundled with the software.
Asus has seen fit to package it with a CD containing drivers as well GPU Tweak II to help you overclock and monitor your card. Just like any other manufacturer, ASUS has numerous implementations of the GTX 1050 TI.
What sets this version apart from the others is the single Phoenix Fan that sits in the middle of the cowling. It’s a fairly large fan held in place by double ball bearings. Ball-bearing fans are known to last twice as long as in sleeve-bearing fans.
While the fan is large, it also astonishingly quiet. You will not hear the swoosh of the fan or the air rattling through the hood and heat sink.
Most Compact: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC Edition
Pros & Cons
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Comes with an extended warranty from ZOTAC
- Only supports a maximum of three displays
- Pricey
Key Features:
- Double 70mm Cooling Fans
- Double 6MM copper heat pipes
- Copper cold block contact
- Large aluminum fin array
Specifications:
- Full Model Name: ZOTAC GeForce® GTX 1050 TI OC Edition (ZT-P10510B-10L)
- Core Clock Speeds:
- Gaming Mode: 1392 MHz (Base) / 1506 MHz (Boost)
- Memory Clock Speeds: 7008 MHz
- Memory Size: 4 GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 128 bit
- Card Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x 16
- Max Number of Displays: 3
- Output Ports: Dual-link DVI-D x 1, HDMI-2.ob x1, Display Port-1.4 x1
- Card Dimensions: 55x111x203 mm / 2.17×8.46×11.02 in
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC Edition Review
For anyone who is looking for a graphics card that can fit cases with smaller form factors but is afraid that one fan is not enough, ZOTAC’s GeForce GTX 1050 TI OC Edition is both compact and has twin fans. This makes it ideal for overclocking and long hours of play.
I just wish it was low-profile too but unfortunately, it takes up two slots on your computer. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have ample slot space before purchasing this card. The dual 40mm fans have ribbed blades that push air directly into the heat-sink.
If the cooler was not held down or connected to the graphics card, it would probably fly off with all the downward pressure it generates. Sandwiched between the fans and cowling, is a thick heat sink with aluminum fin arrays.
It also has standard dual copper heat pipes connected to the contacts. Pushed to its maximum for an hour, it barely exceeded temperatures above 58°C (136.4°F). Everything else works as it should for a card of this caliber.
Its design makes it easy for anyone to install. It is a basic plug-in card. You do not have to be an IT technician to hook it up to your computer. Just like most GTX 1050 TI cards, it will give you frame rates of over 60 FPS at 1080p. The maximum resolution is 7680X4320 at 60Hz.
Just make sure you have a quality gaming monitor to match it. Overall, it is a great looking card. Sharp, sleek, cool, and breezy like Wesley Snipes as Blade. ZOTAC also offers an extended warranty but you have to register on their website to activate it.
Best Low Profile Card: MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP
Pros & Cons
- Low profile
- Made from high-class materials
- Easy to install and setup
- Only supports a maximum of three displays
- Pricey
Key Features:
- Low profile design
- Dual fans
- Military Calls 4 components
Specifications:
- Full Model Name: MSI GeForce® GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP Graphics Card
- Core Clock Speeds:
- Gaming Mode: 1290 MHz (Base) / 1390 MHz (Boost)
- Memory Clock Speeds: 7008 MHz
- Memory Size: 4 GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 128 bit
- Card Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x 16
- Max Number of Displays: 3
- Output Ports: Dual-link DVI-D x 1, HDMI-2.ob x1, Display Port-1.4 x1
- Card Dimensions: 55x111x203 mm / 2.17×8.46×11.02 in
MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP Review
If you plan to run your graphics cards parallel to each other, it is advised that you get a low profile card, especially when your rig is low on room. Once again, MSI enters this list. After, all they’ve been creating and releasing some of the best gaming hardware of the last 20 years.
This includes graphics cards, keyboards, cases, and truly exceptional gaming laptops. If you’re ever unsure of which manufacturer to turn to for quality parts, you won’t go astray with MSI. The GTX 1050 TI is 4GT LP is a clear indication of this.
While the GPU itself is not overclocked, you have the option to use MSI’s Afterburner to do so. Out of the box, you are getting standard GTX 1050 TI clock speeds. Unlike with the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI Gaming X 4G, you are not getting a silent or OC Mode – until you decide to overclock.
However, you’re still getting 60 frames on 1080p and it also has a digital maximum resolution of 7680×4320. As with other GTX 1050 TI cards, it comes with standard G-sync technology and adaptive vertical sync.
You just need to ensure you have the right monitor to keep up with it, lest you want to experience some screen tearing, stutters, and lag.
This graphics card comes with two sets of brackets. One for regular two-slot installation and the other for low-profile one-slot installation.
As with a majority of GTX 1050 TI graphics cards, MSI’s low profile iteration only supports a maximum of three monitors. I don’t really blame them. Fitting four ports on a single low profile slot would be challenging.
The card is reported to use only 75 watts of power. Once again, you will need a 300-Watt Power Supply Unit to run it. If you are in the market for a new PSU, check out our guide on the very best power supplies for gaming.
Overall, it is a great card. It is customizable and easy to slot into your rig. It’s slightly more expensive than most low profile cards with the same GPU but that’s because it’s built with military-grade parts. If the lack of VR is not a huge con for you, then this card is definitely worth it.
NVidia GTX 1050 TI Graphics Card Buying Guide
Shopping for a graphics card looks deceptively easy. If you are looking to make the right choice, it’s definitely a little trickier than most people are letting on.
First, you have to pick the series and model number and then you have to pick which manufacturer you want to purchase it from. Other factors must go into your decision-making. We will cover them here.
Form Factor and Size: Will It Fit?
The first factor you should consider is the form factor. It is important to figure out how much actual physical space is available to your new graphics card. Can it handle a full form factor or should you be shopping for something more compact like the Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Phoenix Fan Edition.
The type of form factor this card has is known as SFF (small form factor) and is designed to fit cases with smaller form factors. What this implies is that you have to know your case’s form factor before shopping for a graphics card.
SFF graphics cards were made for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX cases. Another thing you should pay attention to is the number of slots a graphics card takes. Most graphics cards these days take at least two slots.
There are single slot versions of cards out there and most of them are low profile too. Which is important if you want to run your cards in parallel.
Factory Overclocked: Is It Worth Paying Extra For?
There is a myth that overclocked cards tend to have a shorter span than non-overclocked cards. When a card is factory overclocked, it means that the manufacturer overclocked it (tested it at higher clocks) so you do not have to.
While you can overclock a card that has already been factory overclocked, it would be ill-advised and would yield very little benefit. OC editions of graphics cards cost more. If you are uncomfortable with overclocking your graphics card on your own, then you should buy the OC version if you can afford to.
But if you know what you’re doing when it comes to tweaking your GPU, then you shouldn’t really pay extra for a factory overclocked card.
Power Consumption: Is Your PSU Good Enough?
The biggest mistake new enthusiasts make is not checking if they meet the power consumption requirements of their new graphics card.
Before purchasing a new graphics card, read the spec list. Most manufacturers will recommend the amount of wattage your PSU you should have. They will also list the graphics card’s maximum power consumption.
Best NVidia GTX 1050 TI Graphics Card FAQ
How Long Will a GTX 1050 TI Last?
On average, a graphics card 10-year life span. If you choose to purchase the GTX 1050 TI, it will last you five years before it becomes obsolete. During the time, it will be able to handle the minimum system requirements of new games.
How many watts does a 1050 TI use?
Most GTX 1050 TI cards use 70~75 watts. However, they require you to have 300 watt PSU to run perfectly.
When did the GTX 1050 TI come out?
The GTX 1050 TI was released on the 25th of October 2016, the day that the original GTX 1050 came out.
Does the GTX 1050 TI Support 4k?
The GTX 1050 TI can support multiple 4K displays. In fact, you are required to have a GTX 1050 TI to successfully stream 4K video from Netflix.
Final Words
For users on a budget looking for an exceptional graphics card, not just for gaming but also for high-quality streaming, the GTX 1050 TI is a great card. You just have to pick one that fits into your rig. In this guide, we covered a list of the best GTX 1050 TI graphics cards to suit almost every need. I hope that you have found it helpful. Thank you for reading and happy gaming.