What To Know
- In the realm of budget graphics cards, the AMD Radeon 520 and the NVIDIA GTX 1050 have long been the go-to options for gamers and casual users alike.
- If you’re on a tight budget and primarily play older or less demanding games, the Radeon 520 is a solid option.
- While both the Radeon 520 and the GTX 1050 offer decent performance for their price, the GTX 1050 emerges as the clear winner.
In the realm of budget graphics cards, the AMD Radeon 520 and the NVIDIA GTX 1050 have long been the go-to options for gamers and casual users alike. Both GPUs offer decent performance for their price point, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both cards to determine which one emerges as the superior choice.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | AMD Radeon 520 | NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
| — | — | — |
| GPU Architecture | Polaris | Pascal |
| CUDA Cores | N/A | 640 |
| Base Clock | 1228 MHz | 1354 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1425 MHz | 1455 MHz |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 | 2GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 64GB/s | 112GB/s |
| Power Consumption | 50W | 75W |
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the GTX 1050 holds a clear advantage over the Radeon 520. The GTX 1050’s Pascal architecture and CUDA cores provide it with significantly better frame rates in most games.
| Game | Radeon 520 (FPS) | GTX 1050 (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 30-40 | 50-60 |
| Apex Legends | 35-45 | 55-65 |
| Rocket League | 60 | 90 |
| League of Legends | 100+ | 140+ |
Features Comparison
The GTX 1050 also boasts more advanced features than the Radeon 520. It supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and NVIDIA Ansel, which allows users to capture high-resolution screenshots and 360-degree panoramas. The Radeon 520 only supports DirectX 11.2 and OpenGL 4.4.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The Radeon 520 has a lower power consumption than the GTX 1050, consuming only 50W compared to the GTX 1050’s 75W. This makes it a more energy-efficient option, especially for budget-minded users.
Price Comparison
In terms of pricing, the Radeon 520 is typically cheaper than the GTX 1050. The Radeon 520 can be found for around $50-$70, while the GTX 1050 typically costs between $100-$150.
Which GPU is Right for You?
The choice between the Radeon 520 and the GTX 1050 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
- If you’re on a tight budget and primarily play older or less demanding games, the Radeon 520 is a solid option.
- If you want better performance and support for newer games, the GTX 1050 is the way to go.
Verdict: The Superior Choice
While both the Radeon 520 and the GTX 1050 offer decent performance for their price, the GTX 1050 emerges as the clear winner. It provides superior performance, more advanced features, and better value for money.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which GPU is better for gaming, the Radeon 520 or the GTX 1050?
A: The GTX 1050 offers significantly better performance in most games.
Q: Is the Radeon 520 good for 1080p gaming?
A: The Radeon 520 can handle 1080p gaming in older or less demanding titles, but it may struggle with newer or more graphically intensive games.
Q: Can the GTX 1050 handle 1440p gaming?
A: The GTX 1050 can play some games at 1440p with reduced settings, but it’s not ideal for high-resolution gaming.
Q: Which GPU consumes less power, the Radeon 520 or the GTX 1050?
A: The Radeon 520 consumes less power than the GTX 1050.
Q: Which GPU is cheaper, the Radeon 520 or the GTX 1050?
A: The Radeon 520 is typically cheaper than the GTX 1050.
