The NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card was once a staple budget GPU, offering decent 1080p gaming performance without breaking the bank. However, in 2023, it is no longer up to the task of running modern games at high quality settings.
Thankfully, there are much better options available in its price range from both NVIDIA and AMD. This article will break down 5 of the best GTX 1650 alternatives to consider this year based on performance, price, and purpose.
Why Upgrade From the GTX 1650?
Released back in 2019, the GTX 1650 is built on the dated Turing architecture. It only has 4GB of VRAM, a 128-bit memory bus, and lacks support for new technologies like ray tracing.
In 2023, these specs are no longer enough. Modern AAA games require faster speeds, more video memory, and next-gen graphical capabilities. As a result, the GTX 1650 now struggles to maintain 60 FPS on high settings in the latest titles.
Upgrading to one of the GPUs below will provide exceptional 1080p gaming performance in 2023 and beyond. You‘ll also gain access to ray tracing, DLSS/FSR upscaling, and other features not available on the GTX 1650.
The 5 Best GTX 1650 Alternatives
| GPU | Price | Performance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA RTX 3060 | $330 | Faster than RTX 2060 | 12GB VRAM, DLSS |
| NVIDIA RTX 2060 | $250 | +30% over GTX 1650 | Ray tracing, DLSS |
| AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT | $270 | On par with RTX 3050 | 8GB VRAM, FSR |
| NVIDIA RTX 4060 | $400 | +50% over RTX 3050 | Latest Ada Lovelace architecture |
| NVIDIA RTX 3050 | $220 | +15% over GTX 1650 | No external power needed |
Below is a more in-depth look at each graphics card and why it‘s an excellent choice over the aging GTX 1650.
NVIDIA RTX 2060
The RTX 2060 delivers a sizable 30% performance uplift over the GTX 1650 and introduces ray tracing capabilities. It remains a formidable 1080p GPU in 2023 for under $300.
Compared to the GTX 1650, you get more video memory (6GB), a wider 192-bit bus, and access to DLSS for smarter upscaling. This keeps frame rates smooth even at max settings.
For a drop-in upgrade from the 1650, the 2060 is a fantastic choice with great price-to-performance value.
Key Specs:
- 6GB GDDR6 VRAM
- 1920 CUDA Cores
- 1680MHz Boost Clock
- 192-bit Bus
- DLSS & Ray Tracing
RTX 2060 – A Great Value Ray Tracing Upgrade (Image: NVIDIA)
NVIDIA RTX 3060
For just $100 more than the RTX 2060, the RTX 3060 unlocks even faster speeds with 12GB of video memory. This makes it very future-proof for 1440p gaming as games become more demanding.
Compared directly to the GTX 1650, you‘re looking at over a 2x increase in performance in most titles. It shares the same 192-bit bus but has much improved RT and tensor core counts.
If you plan to game at higher resolutions or value future-proofing, the 3060 is worth the extra cost. DLSS also helps maintain high FPS in intensive games where the 1650 would falter.
Key Specs:
- 12GB GDDR6 VRAM
- 3584 CUDA Cores
- 1802 MHz Boost Clock
- 192-bit Bus
- DLSS & Advanced Ray Tracing
NVIDIA‘s RTX 3060 Brings a Massive Upgrade Over the GTX 1650 (Image: ASUS)
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
On the AMD side, the Radeon RX 6600 XT goes toe-to-toe with NVIDIA‘s RTX 3050 for under $300. It serves as a very capable 1080p gaming card in 2023.
The 6600 XT beats the GTX 1650 handily, achieving well over 60 FPS across popular titles at max settings. You get 8GB of GDDR6 memory and access to FidelityFX Super Resolution as well.
For those seeking an AMD alternative to the aging GTX 1650, look no further than the 6600 XT. It brings modern graphical capabilities and technologies absent on older GPUs. The only downside is no DLSS competitor yet.
Key Specs:
- 8GB GDDR6 Memory
- 2048 Stream Processors
- 2491 MHz Game Clock
- 128-bit Bus
- Ray Tracing & FSR Support
AMD‘s RX 6600 XT Holds its Own Against RTX Cards (Image: AMD)
NVIDIA RTX 4060
Representing the latest Ada Lovelace GPU architecture from NVIDIA is the newly released RTX 4060. It brings upgraded ray tracing performance and dedicated AI accelerators.
Compared to prior mid-range cards, the 4060 delivers around 30% faster speeds for 1440p gaming. But with an MSRP over $400, it is pricey for this segment.
Ultimately, the 4060 is overkill if you still game at 1080p. But for those seeking more future-proof 1440p performance with next-gen graphics features, it hits the mark over previous gen hardware. Just expect to pay a premium.
Key Specs:
- 12GB GDDR6 Memory
- 3072 CUDA Cores
- 2310MHz Boost Clock
- 192-bit Bus
- DLSS 3 & Advanced Ray Tracing
NVIDIA‘s New RTX 4060 Brings Improved Ray Tracing, But at a High Price (Image: NVIDIA)
NVIDIA RTX 3050
Finally, we have NVIDIA‘s RTX 3050 which occupies the same sub-$300 price bracket as the GTX 1650 originally did upon launch. It brings Ampere architectural upgrades absent on Turing cards.
For just $220, the 3050 delivers around 15% faster performance over the GTX 1650. It also adds ray tracing support and doesn‘t need external power connectivity.
If you currently run a GTX 1650 in a pre-built OEM desktop, the RTX 3050 makes for an easy drop-in upgrade. You still get 8GB of VRAM and good 1080p capabilities without needing a new PSU.
Key Specs:
- 8GB GDDR6 Memory
- 2560 CUDA cores
- 1740 MHz Boost Clock
- 128-bit Bus
- DLSS & Ray Tracing Support
- No External Power Needed
The RTX 3050 Brings Ray Tracing to Low Power Setups (Image: MSI)
Final Thoughts
While the GTX 1650 was once a budget gaming staple, modern titles demand more graphical horsepower. Cards like the RTX 3060 deliver over 2x faster frame rates along with next-gen capabilities.
For flawless 1080p gaming in 2023 and beyond, the GPUs above are excellent options in place of the aging GTX 1650. Just make sure your power supply can keep up if upgrading in an existing PC!
Let me know if you have any other questions about the best GTX 1650 alternatives this year. I‘m happy to provide buying advice and performance expectations for your needs. Game on!
