Can the GTX 1050 Ti Still Handle Modern AAA Games in 2021?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Popularity of the GTX 1050 Ti
3. testing the GTX 1050 Ti with Modern AAA Games
4. Choosing Between Upgrading and Playing Older Titles
5. The Future of the GTX 1050 Ti
6. Conclusion

Introduction

The Popularity of the GTX 1050 Ti

Testing the GTX 1050 Ti with Modern AAA Games

Choosing Between Upgrading and Playing Older Titles

The Future of the GTX 1050 Ti

Conclusion

👾 Is the GTX 1050 Ti Still Capable of Running Modern AAA Games? 👾

In the ever-evolving world of gaming technologies, the GTX 1050 Ti has managed to maintain its popularity despite being considered an older graphics card. With the current GPU mining boom market, many gamers find themselves unable to upgrade their graphics cards. This has led to a Curiosity about whether the GTX 1050 Ti is still capable of running modern AAA games at reasonable settings. In this article, we will delve into this topic and explore the performance of the GTX 1050 Ti with some of 2020's most demanding titles. So, grab your gaming gear and let's dive in!

Introduction

Before we jump into the benchmarks and test results, let's take a moment to introduce the GTX 1050 Ti and set the stage for our exploration. The GTX 1050 Ti, released in 2016, was not a card that was highly recommended by gaming enthusiasts. It was often overshadowed by more powerful options like the GTX 970 or the RX 470. However, recent statistics from the Steam Hardware Survey revealed that the GTX 1050 Ti holds the Second position in terms of popularity among gamers, with a significant market share of 6.5%. This is even higher than the most popular AMD card, the RX 580. With such a large number of users still relying on the GTX 1050 Ti, it becomes crucial to assess its capabilities when it comes to running modern AAA titles.

Testing the GTX 1050 Ti with Modern AAA Games

To determine the capabilities of the GTX 1050 Ti, we conducted a series of tests using a standardized test bench and test suite. Our test bench consisted of a Ryzen 7 3700X CPU with stock clocks and 16 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM running at 3200MHz. The games included in our test suite were Call of Duty: Cold War, DOOM Eternal, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, and Cyberpunk 2077. These games are known for their demanding graphics and can serve as a benchmark for assessing the performance of the GTX 1050 Ti.

The results of our tests were somewhat mixed. While the GTX 1050 Ti was able to handle most of the tested games at 60 frames per second (fps) when running at 720p and low settings, it struggled to maintain smooth gameplay at higher resolutions or graphics settings. Only DOOM Eternal was able to run at 1080p while maintaining 60fps. The other games required a drop in resolution or compromising on the fps target. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 could only achieve around 45fps at 720p, making it less than optimal for a smooth gaming experience.

It's important to note that while the GTX 1050 Ti can technically play modern AAA titles, it is evident that its performance falls short of expectations. The compromises required to run these games at acceptable settings may not provide the desired visual experience for players. However, if you're willing to accept lower resolutions or compromise on graphics settings, you can still enjoy gaming on the GTX 1050 Ti.

Choosing Between Upgrading and Playing Older Titles

Given the limitations of the GTX 1050 Ti when it comes to running modern AAA games, gamers who own this graphics card are faced with a dilemma. Should they push through and play the games they want to play, compromising on settings, or should they consider exploring alternative options?

In our opinion, for gamers who are currently stuck with the GTX 1050 Ti, it might be a good time to explore older titles or indie games. These games often have lower system requirements and can provide a smoother gaming experience on the GTX 1050 Ti. Additionally, considering the upcoming release of the Mass Effect Remaster and its expected compatibility with the GTX 1050 Ti, revisiting old favorites and exploring remastered versions of beloved series could be a viable option.

The Future of the GTX 1050 Ti

When we look at the recent trends in the Steam Hardware Survey, we can see a decline in the number of users opting for the GTX 1050 Ti. This decline is likely due to the card's inability to meet the demands of modern AAA games. As new and more powerful graphics cards enter the market, the GTX 1050 Ti will gradually become outdated. However, as discussed earlier, it still has its place in running older and less demanding games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GTX 1050 Ti can technically run modern AAA games, but compromises in resolution and graphics settings are necessary to achieve acceptable performance. While it may not be the ideal choice for gamers looking for a high-performance gaming experience, it can still be a decent option for playing older titles or indie games. Whether to tough it out and play with compromises or explore alternative gaming options ultimately depends on the preferences of the individual GTX 1050 Ti owner.