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Updated RTX 3050 rumors: An unexpected refresh?

Decoding the buzz
Last Updated on December 24, 2023
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This coming year comes with a wave of new tech releases, and as expected. But nobody would’ve expected Nvidia’s allegedly move; according to leaks and rumors, in February 2024 we might see the updated RTX 3050 refresh. We aim to keep you posted about all the news and in this article, we will collect everything we know about this unexpected refresh.

The RTX 3050 marks quite a milestone in budget, entry-level GPU back in the day, thanks to the amazing Ray tracing from the generation budget users were able to achieve high FPS at very nice resolutions with a GPU like this. Let’s see what this refresh has to offer.

RTX 3050 6GB Rumors

Recent leaks, particularly from Chinese sources, have ignited discussions about an updated RTX 3050 refresh, potentially coming in February 2024. This news has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious gamers alike, eager to see what Nvidia has in store for this unexpected refresh.

The core of these rumors originates from the Chinese site Board Channels, which has recently shed light on a new variant of the RTX 3050. According to their forum discussions, this updated version of the RTX 3050 might feature a reduced 6GB of VRAM, a step-down from the original 8GB configuration.

This information isn’t entirely new, though. Another Chinese website, Benchlife, had previously hinted at the refreshed RTX 3050 launching in January. However, it now appears that due to some reported delays and changes in Nvidia’s plans, the release might have been pushed to February. The reason behind this decision, and the specifics of the delay, remain speculative at this point.

The RTX 3050 has been a notable player in the budget GPU segment, offering impressive ray tracing capabilities and high FPS at commendable resolutions for an entry-level card. The prospect of a 6GB version raises questions about its performance targets and pricing strategy. It suggests that Nvidia might be aiming to offer an even more affordable option for budget gamers.

RTX 3050 6GB Expected Specs

The upcoming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB refresh is shaping up to be a fascinating new entry in the budget GPU market, with several key changes in its specifications compared to the original 8GB model. Here’s a detailed look at what we can expect from this new variant based on the latest information.

The RTX 3050 6GB is expected to be based on the GA107-325-Kx SKU, utilizing the PG173 SKU16 PCB design. It’s configured with 2048 cores, which represents a 20% reduction compared to the 2560 cores of the 8GB model. This change reflects a strategic decision to balance performance with cost-effectiveness.

The core clock speed of the new RTX 3050 6GB is anticipated to be maintained at 1470 MHz. This is about 17% lower than the 8GB variant, potentially positioning the 6GB version as a more energy-efficient, albeit slightly less powerful, option.

One of the notable aspects of the RTX 3050 6GB is its power efficiency. With a power draw operating between 70 and 100W, some designs of this GPU variant might not require any external power input, making it an attractive option for compact or power-conscious setups. This lower power requirement also implies that the overall power draw will see a slight decline compared to the original model.

RTX 3050: Price

The upcoming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is generating buzz, particularly among budget-conscious consumers in the GPU market, with its rumored competitive pricing of around $179 US.

This price positions the RTX 3050 6GB as not only one of the most wallet-friendly options in NVIDIA’s range but also as a strong contender among other entry-level GPUs from various manufacturers.

For context, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 8GB variant currently sits above $200, starting at about $229.99 US, while the entry-level RTX 4060 is priced at $299.99 US. NVIDIA’s pricing strategy for the RTX 3050 6GB appears to be a tactical move to capture a broader share of the budget GPU market.

With official confirmation from NVIDIA pending, the RTX 3050 6GB is set to make a notable impact in the budget GPU sector. Its blend of modern features, energy efficiency, and appealing price could make it a sought-after option for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking great value without sacrificing performance.

Maria is a contributer to PC Guide, highly-interested in productivity and AI tools, and ensuring the inclusion of detailed product info and coverage across versus pieces.