In terms of performance, nothing can trump the RTX 4090 yet. After all, not even AMD’s RX 7900 XTX can compare to Nvidia’s exorbitantly-priced 90 series graphics card. However, convenience and ease of management are another matter entirely, especially after Nvidia released its new RTX 3050 model. Naturally, the newly launched card’s specs and graphical output are minimalistic relative to the 4080s and 7900s of the tech world. But if you want a long-lasting, low-maintenance GPU, this is an option you need to consider.

Nvidia’s ASUS GeForce RTX 3050 LP BRK 6GB boasts all the typical specs you can expect out of the classic graphics card: 2nd Generation RT Cores, 3rd Generation Tensor Cores, and Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors. Hardware that won’t set the world on fire but can surely and consistently get the job done. However, it’s in its other features that this GPU shines. Its IP5X dust resistance makes it a sturdy and long-lasting graphics card that’s less likely to accumulate wear and tear than your regular models. It also doesn’t require power cabling, allowing you to stick with the minimum wattage PSU you may currently have.

New RTX 3050 is a low-maintenance, budget-friendly GPU

This RTX 3050 model’s very affordable price point is perfect if you’re looking for a PC centerpiece that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, its low-profile dual fan design makes it ideal for a small chassis and those who prefer a minimalistic space-saving setup. It’s also worth noting that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, namely the 6GB and 8GB versions of this RTX 3050. If you’re looking for slightly beefed-up performance, you can also opt for the OC Edition. Though, of course, this comes with a more expensive price tag and only a small performance boost.

As always, there will be tradeoffs if you decide to go with this particular GPU, especially since it’s outdated compared to its more modern counterparts. So, if you’re willing to splurge more on a graphics card, we recommend checking out the best GPU under $500 and the best GPU under $400 for more alternatives.

About the Author

Nico Vergara

Nico is a Tech News Writer for PC Guide. He is also adept at finding a good deal every now and then, stemming from his days penny-pinching as a broke college kid.