GeForce GT 520 vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce GT 520
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GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce GT 520 is positioned at rank #214 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GT 520
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2015). The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce GT 520 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 3780.8% higher G3D Mark score and 300% more VRAM (8 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GT 520.
| Insight | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-3780.8%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+3780.8%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019)) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $209 (vs $15), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 178.5% better value per dollar than the GeForce GT 520.
| Insight | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+178.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($15) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GT 520 and GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce GT 520
The GeForce GT 520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in August 20 2015. It features the Maxwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 1024 MHz to 1188 MHz. It has 768 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 90W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 323 points. Launch price was $159.
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce GT 520 scores 323 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 3780.8%. The GeForce GT 520 is built on Maxwell 2.0 while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on 28 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 768 (GeForce GT 520) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Raw compute: 1.825 TFLOPS (GeForce GT 520) vs 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Boost clocks: 1188 MHz vs 1777 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 323 | 12,535+3781% |
| Architecture | Maxwell 2.0 | Ampere |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 768 | 2560+233% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 1.825 TFLOPS | 9.098 TFLOPS+399% |
| Boost Clock | 1188 MHz | 1777 MHz+50% |
| ROPs | 32 | 32 |
| TMUs | 48 | 80+67% |
| L1 Cache | 0.28 MB | 2.5 MB+793% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GT 520 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 1 MB (GeForce GT 520) vs 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 8 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 128-bit+100% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.0 (GeForce GT 520) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: None vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.1 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.0 | 12 Ultimate+9% |
| Vulkan | None | 1.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.1 | 4.6+12% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4+100% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce GT 520) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP4 vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP (GeForce GT 520) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP4 | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GT 520 draws 90W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 36.4% difference. The GeForce GT 520 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 250W (GeForce GT 520) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: None vs 8-pin. Card length: 145mm vs 242mm, occupying 1 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 65°C vs 66°C.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 90W-31% | 130W |
| Recommended PSU | 250W-44% | 450W |
| Power Connector | None | 8-pin |
| Length | 145mm | 242mm |
| Height | 111mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 1-50% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 65°C-2% | 66°C |
| Perf/Watt | 3.6 | 96.4+2578% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GT 520 launched at $59 MSRP and currently averages $15, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 and now averages $209. The GeForce GT 520 costs 92.8% less ($194 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 21.5 (GeForce GT 520) vs 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 179.1% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2015).
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $59-76% | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-93% | $209 |
| Performance per Dollar | 21.5 | 60.0+179% |
| Codename | GM206 | GA106 |
| Release | August 20 2015 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #425 | #211 |
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