GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce GTX 590
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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GeForce GTX 590
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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. 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 RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2011). 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 GTX 590 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 275.2% higher G3D Mark score and 166.7% more VRAM (8 GB vs 3 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 590.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+275.2%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-275.2%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2011 / Fermi 2.0 (2010−2014)) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $209 (vs $100), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 79.5% better value per dollar than the GeForce GTX 590.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+79.5%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) | ✅More affordable ($100) |
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 RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce GTX 590
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.
GeForce GTX 590
The GeForce GTX 590 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 24 2011. It features the Fermi 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 607 MHz. It has 1024 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 365W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,341 points. Launch price was $699.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the GeForce GTX 590's 3,341 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 275.2%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTX 590 uses Fermi 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 1,024 (GeForce GTX 590). Raw compute: 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 1.244 TFLOPS ×2 (GeForce GTX 590).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535+275% | 3,341 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Fermi 2.0 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560+150% | 1024 ×2 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 9.098 TFLOPS+631% | 1.244 TFLOPS ×2 |
| ROPs | 32 | 48 ×2+50% |
| TMUs | 80+25% | 64 ×2 |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB+150% | 1 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+167% | 0.75 MB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The GeForce GTX 590 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 590 has 3 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 166.7% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 0.75 MB (GeForce GTX 590) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+167% | 3 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 256-bit+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+167% | 0.75 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 12 (11_0) (GeForce GTX 590). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 (11_0) |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs PureVideo HD (VP5). Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTX 590).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | — |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | PureVideo HD (VP5) |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the GeForce GTX 590's 365W — a 94.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 700W (GeForce GTX 590). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 2x 8-pin. Typical load temperature: 66°C vs 90°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W-64% | 365W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W-36% | 700W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 2x 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | — |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C-27% | 90°C |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4+948% | 9.2 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the GeForce GTX 590 launched at $699 and now averages $100. The GeForce GTX 590 costs 52.2% less ($109 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 33.4 (GeForce GTX 590) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 79.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2011).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-64% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209 | $100-52% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0+80% | 33.4 |
| Codename | GA106 | GF110 |
| Release | January 4 2022 | March 24 2011 |
| Ranking | #211 | #555 |
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