GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce MX250
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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GeForce MX250
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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 GeForce MX250
Why is GeForce RTX 3050 8GB better than GeForce MX250?
Comparing the GeForce MX250 to the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB showcases the massive jump from older mobile entry-level graphics to dedicated modern desktop performance. The MX250 was a popular 2019 mobile GPU for thin-and-light laptops, while the RTX 3050 8GB is a 2022 desktop card designed for solid 1080p gaming with modern features.\n\nThe performance difference is night and day, with the RTX 3050 8GB being roughly 5 to 7 times more powerful in gaming benchmarks. It introduces hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing and AI-powered upscaling (DLSS), features that are entirely absent on the MX250. While the MX250 was capable of light eSports and multimedia in its era, it now lacks the raw horsepower and VRAM for modern titles. The RTX card's dedicated 8GB of VRAM allows for high-fidelity textures that would easily overwhelm the limited 2GB typically found on the mobile chip.\n\nUltimately, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for any current gaming or creative workstation. The GeForce MX250 remains a reliable choice for legacy thin portables, but to enjoy modern games at high settings with modern features, the move to a dedicated 30-series card is a revolutionary transformation.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 427.8% 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 MX250.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+427.8%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-427.8%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | Pascal (2016−2021) (14nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $209 (vs $150), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 278.8% better value per dollar than the GeForce MX250.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+278.8%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) | ✅More affordable ($150) |
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 MX250
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 MX250
The GeForce MX250 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 20 2019. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 937 MHz to 1038 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 10W. Manufactured using 14 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 2,375 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the GeForce MX250's 2,375 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 427.8%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce MX250 uses Pascal, both on 8 nm vs 14 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 384 (GeForce MX250). Raw compute: 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 0.7972 TFLOPS (GeForce MX250). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1038 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535+428% | 2,375 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Pascal |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 14 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560+567% | 384 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 9.098 TFLOPS+1041% | 0.7972 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz+71% | 1038 MHz |
| ROPs | 32+100% | 16 |
| TMUs | 80+233% | 24 |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB+1686% | 0.14 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 0.5 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 MX250 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| 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 MX250 has 2 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 48 GB/s (GeForce MX250) — a 366.7% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 0.5 MB (GeForce MX250) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+300% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s+367% | 48 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 0.5 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 12 (12_1) (GeForce MX250). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.2. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 3.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 (12_1) |
| Vulkan | 1.4+17% | 1.2 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4+33% | 3 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs None (GeForce MX250). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 3rd Gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs H.264,H.265,VP9 (GeForce MX250).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | None |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | NVDEC 3rd Gen |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | H.264,H.265,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the GeForce MX250's 10W — a 171.4% difference. The GeForce MX250 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 350W (GeForce MX250). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Mobile. Card length: 242mm vs 0mm, occupying 2 vs 0 slots. Typical load temperature: 66°C vs 75.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W | 10W-92% |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 350W-22% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | Mobile |
| Length | 242mm | 0mm |
| Height | 112mm | 0mm |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C-12% | 75 |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4 | 237.5+146% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the GeForce MX250 launched at $150 and now averages $150. The GeForce MX250 costs 28.2% less ($59 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 15.8 (GeForce MX250) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 279.7% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2019).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce MX250 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $150-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209 | $150-28% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0+280% | 15.8 |
| Codename | GA106 | GP108B |
| Release | January 4 2022 | February 20 2019 |
| Ranking | #211 | #643 |
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