'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The RTX 4050 laptops continue to be some of the most popular among budget players. Powered by the improved Ada Lovelace architecture, they are a significant step up from the last-gen RTX 30 series notebooks given the support for better ray tracing, frame generation, and better power efficiency.
However, the Ampere GPUs still are high-performance options for playing the latest games at high framerates without drops. The RTX 3060 laptops still amaze us in almost every title.
Choosing between the RTX 3060 and RTX 4050 laptops can be a bit difficult for gamers, especially now that they target a similar price point. In this article, we will review the specs and performance differences between the GPUs and find out which device is the better choice for gaming.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
The RTX 3060 laptop is a solid alternative to the RTX 4050 laptop
The RTX 3060 laptops were launched as high-performance mid-range options. They are significantly cheaper than the high-end RTX 3070 and 3080-powered laptops. With competent specs, the last-gen laptops give the RTX 4050 options solid competition.
Specs
The RTX 3060 laptop GPU was built to be a powerful 60-class performance-segment option. Thus, it packs a higher core count than the RTX 4050 laptop GPU. However, both GPUs pack 6 GB of GDDR6 memory. The 4050 laptop also relies on higher operating clock speeds to deliver performance.
It is worth noting that the 4050 is based on the improved Ada Lovelace architecture. The graphics processor packs seventh-generation CUDA cores and third-generation RT cores, both of which are faster than the hardware powering the RTX 3060 laptop GPU. Thus, the 4050 can deliver higher performance even with lesser on-paper specs.
Like most other Ada Lovelace graphics processors, the 4050 has been built with power efficiency in mind. The RTX 4050 draws much less power than the 3060.
Thus, both cards have their strongholds. While the 3060 is beefier, the 4050 wins in power efficiency and support for the latest technologies.
Performance differences
In video games, we see that the RTX 3060 laptop takes the lead in almost every game. The RTX 4050 laptop is, of course, not far behind. The difference between the two GPUs is large in games with intense ray tracing implementation.
In addition, the RTX 4050 laptop GPU maintains a far more optimal temperature than the beefier 3060 laptop graphics processor in all of the titles. The Ada Lovelace card also draws about 30% less power across all of the video games. Thus, the new GPU can fit into most thin and light laptops, making them more portable and convenient.
With DLSS 3.0 frame generation, the 4050 laptop can deliver far higher framerates in video games that support the technology. Thus, gamers can opt for it if they are shopping for a new portable gaming rig today.
