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MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$220
  • VRAM: 6 GB
  • Memory bus width: 96 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 70 W

MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

2.2

Performance

24.0%

2.4

Memory

12.0%

8.9

Power & Cooling

11.0%

8.6

Platform & Features

5.0%

9.3

Design

4.0%

5.9

Connectivity & Media

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.8

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    8.8

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 5.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.8

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    8.8

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.5
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.8

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    10.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    8.8

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.1
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.8

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    15.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    8.8

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.1
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.8

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    8.8

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £170

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is an entry-level graphics card based on the Ampere architecture, featuring 2,304 CUDA cores, a 96-bit memory interface, and 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 14 Gbps memory speed. Its standout characteristic is a remarkably low 70W power consumption (TDP), allowing it to run without external PCIe power connectors and making it an ideal choice for small form factor builds or upgrading office PCs with limited power supplies. Main pros include support for advanced technologies like DLSS upscaling and Ray Tracing, which enhance 1080p performance in modern titles, alongside exceptionally cool and quiet operation. However, its main cons are its significantly reduced performance compared to the original 8GB model—approximately 20% slower due to fewer cores and lower memory bandwidth—and the 6GB VRAM capacity, which may struggle with high-texture settings in newer AAA games.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

?

Performance

24.0%

?

Memory

12.0%

?

Power & Cooling

11.0%

?

Platform & Features

5.0%

?

Design

4.0%

?

Connectivity & Media

4.3
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a technical score of 4.28 points, which is lower than that of 86.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 55.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

5.9
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 83.9% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

4,825 points
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB scores 4825 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 75.9% of graphics cards and equal to 3.5% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

6.77 TFLOPS
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB delivers 6.77 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 84.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.7% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

6 GB
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has 6 GB of VRAM, which is less than 82.7% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR6
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR6
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB uses GDDR6 memory, which is newer than on 16.6% of graphics cards and equal to 39.1% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

96 bit
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB uses a 96 bit memory bus, which is narrower than that of 96% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.4% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

168 GB/s
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB reaches 168 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 90.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

4.0
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports PCIe 4.0, which is newer than on 22.5% of graphics cards and equal to 52% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x8
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB uses x8 PCIe lanes, which is fewer than 68.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?
Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

?
OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.6
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

3
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports up to 3 displays, which is fewer than 92.3% of graphics cards and equal to 5.8% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

7680x4320
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 44.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 55.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 89.5% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.4a
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 22.7% of graphics cards and equal to 44.2% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

8.1 Gbps
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports DisplayPort link rates up to 8.1 Gbps, which is slower than on 50.4% of graphics cards and equal to 40.5% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

70 W
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a TDP of 70 W, which is lower than that of 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.5% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

70 W
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB draws 70 W under peak load, which is lower than 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to 1.5% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

300 W
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB recommends a 300 W PSU, which is lower than that of 95.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.2% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

70 W
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a board power limit of 70 W, which is lower than that of 94.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

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Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

205 mm
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is 205 mm long, which is shorter than 88.2% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.4% of graphics cards.
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

109 mm
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is 109 mm tall, which is shorter than 96.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 0.5% of graphics cards.
Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

2 slot/s
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% of graphics cards.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB vs the average graphics card

  • 67.4% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (70 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
    When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (70 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.70 W vs 215 W
  • 53.8% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (300 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
    When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (300 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.300 W vs 650 W
  • 80.37 mm shorter card length
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (205 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.
    What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
    When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (205 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.205 mm vs 285.37 mm
  • 18 mm lower card height
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (109 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
    What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
    When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (109 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.109 mm vs 127 mm
  • 68.2% lower board power limit
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
    What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
    When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.70 W vs 220 W
  • 3.12x cheaper
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£170 vs £530).
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£170 vs £530).£170 vs £530
  • 11.7 dB quieter under load
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (23.3 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.
    What it is: Noise level produced by the graphics card while under load.
    When it matters: When the PC sits near you and fan noise matters during play.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (23.3 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.23.3 dB vs 35 dB
  • 68.2% lower peak power draw
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
    When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.70 W vs 220 W
  • Newer shader model
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports a newer shader model than the average graphics card (6.9 vs 6.8).
  • 67.4% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (70 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 53.8% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (300 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 68.2% lower board power limit
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
  • 11.7 dB quieter under load
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (23.3 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.
  • 9 °C lower load temperature
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower load temperature than the average graphics card (58 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • 68.2% lower peak power draw
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (70 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
  • 80.37 mm shorter card length
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (205 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.
  • 18 mm lower card height
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB is shorter than the average graphics card (109 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 41.2% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,470 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 30 fewer ray tracing cores
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (18 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
  • 45.7% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,042 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 22 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (18 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 112 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (72 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 71.9% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (105.8 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 71.5% lower pixel rate
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (47 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 120 fewer AI cores
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (72 vs 192). The average graphics card has 192 AI cores.
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 70.4% lower FP32 performance
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (6.8 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
  • 57.4% lower gaming score
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (4,825 points vs 11,337 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 11,337 points.
  • 77% lower FP16 performance
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (6.8 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
  • 70.7% lower compute throughput
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (6.8 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 76.7% lower FP64 performance
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.4651 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.4651 TFLOPS.
  • 2,048 fewer FP32 units
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (2,304 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 160 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (96 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 62.5% lower memory bandwidth
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (168 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 26.3% slower memory speed
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 93.8% smaller L2 cache
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 60% larger process node
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • Fewer PCIe lanes
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer PCIe lanes than the average graphics card (x8 vs x16). The average graphics card has x16 PCIe lanes.
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer displays supported
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports fewer displays than the average graphics card (3 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
  • 75% lower HDMI bandwidth
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average graphics card (12 Gbps vs 48 Gbps). The average graphics card has HDMI bandwidth of 48 Gbps.
  • 1 fewer monitors per output type
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (3 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 monitors per output type.
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • 41.2% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,470 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,470 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1470 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 160 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (96 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (96 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.96 bit vs 256 bit
  • 30 fewer ray tracing cores
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (18 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
    What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
    When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (18 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.18 vs 48
  • 22 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (18 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
    When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (18 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.18 vs 40
  • 45.7% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,042 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
    What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
    When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,042 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1042 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.6 GB vs 12 GB
  • 112 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (72 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    What it is: Total count of texture mapping units on the GPU
    When it matters: When texture-heavy gaming performance matters and you want extra hardware context behind texture-rate claims.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (72 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.72 vs 184
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB?

  • Efficient power consumption (70W TDP) and often requires no external power connector, running entirely off the PCIe slot.
  • Excellent for 1080p gaming, particularly for esports titles like Valorant and Counter-Strike where high frame rates are achievable.
  • Quiet and cool operation due to MSI's Twin Frozr cooling design and dual-fan system.
  • Supports modern NVIDIA features like DLSS and Ray Tracing (though performance varies).
  • Compact form factor is ideal for Small Form Factor (SFF) or mini-ITX builds and upgrading older OEM systems.
  • Solid premium build quality and simple installation process.

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming 6GB?

  • 6GB of VRAM is considered restrictive for modern AAA titles, leading to texture streaming issues and performance bottlenecks.
  • Significantly slower (roughly 18%) than the 8GB version of the RTX 3050 despite sharing the same model name.
  • Struggles to maintain playable frame rates at 1440p or high settings in demanding games without heavy reliance on DLSS.
  • Poor value proposition compared to competitors like the AMD RX 6600, which offers better performance for a similar price.
  • Fans can become loud under intense loads according to some reviewers.
  • Ray tracing performance is often too weak to be practical in many titles without severe settings reductions.

Expert reviews

V
vividrepairs.co.uk
26/04/2026
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card Review UK 2025

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 VENTUS 2X XS 8G OC is a functional 1080p entry-level gaming graphics card that features 8GB of GDDR6X memory, an 1807 MHz boost clock, and a 128-bit memory bus. In real-world benchmarks, the card performs well in competitive esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and handles most modern games at medium-to-high settings at 1080p resolution. Reviewers highlight...Read more

V
vividrepairs.co.uk
06/12/2025
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming Graphics Card Review UK 2025

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X XS White 8G OC is a highly capable entry-level graphics card tailored for smooth 1080p gaming at medium to high settings, scoring a 4.0/5 stars in benchmarking tests. Reviewers praised its outstanding thermal performance, maintaining temperatures comfortably below 72°C under full load, and its Zero Frozr technology, which keeps the dual fans...Read more

V
vividrepairs.co.uk
14/11/2025
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 LP 6G Gaming Graphics Card Review UK 2026

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 LP 6G is a specialized, low-profile graphics card built for small form factor (SFF) systems, offering a compact dual-slot design that fits into slim cases like the Node 202 or Dell prebuilts where full-sized cards cannot. Running entirely on PCIe slot power with a 70W TDP, it requires no external power connectors, operates quietly with a zero-RPM idle mode,...Read more

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