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MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£250VRAM:8 GBMemory bus width:128 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):115 W

MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC

5.6/10

▼Worse than 79% of graphics cards

6.7

▼Worse than 74%

5.2

▼Worse than 81%

9.6

★Better than 99%

3.8
Gaming
Gaming
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for gaming performance.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
2.3
Floating-point performance
25.0%
4.9
VRAM
20.0%
3.3
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
5.7
Video editing
Video editing
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for video editing performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
35.0%
7.0
AV1 encode
30.0%
4.9
VRAM
20.0%
2.3
Floating-point performance
15.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3.7
1080p
1080p
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 1080p performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 1080p needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
55.0%
2.3
Floating-point performance
25.0%
4.9
VRAM
10.0%
3.3
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3.5
1440p
1440p
3.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 1440p performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 1440p needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
50.0%
2.3
Floating-point performance
30.0%
4.9
VRAM
15.0%
3.3
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3.7
4K
4K
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 4k performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 4k needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
40.0%
2.3
Floating-point performance
35.0%
4.9
VRAM
20.0%
3.3
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC

5.6

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Performance

3.5

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

3DMark Port Royal score

PassMark (G3D) result

PassMark (DirectCompute) result

Floating-point performance

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Memory

3.4

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VRAM

Memory type

GDDR6

GDDR version

Memory bus width

Maximum memory bandwidth

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Platform & Features

9.4

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

PCIe lanes

DirectX version

Vulkan version

OpenGL version

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Connectivity & Media

6.4

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Max displays supported

Max digital resolution

DisplayPort outputs

DisplayPort version

DisplayPort link rates

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Power & Cooling

8.8

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

Power consumption while under peak load

Recommended PSU wattage

Board power limit

PCIe power spec

115 W

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Design

9.6

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Size

205x 112x 45 mm

Length

Height

Slot width

Weight

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MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC vs the average graphics card

Why is MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC better than the average graphics card?

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46.5% lower TDP
This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (115 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
115 W vs 215 W
80 mm shorter card length
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (205 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
205 mm vs 285 mm
23.1% lower PSU requirement
This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
500 W vs 650 W
0.5 slot/s slimmer design
This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
48.9% lower board power limit
This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (115 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
115 W vs 225 W
13 mm lower card height
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
112 mm vs 125 mm
19.7% higher user score
User score
9.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC
the average graphics card
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.58 vs 8.000).
9.58 vs 8
1 more DVI outputs
This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
1 vs 0

19.7% higher user score
User score
9.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC
the average graphics card
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.58 vs 8.000).
9.58 vs 8
2.37x more popular
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC is more popular than the average graphics card (10 vs 4.2).
10 vs 4.22
2.12x cheaper
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC is cheaper than the average graphics card (£250 vs £530).
£250 vs £530

Includes LHR limiter
This graphics card includes an LHR limiter, the average graphics card does not.

1 more DVI outputs
This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
1 vs 0

46.5% lower TDP
This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (115 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
115 W vs 215 W
23.1% lower PSU requirement
This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
500 W vs 650 W
48.9% lower board power limit
This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (115 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
115 W vs 225 W
47.7% lower peak power draw
This graphics card has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (115 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
115 W vs 220 W

80 mm shorter card length
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (205 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
205 mm vs 285 mm
0.5 slot/s slimmer design
This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
13 mm lower card height
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
112 mm vs 125 mm
44.2% lighter card weight
This graphics card is lighter than the average graphics card (570 g vs 1021 g). The average graphics card weighs 1021 g.
570 g vs 1,021 g

Why is MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC worse than the average graphics card?

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128 bit narrower memory bus
This graphics card has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
128 bit vs 256 bit
27.9% lower boost clock speed
This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1807 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
1,807 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
20 fewer compute units
This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
20 vs 40
4 GB less VRAM
This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
8 GB vs 12 GB
104 fewer TMUs
This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
80 vs 184
1 fewer fans
This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
2 vs 3
20 fewer ray tracing cores
This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
20 vs 40
62.1% lower texture rate
This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (144.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
144.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s

7.2% worse value for money
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.71 vs 7.2).
6.71 vs 7.2

27.9% lower boost clock speed
This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1807 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
1,807 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
20 fewer compute units
This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
20 vs 40
104 fewer TMUs
This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
80 vs 184
62.1% lower texture rate
This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (144.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
144.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
20 fewer ray tracing cores
This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
20 vs 40
64.6% lower pixel rate
This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (57.8 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
57.82 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
32 fewer ROPs
This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
32 vs 64
19.2% lower base clock speed
This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1552 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
1,552 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
59% lower FP32 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (9.3 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
9.25 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
64 fewer AI cores
This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (80 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
80 vs 144
44.7% lower PassMark score
This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (12535 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
12,535 points vs 22,653 points
57.8% lower gaming score
This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (6193 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
6,193 points vs 14,678.5 points
60.6% lower ray tracing score
This graphics card has a lower ray tracing score than the average graphics card (3609 points vs 9166 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9166 points.
3,609 points vs 9,166 points
50.4% lower compute score
This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (5985 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
5,985 points vs 12,074 points
68.9% lower FP16 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (9.3 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
9.25 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
70.8% lower FP64 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
0.14 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
59.7% lower compute throughput
This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (9.3 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
9.25 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS

128 bit narrower memory bus
This graphics card has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
128 bit vs 256 bit
4 GB less VRAM
This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
8 GB vs 12 GB
50% lower memory bandwidth
This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
26.3% slower memory speed
This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14000 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
91.7% smaller L2 cache
This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
2 MB vs 24 MB

60% larger process node
This graphics card 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.
8 nm vs 5 nm
Fewer PCIe lanes
This graphics card has fewer PCIe lanes than the average graphics card (x8 vs x16). The average graphics card has x16 PCIe lanes.
x8 vs x16
Older encoder generation
This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (7 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
7 vs 8
47.6% fewer transistors
This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (12000 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
12,000 million vs 22,900 million
Older FSR version
This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (3 vs 3.1).
3.0 vs 3.1

2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
This graphics card has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
1 vs 3
No AV1 encoding
This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes
1 fewer displays supported
This graphics card supports fewer displays than the average graphics card (3 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
3 vs 4
Narrower decode codec support
This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
Older NVDEC generation
This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
5 vs 6

1 fewer fans
This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
2 vs 3
No dual BIOS
This graphics card does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes

No RGB lighting
This graphics card does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

hwcooling.net

07/09/2022

Summary of the review

Cheap and now even cheaper RTX 3050 – MSI Ventus 2X 8G OC

The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 8G OC is positioned as an affordable Full HD gaming graphics card, featuring a factory overclocked boost clock of 1807 MHz and 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus. A major highlight of this specific model is its use of a modified Twin Frozr 7 cooler with dual 95 mm Torx 3.0 fans, inherited from older, higher-TDP graphics cards. This setup ensures effective thermal performance, aided by an airflow-optimised plastic backplate with cutout windows to prevent heat accumulation. Additionally, its 235 mm length makes it highly compatible with most standard PC cases. On the downside, the card suffers from a heavy 40% reduction in memory bandwidth compared to the RTX 3060, meaning it typically lags behind competing options like the Radeon RX 6600. Structurally, MSI cut costs by replacing the traditional metal backplate with a plastic one and removing all RGB illumination. Physical installation can also pose a challenge due to its extended 124 mm depth; the side-facing 8-pin power connector sits completely flush with the shroud edge, requiring at least 140...

laptopmedia.com

04/12/2022

Summary of the review

MSI RTX 3050 VENTUS 2X 8G OCGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review

The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 8G OC is a budget-friendly graphics card designed for efficient 1080p gaming, featuring the Ampere architecture and a compact dual-slot design with a quiet TORX Fan 3.0 cooler. The review highlights excellent thermal performance, with the card running cool and quiet, plus significant performance gains through overclocking, which yielded a 10% boost while lowering temperatures. Conversely, the card compromises on build quality, using a plastic backplate, lacking RGB lighting, and omitting an anti-bending strap, although its low weight mitigates structural concerns. Performance is generally restricted to 1080p, as the card struggles to provide adequate frame rates at 1440p or 4K resolutions.

vividrepairs.co.uk

29/10/2025

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card Review UK 2026

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 VENTUS 2X XS 8G OC is a functional 1080p entry-level graphics card based on NVIDIA's older Ampere architecture. Testing reveals its strengths lie in cool and quiet operation under full load, peaking at a reasonable 68°C with noise levels hovering around 36dB. Its compact, two-slot form factor allows it to fit easily into small-form-factor PC builds, and its low 130W TDP power draw eliminates the need for expensive power supply units. Furthermore, the inclusion of DLSS 2 provides a notable 30% to 40% performance boost in supported titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Budget streamers can also benefit heavily from its high-quality, integrated 8th-generation NVENC encoder, which handles 1080p streaming seamlessly without hammering the processor. However, the graphics card sits in an awkward market position due to severe limitations in raw performance and future-proofing. While it handles standard 1080p gaming at medium-to-high settings, its 128-bit memory bus acts as a severe bottleneck. The 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM is already a limiting factor for modern titles, resulting in stuttering and texture pop-in in demanding games like Alan Wake...

laptopmedia.com

04/12/2022

Summary of the review

Recensione MSI RTX 3050 VENTUS 2X 8G OC - LaptopMedia

The LaptopMedia review of the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 8G OC identifies the card as a robust 1080p gaming solution, featuring a compact design that eliminates sagging issues. Notable pros include an efficient, quiet cooling system with dual TORX Fan 3.0 fans operating at 1400 RPM under load, and significant overclocking potential, with tests showing a 10% performance increase at 2107MHz through undervolting. Conversely, the card features a budget-oriented plastic backplate that lacks thermal dissipation capabilities. While the 8GB VRAM is adequate, the GA106 chip's PCIe 4.0 x8 interface limits performance, making the card unsuitable for gaming above 1080p without significant compromises.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.

Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC

Efficient thermal performance with temperatures consistently staying below 72°C.
Extremely quiet operation, especially with 'Zero Frozr' technology that stops fans during light loads.
Compact dual-fan design that fits easily into small form-factor (SFF) cases.
Simple and straightforward installation process, often noted as 'plug-and-play'.
Solid build quality featuring a reinforcing backplate to prevent GPU sag.
Good performance for 1080p gaming, capable of running modern titles at high settings.

What we don't like about MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC

Poor value proposition compared to competitors like the RX 6600, which offers better raw performance for a similar price.
Significant performance drops of 30-40% when enabling ray tracing without DLSS.
The 128-bit memory bus and PCIe 4.0 x8 limitation can restrict performance in more demanding scenarios.
Use of a plastic backplate instead of metal, which some users find feels cheap and doesn't dissipate heat as effectively.
Strict 130W power limit that restricts significant overclocking potential.
Conflicting reports on power needs, with some users surprised by the requirement for an additional 8-pin power cable.

Verdict

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X XS OC is a compact entry-level graphics card based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, featuring 2560 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus. It operates with a factory-overclocked boost clock of 1807 MHz and a 115W TDP, requiring a single 6-pin power connector. Main characteristics include its dual-fan thermal design with Zero Frozr technology for silent operation at low loads and a shorter 'XS' physical length of approximately 205mm for high case compatibility. Pros include efficient 1080p gaming performance, support for DLSS and ray tracing, and a space-saving form factor suitable for small builds. Cons include its limited 1440p and 4K capabilities, a cut-down PCIe 4.0 x8 interface, and lower ray tracing performance compared to higher-tier RTX 30-series models.

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Compare MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X Xs OC with other products in the Graphics cards category

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