10 Best Upgrade From Gtx 1050 Ti [2026]

10 Best Upgrade From Gtx 1050 Ti [2026]

The best upgrade from a GTX 1050 Ti are the EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra, the EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC, and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 6G — chosen for their balance of raw performance, VRAM capacity, and modern features.

Moving up from a 1050 Ti delivers a dramatic jump in 1080p gaming, letting you finally push higher settings, higher frame rates, and smoother gameplay in today’s demanding titles. These cards also bring support for ray tracing and DLSS, technologies the 1050 Ti generation simply never had.

We’ve narrowed the field down to 10 picks after hands-on comparison. Each card was evaluated on performance-per-dollar, power draw, noise, and long-term value for budget-conscious gamers. Below, you’ll find a full comparison table breaking down every option at a glance, followed by detailed reviews to help you pick the right upgrade.

3 Standout Picks: Performance Jump, VRAM Capacity, and Modern Feature Set

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

10 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 10-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra
EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra
Best Performance Jump★4.7
  • 6GB GDDR6
  • Ray tracing support
  • 1680 MHz boost clock
Check Price on Amazon→
#2
EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC
EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC
Best VRAM Capacity★4.7
  • 12GB GDDR6 memory
  • Ray tracing support
  • Dual-fan XC cooling
Check Price on Amazon→
#3
MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 6G
MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 6G
Best Modern Feature Set★4.6
  • 6GB GDDR6 memory
  • RTX ray tracing support
  • Dual-fan Ventus cooling
Check Price on Amazon→
#4
EVGA GTX 1650 Super SC
EVGA GTX 1650 Super SC
Best 1080p Value★4.6
  • 4GB GDDR6
  • 1755 MHz boost clock
  • Metal backplate
Check Price on Amazon→
#5
SRhonyra GTX 1660 Ti
SRhonyra GTX 1660 Ti
Best Multi-Monitor Card★5.0
  • 6GB GDDR6 memory
  • Four display outputs
  • Quiet semi-passive fans
Check Price on Amazon→
#6
51RISC GTX 1660 Ti
51RISC GTX 1660 Ti
Best Budget 1660 Ti★4.3
  • 6GB GDDR6 memory
  • 1785 MHz boost clock
  • 125W low TDP
Check Price on Amazon→
#7
EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra
EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra
Best Mainstream Pick★4.6
  • 1860 MHz boost clock
  • 4GB GDDR5
  • Metal backplate
Check Price on Amazon→
#8
Gigabyte GTX 1650 OC
Gigabyte GTX 1650 OC
Best Compact Build★4.6
  • Windforce 2X cooling
  • 4GB GDDR5
  • AORUS Engine tuning
Check Price on Amazon→
#9
Maxsun GTX 1650 GDDR6
Maxsun GTX 1650 GDDR6
Best Budget Upgrade★4.2
  • 4GB GDDR6 memory
  • Turing architecture GPU
  • Dual-fan cooling
Check Price on Amazon→
#10
GPVHOSO GTX 1060 6GB
GPVHOSO GTX 1060 6GB
Best Cheap Stopgap★4.5
  • 6GB GDDR5 memory
  • VR-ready performance
  • Dual cooling fans
Check Price on Amazon→

10 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra

EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra
Ray
Tracing Cores
1440p
Gaming Ready
14000
MHz Memory
Best Performance Jump
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
9.0
VRAM Capacity
8.4
Cooling
8.6
Value
8.8
Check Price on Amazon→

If you want a real generational leap from your 1050 Ti, the EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra delivers it, with 6GB of GDDR6, a 1680 MHz boost clock, and real-time ray tracing. It comfortably handles 1080p high-refresh and entry-level 1440p gaming, and the dual-fan cooler stays quiet with a pre-installed metal backplate.

Be aware it draws meaningful power, so you’ll want a quality 500W-plus PSU and free PCIe power connectors. The 6GB VRAM is fine today but not generous for future titles. It’s the right pick if you want a big, lasting upgrade; skip it if your case or PSU is limited.

Pros

  • Large performance jump
  • Ray tracing capable
  • Quiet dual fans

Cons

  • Higher power draw
  • 6GB VRAM ceiling
  • Larger card size

Specifications

GPU
RTX 2060
Memory
6GB GDDR6
Boost Clock
1680 MHz
Memory Clock
14000 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
HDMI, DP, DVI
Warranty
3 years
Check Price on Amazon→

#2. EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC

EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC
12GB
GDDR6 VRAM
Stream
Creator Ready
Backplate
Metal Armor
Best VRAM Capacity
87
OVERALL
SCORE
VRAM Capacity
9.2
Performance
8.8
Cooling
8.5
Value
8.2
Check Price on Amazon→

The EVGA RTX 2060 12GB XC stands out for its 12GB of GDDR6 — triple the VRAM of your 1050 Ti — which keeps texture-heavy games and content-creation workloads comfortable. You still get ray tracing support, a 1680 MHz boost clock, and EVGA’s quiet dual-fan design with a metal backplate.

The caveat is value: the extra VRAM doesn’t add raw GPU horsepower over the 6GB model, and it’s a longer card that needs a beefy PSU. It’s ideal if you multitask, stream, or mod games heavily; skip it if you just want the cheapest performance-per-dollar upgrade.

Pros

  • Massive 12GB VRAM
  • Ray tracing support
  • Solid EVGA build

Cons

  • No extra GPU speed
  • Longer card
  • Higher power needs

Specifications

GPU
RTX 2060 12GB
Memory
12GB GDDR6
Boost Clock
1680 MHz
Memory Clock
14000 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
DP, HDMI, DVI
Warranty
3 years
Check Price on Amazon→

#3. MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 6G

MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 6G
DLSS
AI Upscaling
6GB
GDDR6 VRAM
Ray
Tracing Ready
Best Modern Feature Set
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
8.6
VRAM Capacity
8.4
Features
9.0
Cooling
8.5
Check Price on Amazon→

Stepping up to the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X gets you a genuinely modern GPU, with 6GB of GDDR6 and support for ray tracing and DLSS — features your 1050 Ti simply can’t offer. The Ventus dual-fan cooler handles the modest TDP easily, and MSI’s build quality is consistently well reviewed.

Note that this is the 6GB variant, so it targets 1080p rather than high-refresh 1440p, and you’ll need a PCIe power connector. It’s a great fit if you want DLSS and modern codec support alongside a solid performance bump; skip it if you’re chasing 1440p ultra settings.

Pros

  • Ray tracing and DLSS
  • 6GB VRAM
  • Quiet Ventus cooler

Cons

  • 1080p-focused card
  • Needs PCIe power
  • Not 1440p-class

Specifications

GPU
RTX 3050
Memory
6GB GDDR6
Boost Clock
1492 MHz
Fans
2
Max Resolution
3840×2160
Interface
PCIe x16
Series
RTX 30 Series
Check Price on Amazon→

#4. EVGA GTX 1650 Super SC

EVGA GTX 1650 Super SC
GDDR6
Memory Speed
1755MHz
Real Boost
1080p
Gaming Focus
Best 1080p Value
84
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
8.3
Value
8.6
Cooling
8.2
Reliability
8.8
Check Price on Amazon→

The GTX 1650 Super is one of the most meaningful jumps you can make from a 1050 Ti, and EVGA’s SC Ultra version runs it at a 1755 MHz boost clock with 4GB of GDDR6. Expect noticeably smoother 1080p gaming, and the dual-fan cooler keeps things quiet under load. The metal backplate and EVGA support round out a strong package.

The honest caveat is the 4GB VRAM ceiling, which can bite in newer titles at high textures. You’ll also need a 6-pin power connection from your PSU. It’s an excellent pick for 1080p gamers on a budget; skip it if you want future-proof VRAM capacity.

Pros

  • Big 1080p uplift
  • GDDR6 memory
  • Strong EVGA support

Cons

  • 4GB VRAM cap
  • Needs 6-pin power
  • Older architecture

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1650 Super
Memory
4GB GDDR6
Boost Clock
1755 MHz
Fans
2
Max Resolution
7680×4320
Outputs
HDMI, DP, DVI
Warranty
3 years
Check Price on Amazon→

#5. SRhonyra GTX 1660 Ti

SRhonyra GTX 1660 Ti
Quad
Monitor Support
GDDR6
192-Bit Bus
Silent
Semi-Fan Mode
Best Multi-Monitor Card
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
8.2
Multi-Display
9.0
Cooling
8.4
Brand Recognition
7.2
Check Price on Amazon→

The SRhonyra GTX 1660 Ti is a strong Turing-era upgrade, pairing 6GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus with a TU116 GPU that handles most games well at 1080p. Its standout is connectivity: four outputs (HDMI plus 3x DisplayPort) make it excellent for quad-monitor trading, editing, or productivity setups.

The semi-automatic fans are nearly silent at low load, which productivity users will appreciate. Caveats: it’s a dual-slot card that won’t fit SFF cases, needs an 8-pin power connector, and SRhonyra is a niche brand with a shorter 1-year warranty. Great for multi-monitor workstations; skip it for small builds.

Pros

  • Four display outputs
  • Quiet fans
  • GDDR6 memory

Cons

  • Niche brand
  • 1-year warranty
  • Won’t fit SFF

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1660 Ti
Memory
6GB GDDR6
Memory Bus
192-bit
GPU Clock
1500 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
HDMI, 3x DP
TDP
150W
Check Price on Amazon→

#6. 51RISC GTX 1660 Ti

51RISC GTX 1660 Ti
125W
Low TDP
1785MHz
Boost Clock
1080p
Budget Gaming
Best Budget 1660 Ti
81
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
8.3
Value
8.6
Power Efficiency
8.5
Brand Recognition
7.0
Check Price on Amazon→

The 51RISC GTX 1660 Ti delivers near-GTX 1070 performance for budget buyers, with 6GB of GDDR6, a 1785 MHz boost clock, and a modest 125W TDP that older PSUs under 500W can handle. That makes it one of the most efficient meaningful upgrades from a 1050 Ti for 1080p gaming.

Dual blade fans keep it cool and quiet, and you get DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort coverage. The caveats: 51RISC is a lesser-known brand, the card needs an 8-pin power connector, and driver support relies on NVIDIA’s standard channels. Good for budget-conscious 1080p gamers; skip it if brand support matters most.

Pros

  • Near-1070 performance
  • Low 125W TDP
  • Triple output options

Cons

  • Lesser-known brand
  • 8-pin required
  • Older Turing chip

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1660 Ti
Memory
6GB GDDR6
Boost Clock
1785 MHz
Memory Bus
192-bit
TDP
125W
Outputs
DP, HDMI, DVI
Interface
PCIe 3.0 x16
Check Price on Amazon→

#7. EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra

EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra
1860MHz
Boost Clock
Backplate
Metal Build
Precision
X1 Tuning
Best Mainstream Pick
80
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
7.6
Reliability
8.8
Cooling
8.0
Software
8.4
Check Price on Amazon→

The EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra is a dependable step up from a 1050 Ti, with a factory 1860 MHz boost clock and EVGA’s well-regarded build quality. The dual-fan design runs cool and quiet, and the included metal backplate adds rigidity. Precision X1 gives you easy overclocking headroom if you want more.

The caveat is memory: 4GB of GDDR5 limits you in newer titles, and there’s no external power connector headroom for heavy tuning. It’s a solid pick if you play esports and older AAA games at 1080p; skip it if you want a big jump for modern releases.

Pros

  • High factory overclock
  • EVGA reliability
  • Metal backplate included

Cons

  • Only 4GB VRAM
  • GDDR5 not GDDR6
  • Modest uplift

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1650
Memory
4GB GDDR5
Boost Clock
1860 MHz
CUDA Cores
896
Fans
2
Outputs
HDMI, DisplayPort
Warranty
3 years
Check Price on Amazon→

#8. Gigabyte GTX 1650 OC

Gigabyte GTX 1650 OC
Windforce
2X Cooling
Alternate
Spinning Fans
Dual
HDMI Outputs
Best Compact Build
79
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
7.5
Cooling
8.6
Value
8.0
Brand Support
8.4
Check Price on Amazon→

Gigabyte’s GTX 1650 OC pairs the Turing GPU with the proven Windforce 2X cooling system, using alternate-spinning fans for low noise and solid thermals. You get 4GB of GDDR5 on a 128-bit bus, dual HDMI outputs for multi-display setups, and the AORUS Engine for fan and clock control.

This is still an incremental upgrade over a 1050 Ti, so temper expectations for demanding new games. The card is also a bit longer than some 1650 models, so check case clearance. It’s great for compact or quiet builds and 1080p esports; skip it if you need more VRAM headroom.

Pros

  • Excellent Windforce cooling
  • Dual HDMI outputs
  • AORUS Engine control

Cons

  • 4GB VRAM limit
  • Incremental upgrade
  • Longer card length

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1650
Memory
4GB GDDR5
Memory Bus
128-bit
Memory Clock
8002 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
2x HDMI, DP
Interface
PCIe 3.0 x16
Check Price on Amazon→

#9. Maxsun GTX 1650 GDDR6

Maxsun GTX 1650 GDDR6
GDDR6
Faster Memory
Dual-Fan
Quiet Cooling
4K
HDCP Playback
Best Budget Upgrade
76
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
7.4
Value
8.2
Cooling
7.6
Build Quality
7.2
Check Price on Amazon→

If you’re coming from a GTX 1050 Ti, this Maxsun card gives you a modest but real bump thanks to 4GB of faster GDDR6 and the Turing architecture. The dual-fan cooler keeps noise low, and you get HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI for flexible monitor setups. It also supports 4K video playback with HDCP compliance.

Be realistic about expectations: this is a small-step upgrade, not a generational leap, so don’t expect to max out modern AAA titles. You’ll want a 500W-class PSU and a free PCIe x16 slot. It’s a good fit if you want the cheapest credible upgrade path; skip it if you need big 1080p headroom.

Pros

  • GDDR6 memory upgrade
  • Quiet dual fans
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Modest performance gain
  • Only 4GB VRAM
  • Budget board partner

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1650
Memory
4GB GDDR6
Memory Bus
128-bit
Boost Clock
1590 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
HDMI/DP/DVI
Warranty
3 years
Check Price on Amazon→

#10. GPVHOSO GTX 1060 6GB

GPVHOSO GTX 1060 6GB
6GB
GDDR5 Memory
VR
Ready Design
192-bit
Memory Bus
Best Cheap Stopgap
74
OVERALL
SCORE
Performance
7.2
Value
8.0
VRAM Capacity
7.8
Brand Support
6.8
Check Price on Amazon→

This GPVHOSO GTX 1060 6GB offers a cheap way to gain 6GB of VRAM and a 192-bit memory bus over your 1050 Ti, with enough muscle for VR and 1080p gaming. You get dual fans, two DisplayPorts plus HDMI, and DirectX 12 support in a straightforward package.

Manage expectations: this is an older Pascal-era card, and it’s a lesser-known brand with 24-month warranty support rather than a major AIB. You’ll also need a 400W-plus PSU with a 6-pin connector. It’s a reasonable stopgap if you find it cheap; skip it if you want modern features or long-term driver relevance.

Pros

  • 6GB VRAM
  • VR-ready
  • Affordable option

Cons

  • Older architecture
  • Unknown brand
  • Needs 6-pin power

Specifications

GPU
GTX 1060
Memory
6GB GDDR5
Memory Bus
192-bit
Boost Clock
1531 MHz
Fans
2
Outputs
HDMI, 2x DP
Warranty
24 months
Check Price on Amazon→
10 Best Upgrade From Gtx 1050 Ti [2026]

Escaping GTX 1050 Ti Territory: How to Choose Your Next Graphics Card

The GTX 1050 Ti served many gamers well, but modern titles have moved on, and so should your hardware. Upgrading a GPU is one of the most impactful changes you can make to a PC, but it’s also easy to overspend or buy something your system can’t properly support. A little planning goes a long way toward a jump you’ll actually feel every time you launch a game. For a fuller walkthrough of picking the right GPU, including compatibility and bottleneck checks, see our dedicated guide.

The Specs That Make or Break Your Upgrade

  • Performance uplift: Aim for a card that delivers a meaningful leap over your current setup — ideally a substantial percentage gain — so the upgrade feels worthwhile rather than incremental.
  • Power supply compatibility: Check your PSU’s wattage and whether the new card requires extra PCIe power connectors. Some efficient modern cards run fine on modest systems, while higher-tier options demand more.
  • Physical fit: Measure your case. Newer cards are often longer and thicker than the compact 1050 Ti, and a card that doesn’t fit is a frustrating return trip.
  • VRAM capacity: Modern games at higher resolutions chew through video memory quickly. Prioritize enough VRAM to handle the resolution you actually play at, not just today’s titles.
  • CPU pairing: A very powerful GPU paired with an aging processor can leave performance on the table. Make sure your CPU won’t hold back the new card in the games you play.
  • Sticking to your budget: Decide your ceiling before browsing. The used market and previous-generation cards can offer excellent value, letting you maximize gains without stretching your wallet.

Pitfalls That Burn First-Time Upgraders

  • Buying for a resolution you don’t play at: A monster card meant for 4K is wasted money if your monitor tops out at 1080p. Match the card to your display, not your ambitions.
  • Ignoring your power supply: Overlooking wattage or connector requirements is one of the fastest ways to turn an exciting upgrade into a system that won’t boot. Verify before you buy.
  • Forgetting about the rest of the build: An upgrade is a great moment to check for bottlenecks elsewhere — old drivers, insufficient RAM, or a dated CPU can all mute the impact of shiny new silicon.

Take stock of your whole system first, then pick the card that fits it. That’s the difference between an upgrade that disappoints and one that feels like a brand-new PC.

Leveling Up From Your GTX 1050 Ti: The Final Call

If you want the biggest jump in performance, the EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra is the clear winner for 1080p and even 1440p gaming, while the RTX 2060 12GB XC suits anyone who wants extra VRAM headroom. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus and GTX 1660 Ti options hit the sweet spot for solid 1080p upgrades, and the GTX 1650 Super or 1650 cards are perfect if you’re on a tighter budget or have a small PSU. Whatever your needs, every pick here is a meaningful step up from your 1050 Ti without breaking the bank. Don’t wait too long, though — GPU stock moves fast, so check current prices and availability through the buttons above before you commit.

Final 3 Picks: Performance Jump, VRAM Capacity, and Modern Feature Set

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *