Best GPU Upgrades for Nvidia’s GTX 1650: RTX 3060, AMD RX 7600, and Intel Arc A750
Nvidia’s GTX 1650 has long been a favorite among PC gamers, holding the top spot in the Steam hardware survey for years. However, as the card ages, it’s struggling to keep up with modern games. While it still performs well in low-lift esports titles, if you want to experience AAA games in the future, it’s time for an upgrade. In this article, we will explore the best GPU upgrade options for those coming from the GTX 1650, considering both performance and budget.
Nvidia RTX 3060: The Ultimate Upgrade
Without a doubt, the best GPU upgrade from the GTX 1650 is Nvidia’s own RTX 3060. This GPU has slowly overtaken the GTX 1650 in 1080p gaming PCs for a reason. The RTX 3060 offers a massive jump in raw performance, being twice as fast as the GTX 1650 at its worst and close to three times as fast at its best.
In addition to its raw power, the RTX 3060 supports ray tracing and Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). While ray tracing may not be available in all demanding titles, DLSS significantly enhances performance in games where the older GTX 1650 would struggle. The only downside is the price, with a new RTX 3060 costing around $280. However, there is a vibrant secondhand market where refurbished models can be found for as low as $210.
AMD RX 7600: A Solid Alternative
If you’re looking for an alternative to Nvidia, the AMD RX 7600 is a great option. In terms of raw performance, it actually beats the RTX 3060 and comes at a lower price. However, it falls short in ray tracing performance and lacks DLSS support. Nevertheless, the RX 7600 offers solid all-around performance at 1080p and is available for $270, sometimes even on sale for $250. Refurbished models can be found for as low as $200.
Intel Arc A750: The Budget Choice
The Intel Arc A750 is the cheapest option on this list, making it a viable choice for those on a tight budget. While it may not match the performance of the RTX 3060 or RX 7600, it holds its ground and offers similarly powerful ray tracing capabilities. The main drawback is Intel’s relatively new presence in the discrete GPU market, which means occasional driver issues and growing pains. However, if you’re willing to endure these minor inconveniences, the Arc A750 is worth considering, especially at its price point of $240 or even lower for models from ASRock and Sparkle.
Time for an Upgrade
The GTX 1650 has served its purpose as a budget-friendly option for PC gamers, but with the GPU shortage behind us, it’s time to upgrade. The RTX 3060, AMD RX 7600, and Intel Arc A750 are all excellent options that provide a significant performance boost over the GTX 1650. Not only will you experience better gaming performance, but you’ll also gain access to features like ray tracing and DLSS that were previously unavailable on GTX cards.
While these three GPUs are the top choices, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for sales and deals on other options like the RTX 4060 and RX 6700 XT. With the right upgrade, you can future-proof your gaming experience and enjoy the latest AAA titles in all their glory.