If you’re hoping a new graphics card will instantly level up your gaming experience, you’re not wrong. But let’s be real—who’s got $500, $600, or even $1,000 just sitting around for the latest and greatest GPU? I know I don’t.
The good news? GPU prices have been dropping lately, and as deals keep popping up, it’s worth taking another look at some older models to see how they hold up in 2025.
Today, we’re comparing the RX 570 and GTX 1650, two budget-friendly options that might just give you decent performance without breaking the bank.
We’ll cover everything you need to know before hitting that “Buy Now” button—and if you like what you see, we’ve even got a few deals lined up for you.
RX 570 vs. GTX 1650 – Quick Comparison
| Feature | RX 570 | GTX 1650 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Polaris 20 XL (215-0910052) | TU117-300-A1 (GDDR5 & GDDR6), TU116-150-KA-A1, TU106-125-KAB-A1, TU116-250-KA-A1 (Super) |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Cores | 2,048 (Stream Processors) | 896 (CUDA Cores) |
| TMUs | 128 | 56 |
| Base Clock | 1,168 MHz | 1,485 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,244 MHz | 1,665 MHz |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR5 / 4 GB GDDR5 | 4 GB GDDR5 / 4 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 1,750 MHz (7 Gbps effective) | 2,000 MHz (8 Gbps effective) |
| Bandwidth | 224.0 GB/s | 128.1 GB/s |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit |
| TDP | 150 W | 75 W (TU117), 80 W (TU116), 90 W (TU106), 100 W (Super) |
| Required PSU | 450 W | 300 W |
| Max Temp | 74℃ (165.2℉) | 65℃ (149℉) |
| Max Fan Noise | 38dB | 45dB |
| Outputs | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4a |
RX 570: Mid-Range Power on a Budget
AMD Radeon RX 570
The RX 570, released in April 2017, is a solid mid-range GPU built on AMD’s Polaris architecture. It shares the same core architecture as the RX 580, with 2,304 physical cores—though 256 are locked to achieve a shader target of 2,048.
Available in 4GB and 8GB GDDR5 variants, the RX 570 is a great choice for 1080p gaming, offering DirectX 12 support and strong performance at lower resolutions.
🔥 Pros:
✔️ More VRAM – The 8GB version is great for newer games and higher textures.
✔️ More cores – Delivers better raw performance than the GTX 1650.
✔️ Higher bandwidth – Wider memory bus helps with demanding tasks.
❌ Cons:
❌ Higher power draw – 150W TDP means you’ll need a decent PSU.
❌ Runs hotter – Expect more heat and potentially louder cooling solutions.
GTX 1650: Energy-Efficient & Entry-Level
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
Launched in April 2019, the GTX 1650 is an entry-level GPU built on Nvidia’s Turing architecture. It supports DirectX 12, but with just 4GB of VRAM and 896 CUDA cores, performance varies depending on the game.
There are several versions of the GTX 1650, with different VRAM and GPU variants, including a Super version with GDDR6 memory. Despite its lower specs, the GTX 1650’s low power consumption makes it a great choice for small or budget builds.
🔥 Pros:
✔️ Lower power draw – Uses only 75W (or slightly more in newer versions), so no extra power connectors needed.
✔️ Higher memory clock – Faster memory speed for better efficiency.
✔️ Higher core clock – Runs at a higher base and boost clock than the RX 570.
❌ Cons:
❌ Less VRAM – Limited to 4GB, which may struggle with newer games.
❌ Fewer cores – Lower raw performance compared to the RX 570.
GTX 1650 vs RX 570 – Key Specifications
Architecture
Polaris (RX 570)
Polaris, also known as GCN 4.0, builds on its predecessor’s foundation without introducing groundbreaking changes.
Thanks to improvements in the production process, AMD managed to refine the same microarchitecture for better efficiency. This resulted in higher clock speeds, faster VRAM, and overall solid performance.
Turing (GTX 1650)
Turing made a name for itself in the RTX 20 series, and NVIDIA decided to introduce a more budget-friendly version for the GTX 16 series by removing RT and Tensor cores.
This move allowed them to offer a cheaper alternative to RTX cards without compromising too much on performance.
Winner: GTX 1650
Clock Speeds & Overclocking
If you’ve looked into GPUs before, you’ve probably come across the term “clock speed.” It refers to the frequency at which a GPU operates. In the past, these speeds were fixed but could be adjusted through overclocking. Nowadays, they fluctuate between a “base” and a “boost” clock.
- Base Clock: The minimum speed your GPU runs at under load (but can dip lower when idle or running light applications).
- Boost Clock: The maximum speed your GPU can reach without manual overclocking, though in some cases, GPUs can exceed their official boost speeds on their own.
Clock Speeds Comparison:
- RX 570: Base Clock – 1,168 MHz | Boost Clock – 1,244 MHz
- GTX 1650: Base Clock – 1,485 MHz | Boost Clock – 1,665 MHz
If you’re into overclocking, you can push beyond these limits using software like AMD’s Radeon Software or NVIDIA’s tools.
Many third-party GPUs also come factory-overclocked (look for ‘OC’ in their names). MSI Afterburner is a popular choice for tweaking settings, but if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to leave these settings alone.
Overclocking Performance: When both cards are overclocked, the performance gap shrinks significantly.
| Best RX 570 Variants | Boost Clock | Best GTX 1650 Variants | Boost Clock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire NITRO+ RX 570 | 1,340 MHz | EVGA GTX 1650 XC Ultra | 1,875 MHz |
| Sapphire NITRO+ RX 570 8GB | 1,340 MHz | Colorful iGame GTX 1650 AD Special OC | 1,860 MHz |
| Dataland RX 570 X-Serial | 1,320 MHz | Colorful iGame GTX 1650 Ultra | 1,860 MHz |
| PowerColor Red Devil RX 570 OC | 1,320 MHz | EVGA GTX 1650 SC Ultra | 1,860 MHz |
| AREZ STRIX RX 570 GAMING OC | 1,300 MHz | EVGA GTX 1650 XC | 1,860 MHz |
Things shift dramatically when you compare the GTX 1650 Super vs RX 570. The GTX 1650 Super has the same base clock as the GTX 1650 but a higher boost clock of 1,725 MHz. Factory-overclocked versions of the 1650 Super can reach up to 1,785 MHz.
Winner: GTX 1650
Cores & Shaders
A GPU, much like a CPU, is a parallel processor, but it has significantly more cores—sometimes numbering in the thousands.
The GTX 1650 comes in five different versions using four different GPUs. The TU117 (GDDR5) was the first, followed by the GTX 1650 Super (GDDR6), which has the most cores (1,280). NVIDIA later released three additional versions based on the TU117, TU116, and TU106 GPUs.
Meanwhile, the RX 570’s GPU has a potential core count of 2,304, but AMD locked it down to 2,048—a lower shader count than its sibling, the RX 580. In contrast, the GTX 1650 has just 896 cores. However, raw core count isn’t the only factor in performance; efficiency also plays a key role.
Shader Support: Shaders play a critical role in rendering, and the GTX 1650 supports newer shading languages like DirectX 12_1 and 12_2 (TU106), while the RX 570 is limited to DirectX 12_0.
| Feature | RX 570 | GTX 1650 |
| DirectX | 12 (12_0) | 12 (12_1), 12 (12_2) on TU106 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| OpenCL | 2.1 | 3.0 |
| Vulkan | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| Shader Model | 6.4 | 6.6 |
This is part of the reason why the GTX 1650 holds its own against the RX 570, despite having fewer cores and less VRAM.
Winner: Tie (Efficiency vs. Raw Power)
VRAM & Memory Specs
The RX 570 came in two configurations: 4GB and 8GB GDDR5, both running on a 256-bit memory bus with an effective speed of 7 Gbps and a bandwidth of 224 GB/s. If you can, always opt for the 8GB variant, as it’s far more future-proof.
The original GTX 1650 launched with 4GB GDDR5, running on a 128-bit memory bus with 8 Gbps effective speed and 128 GB/s bandwidth. The later GTX 1650 Super featured GDDR6 memory, increasing bandwidth to 192 GB/s, which helps close the performance gap with the RX 570.
Winner: RX 570
Performance (Gaming Benchmarks)
On average, the RX 570 outperforms the GTX 1650 by 11% at 1080p and 13% at 1440p.
| Resolution | RX 570 Advantage |
| 1080p | +11% |
| 1440p | +13% |
However, GTX 1650 Super vs RX 570 tells a different story. The 1650 Super outperforms the RX 570 by 27% in user benchmarks and 40% over the base GTX 1650.
Winner: RX 570 (Base), GTX 1650 Super (Upgraded Model)
Power Consumption (TDP)
The RX 570 pulls 150W and requires a 450W PSU, reaching 74°C under load. The GTX 1650, on the other hand, has multiple versions with power draws between 75W–100W, with a max recorded temp of 65°C.
Winner: GTX 1650
Pricing & Availability
The RX 570 launched at $169, but current prices can be much higher. Some variants are priced at 136% above MSRP, while others can reach 402% over MSRP.
The GTX 1650 launched at $149 and remains closer to its original price. Most models are between 13%–38% above MSRP, making it a more affordable option.
Winner: GTX 1650
Is the performance difference between the GTX 1650 and RX 570 significant enough to justify the price difference, especially considering the used RX 570’s lower cost?
The performance difference between the GTX 1650 and RX 570 is approximately 15%, with the RX 570 performing better in most scenarios, especially in more demanding games. However, the GTX 1650’s performance is still sufficient for most 1080p gaming at medium to high settings, which makes it a good option for budget gamers.
When comparing the price, the used RX 570 can often be found at a significant discount, sometimes as low as $122, while the GTX 1650 is generally priced around $155 or more for a new unit.
If you are budget-conscious and can tolerate the potential risks of buying a used card (such as no warranty and possible wear), the RX 570 could offer better performance for the price.
However, the slight performance edge might not be substantial enough to warrant the higher cost if the GTX 1650 is available at a competitive price.
How does the power consumption of the RX 570 compare to the GTX 1650 in terms of yearly electricity costs, and how important is this factor in a budget gaming setup?
The RX 570 consumes significantly more power than the GTX 1650, with the RX 570 drawing around 160W compared to the GTX 1650’s 66W. This difference in power consumption translates to higher electricity costs. On average, the RX 570 could cost approximately $10 more per year to run, depending on usage, whereas the GTX 1650 is much more power-efficient, providing savings in long-term electricity costs.
In a budget gaming setup, power efficiency is an important consideration, especially if you plan to run the system for extended periods. The GTX 1650’s lower power consumption makes it an attractive option for those concerned about ongoing operational costs. However, if your budget allows for a slight increase in electricity costs, the RX 570’s performance might still justify the higher power consumption.
Does the support for FreeSync on both the RX 570 and GTX 1650 provide a meaningful advantage for the user, or is it a minor feature?
FreeSync is a useful feature that helps to eliminate screen tearing by synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the GPU.
This creates a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience, particularly in fast-paced games. The RX 570 naturally supports FreeSync, while the GTX 1650 also supports it as of recent NVIDIA driver updates. This means that both cards can provide the benefit of FreeSync if paired with a compatible monitor.
For most users, the inclusion of FreeSync support is a meaningful advantage, especially if you are gaming on a FreeSync-compatible monitor.
It’s not a game-changer, but it adds to the overall gaming experience, improving visual quality and reducing stuttering. This feature should be considered, but it may not be a decisive factor unless you have a FreeSync monitor and are sensitive to screen tearing.
What are the long-term implications of buying a used RX 570 versus a new GTX 1650, considering factors like warranty, potential wear, and performance degradation?
Purchasing a used RX 570 comes with certain risks. While the card may offer great value in terms of performance, it is a used product, which means it may have experienced wear and tear.
Components such as the fans, thermal paste, and VRAM might degrade over time, potentially reducing the card’s lifespan or causing performance issues in the future.
Additionally, buying a used card typically means a limited or no warranty, which could leave you with little recourse if something goes wrong.
On the other hand, a new GTX 1650 comes with the advantage of a full manufacturer warranty, ensuring that any defects or issues can be addressed.
It also likely has a longer lifespan, as it hasn’t been subjected to potential stress or overheating from previous usage. Over the long term, the GTX 1650 might be a safer investment if you prioritize reliability and longevity, but if you’re comfortable with the potential risks and can find a used RX 570 in good condition, it could offer better value.
How do the memory types (GDDR6 for the GTX 1650 vs. GDDR5 for the RX 570) impact gaming performance, particularly in 1080p gaming?
The GTX 1650 comes with GDDR6 memory, which provides faster memory bandwidth compared to the GDDR5 memory in the RX 570.
In general, GDDR6 allows for faster data transfer, which can help with gaming performance, particularly in memory-intensive titles. However, at 1080p, the difference in memory bandwidth is not as noticeable in most games, and both cards perform well.
At 1080p resolution, the RX 570’s GDDR5 memory is generally adequate for the tasks, and its performance advantage mostly comes from the GPU architecture and processing power.
While GDDR6 offers a future-proofing benefit and better performance in higher resolutions or more demanding games, at 1080p, the RX 570’s GDDR5 is sufficient for most titles. However, the GTX 1650’s faster memory may give it an edge in some specific situations, such as when using high texture settings or modding games.
Should the user’s choice be based primarily on performance (15% difference) or factors like power efficiency, FreeSync support, and GPU availability in the market?
The user’s decision should take into account a balance of factors. If raw performance is the most important consideration and the user wants the highest performance for the lowest price, the RX 570 is the better choice with its 15% performance advantage. However, if power efficiency, FreeSync support, and availability are more important, the GTX 1650 may be the better option.
Power efficiency is particularly important for budget setups where long-term electricity costs can add up. The GTX 1650 also supports FreeSync, which provides a smoother gaming experience on compatible monitors. Availability in the current market should also be considered, as GPU prices and stock can fluctuate wildly, and the GTX 1650 might be easier to find at a reasonable price compared to a used RX 570.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the user’s priorities: if performance is paramount, the RX 570 might be worth the slight increase in power consumption, but for long-term efficiency and stability, the GTX 1650 is a solid choice.
Given the market condition and price fluctuation, was purchasing the GTX 1650 for $155 a wise decision compared to waiting for a better deal on the RX 570?
Given the current market conditions, purchasing the GTX 1650 for $155 was a reasonable decision, especially considering the scarcity of GPUs and the inflated prices of some cards. The RX 570, while offering slightly better performance, might not be readily available at the desired price point, and used prices can be highly variable. In some markets, the RX 570 can be found for a lower price, but it may not always be in stock or in good condition.
With the GTX 1650 being a newer, more efficient card and supporting FreeSync, it provides solid value for the price. If you found the GTX 1650 at $155, it’s likely a good deal, given the price fluctuations in the GPU market. Waiting for a better deal on the RX 570 might have been risky, as stock shortages and price hikes are common, making the GTX 1650 a safer and more reliable choice in this case.
Key Takeaways
The RX 570 delivers better overall performance, but it runs hotter and consumes more power. The GTX 1650 is more power-efficient and budget-friendly, but its raw performance lags behind unless you opt for the GTX 1650 Super, which beats both cards in most scenarios.
Best Choice in 2025? Neither. The GTX 1650 Super offers better performance at a similar price, making it the smarter buy.
