Initially, NVIDIA introduced two graphics cards based on the GP107 GPU. The older version of the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti received a full set of computing units and 4 GB of memory, while the younger GeForce GTX 1050 card, along with the blocks, was reduced to 2 GB of memory. At the same time, we have repeatedly noted the good potential of the GeForce GTX 1050 in comparison with competitive Radeon RX 560 solutions, however, the amount of memory still played the role of a certain limiter or added problems with textures in individual applications. Therefore, the appearance of a third video card based on the GP107 GPU cannot be called unexpected — this is a compromise solution with 3 GB on board. The video card appeared on the market relatively recently and is represented by a limited range of models. We will get acquainted with this solution on the example of ASUS PH-GTX1050-3G.

First, let’s briefly talk about the technical characteristics of the new version. The video card received a GPU with 768 CUDA cores and 48 texture units, like the older model GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. To work with 3 GB, the memory bus has been cut from 128 bits to 96 bits (three 32-bit controllers). At the same time, the GDDR5 frequencies remained unchanged, the effective value of data exchange at the level of 7000 MHz. But the processor is accelerated to 1392 MHz at the base value with a Boost Clock of 1518 MHz, and these are the highest values ​​​​relative to other models of the GeForce GTX 1050 series. It is also worth noting that with the reduction of the bus, the new version received only 24 ROPs instead of 32 ROPs in other versions . TDP at a standard level of 75 watts.

How successful a non-standard combination of characteristics will be will become clear from the results of our testing.

ASUS PH-GTX1050-3G

The video card belongs to the line of budget products ASUS Phoenix. It comes in a small box and does not have any additional accessories other than the standard software disk.

Before us is a regular budget video card with simple cooling. The GPU is covered by a small heatsink with a streamlined shroud and a single fan.

The length of the ASUS Phoenix GeForce GTX 1050 3GB is about 19 cm. The cooler shroud and the board are made in black.

When examining the rear side, one can note the presence of a warranty seal on one of the screws of the cooling system.

There are three connectors for image output: DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI.

Cooling occupies two slots, but a radiator of modest dimensions is hidden under the plastic.

The design of the cooler can be called standard for ASUS budget solutions. The same radiator is used in ASUS PH-GT1030-O2G and ASUS RX550-4G. Large core and petals diverging in the form of rays. No heat pipes and copper inserts, but they are not really needed for a cold GPU. Under the base there is a plate, which is probably needed to reflect the airflow in order to better blow the sides of the board.

The radiator is blown by an Everflow R128015BU fan with a size of 80 mm (the impeller diameter is slightly smaller).

The PCB by the standards of the GeForce GTX 1050 series is not the simplest. And this is a copy of the PCB from ASUS DUAL-GTX1050-O2G-V2.

Full marking of the processor GP107-300-K1-A1.

Soldered three Micron memory chips marked 8DA47 D9SXD.

Operating frequencies strictly comply with standard specifications. This is a base value of 1392 MHz with an average Boost of 1518 MHz.

Boost peaked at 1759 MHz, but the average frequency level is below 1700 MHz. In the Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition benchmark, the operating range was approximately 1660-1680 MHz, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider the frequency was kept at 1709 MHz with almost no dropouts.

On the open bench, the temperature of the core did not exceed 62°C (indoors 21°C). The fan spins up to 1300-1350 rpm, the noise is minimal.

The video adapter has a fixed power limit, which is inherent in all budget versions of the GeForce GTX 1050 and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. Therefore, Boost will not stabilize the frequencies, but with an increase in the base value, the average frequency level will also increase. In this case, we settled on a base frequency of 1562 MHz with a peak boost of up to 1924 MHz. In the Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition test, the core frequencies dropped to 1760-1740 MHz, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider the drawdowns were up to 1810 MHz.

Pleased with the memory. It was able to operate at an effective value of 9 GHz, further overclocking is not allowed by restrictions on the maximum frequency. That’s a 28.5% memory boost, which will largely offset the 25% bus cut.

For stability when overclocked, we raised the fan speed slightly to 1400 rpm, and this allowed us to maintain operating temperatures at the initial level. Inside the case, the heat may be higher, but the cooler has the potential to cool a forced video card in an acceptable acoustic mode.