Briefly about the main thing
We are once again turning to the GeForce RTX 30 generation of video cards, as Palit has introduced an interesting accelerator based on the GeForce RTX 3050 with a passive cooling system, i.e. without fans. Such cards may be of interest to users who assemble the quietest desktop PCs possible.
As a reminder, there are two versions of the GeForce RTX 3050 cards available on the market: with 8 GB and 6 GB of video memory. We have already reviewed the 6 GB version and expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that cards with performance differing by almost 30% are sold under the same index (the differences are not only in the memory capacity, but also in the GPU working units and the memory bus width). For some models of the same line, differing by less than 10%, different indexes are created or special suffixes are added, while the GeForce RTX 3050 has no differences except for the memory capacity. This creates a risk for the buyer, who does not have to understand these subtleties, look for full specifications or remember the correct bus width. He sees the same name.
However, video cards with different performance under the single name GeForce RTX 3050 are still available in stores. Moreover, Nvidia has not yet released a replacement for these cards in the current generation of GeForce RTX 40: neither the GeForce RTX 4050 nor the younger models for the desktop segment have been announced yet (the GeForce RTX 4050 is only available in laptops).
That is why the GeForce RTX 3050 is still the youngest model with support for ray tracing and DLSS dynamic scaling technologies, albeit with formal support for RT.
The idea is to create the least productive, but modern graphics accelerator that meets the needs of unpretentious gamers who prefer a resolution of 1080p. Such a video card will consume little power (and will be able to operate only from the power supply through the PCIe slot), have compact dimensions and be suitable for very small system units, both for office and home use. If we distract ourselves from the issue of incorrect naming, then the GeForce RTX 3050 with 6 GB of memory looks like a good solution for such tasks: many compact video cards have been released on its basis, which easily fit into a Mini-ITX mini-PC. But what about absolutely silent models? After all, users who want to build a compact but relatively productive PC often have increased requirements for the noise level.
Although there were no models with a passive cooling system among the GeForce RTX 3050 video cards with 8 GB of memory, such a version from Palit appeared among the 6 GB variants, which we will consider today.
Before moving on to detailed tests, we will present brief information about the performance of this family of video cards and their competitors, which we will subjectively rate on a seven-point scale.
Games without ray tracing (classic rasterization):
While the standard 8GB GeForce RTX 3050 can still handle games at maximum settings in Full HD, the 6GB GeForce RTX 3050 is no longer capable of doing so: you'll have to lower the graphics settings in most modern games. Its closest competitor is the Radeon RX 6500 XT.
Games using ray tracing and DLSS/FSR/XeSS:
If in games without ray tracing even the «senior» version of the GeForce RTX 3050 barely provides a comfortable gaming experience at 1080p, then with ray tracing enabled the situation becomes much worse, and even DLSS support in games provides only a minimal improvement. In general, video cards of the GeForce RTX 3050 level (such as the Arc A310, Arc A380 and Radeon RX 6500 XT) are better used for games without ray tracing, and enabling DLSS, FSR or XeSS technologies becomes highly desirable.
Card characteristics
Palit Microsystems (Palit brand) was founded in 1988 in Taipei, Taiwan. The headquarters are located in Taipei, and a major logistics center is in Hong Kong. An office was opened in Germany for sales in Europe, and factories are located in China. In 2005, Palit acquired the trademark and assets of Gainward after its bankruptcy, which led to the formation of the Palit Group holding company. An office was also opened in Shenzhen for sales in the Chinese market. Currently, Palit Group unites several other brands and trademarks.
| Palit GeForce RTX 3050 KalmX 6GB 96-bit GDDR6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Meaning | Nominal value (reference) | |
| GPU | GeForce RTX 3050 (GA107, cut-down version) | GeForce RTX 3050 (GA107, full version) | |
| Interface | PCI Express x8 4.0 | ||
| GPU Operating Frequency (ROPs), MHz | 1470(Boost)—1950(Max) | 1470(Boost)—2007(Max) | 1777(Boost)—1927(Max) |
| Memory frequency (physical (effective)), MHz | 3500 (14000) | 3500 (14000) | 3500 (14000) |
| Memory bus width, bit | 96 | 128 | |
| Number of computing units in a GPU | 18 | 20 | |
| Number of operations (ALU/CUDA) in a block | 128 | ||
| Total number of ALU/CUDA blocks | 2304 | 2560 | |
| Number of texture units (BLF/TLF/ANIS) | 72 | 80 | |
| Number of rasterization units (ROP) | 32 | ||
| Number of Ray Tracing Blocks | 18 | 20 | |
| Number of tensor blocks | 72 | 80 | |
| Dimensions, mm | 165×137×39 | 213×120×40 | |
| The number of slots in the system unit occupied by the video card | 2 | ||
| Color of PCB | black | ||
| Peak power consumption in 3D, W | 69 | 70 | 125 |
| Power consumption in 2D mode, W | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Power consumption in sleep mode, W | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Noise level in 3D (maximum load), dBA | 18.0 | 37.3 | 37.3 |
| Noise level in 2D (video viewing), dBA | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Noise level in 2D (idle), dBA | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Video outputs | 1×HDMI 2.1, 1×DisplayPort 1.4a, 1×DVI-D | 1×HDMI 2.1, 2×DisplayPort 1.4a | 1×HDMI 2.1, 3×DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Support for multiprocessor operation | No | ||
| Maximum number of receivers/monitors for simultaneous image output | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Power: 8-pin connectors | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Power: 6-pin connectors | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power: 16-pin connectors | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Weight of the card with the delivery set (gross), kg | 0.72 | 1,2 | 1,2 |
| Net weight of the card, kg | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| Max Resolution/Frequency, DisplayPort | 3840×2160@144 Hz, 7680×4320@60 Hz | ||
| Maximum Resolution/Frequency, HDMI | 3840×2160@144 Hz, 7680×4320@60 Hz |
Memory
The card is equipped with 6 GB of GDDR6 SDRAM, which is represented by three 16 Gbit chips on the front side of the printed circuit board. The memory chips from SK Hynix have a nominal operating frequency of 3500 MHz (or 14000 MHz in effective mode).
Features of the card and comparison with Palit GeForce RTX 3050 StormX (6 GB)
We compare it to a previously tested card from the same manufacturer based on the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB to clearly show that both cards are identical (except for the fan connector on the StormX version).
The GeForce RTX 3050 PCB is designed for the GA107 GPU, which in its maximum configuration has 2560 stream processors and a 128-bit wide memory controller, which is the same as the full GeForce RTX 3050 with 8GB. However, the stripped-down GeForce RTX 3050 has one less memory chip, leaving three chips providing 6GB of memory and a bus of only 96 bits.
The graphics core is the GA107-325 chip, released in week 40 of 2023. The "-325" designation indicates that this core has fewer blocks than the standard GeForce RTX 3050, which is labeled "-400".
The total number of power phases in the tested card is 4: 1 for memory, and 3 in the core power scheme.
The green color shows the power phases of the graphics core and their PWM controller, and the red color shows the power phases of the memory chips. All controllers are located on the front side of the printed circuit board (PCB). The core power is controlled by the RT8845A PWM controller from Richtek, which is capable of controlling up to four phases.
The 1-phase power supply circuit of the memory chips is controlled by another, very simple controller from the same company Richtek — RT8237 (under the OEM marking 88AH), designed for a maximum of 2 phases.
There is also a uS5650Q (uPI Semiconductor) controller, which is responsible for monitoring the card (voltage and temperature monitoring).
The core power converter and memory power supply circuit use Sinopower SM4507/4503 60A MOSFET arrays.
The Palit graphics card's core and memory frequencies correspond to the reference values. In tests, its power consumption reached 69 W.
All GeForce RTX 3050 cards with 6 GB have a characteristic feature — they do not require additional power, as they rely entirely on the power received through the motherboard slot. These cards do not have connectors for connecting additional power.
It should be noted that this video card has very compact dimensions: 16.5×13.7×4 cm. This makes it an ideal choice for users who have mini-ITX cases. The video card takes up two slots in the system unit.
Operation can be controlled using Palit's proprietary utility, ThunderMaster.
Operating frequency control panel
Dashboard
Heating and cooling
The basis of the cooling system is a plate nickel-plated radiator, reinforced with two heat pipes soldered to a large heat sink.
Memory chips and VRM power converters are cooled by the same heatsink (via thermal pads).
The card does not have a backplate.
As you understand, this cooling system does not have a fan.
Temperature monitoring:
After 2 hours of stress testing without additional airflow, the maximum temperature of the GPU can reach 90 degrees (with the hottest point being 100 °C). This is lower than the maximum allowable temperature for the GeForce RTX 3050 with 6 GB (93 degrees), and in games, temperatures are usually 10-15 degrees lower. However, the presence of airflow for the video card is clearly required, since this level of heating can damage the surrounding components, especially in compact cases. Power consumption in this case reached 69 watts.
The maximum heating was observed in the GPU area.
Noise
The noise measurement method assumes that the room is isolated from extraneous sounds and reverberations are minimized. The system unit in which the noise level of video cards is studied is not equipped with fans and does not create mechanical noise. The background level is 18 dBA, which corresponds to the noise in the room and the sound of the noise meter itself. Measurements are taken at a distance of 50 cm from the video card, at the level of the cooling system.
It should be noted that under passive cooling conditions, the noise will always be equal to the background level, and measuring it in this case does not make sense.
Let us repeat that at maximum load, the temperature reached 90/100 °C (core/hot spot), and these are very alarming indicators.
Backlight
This Palit card does not have a backlight.
Delivery set and packaging
The package contains nothing but the traditional quick start guide.
Conclusions
If we consider the GeForce RTX 3050 with 6 GB of memory as a whole and leave aside the confusion with the name, then this accelerator is an excellent solution for a compact PC, allowing you to comfortably play modern games in Full HD resolution, although not at maximum graphics settings. The set of video outputs will also satisfy most users: 1 DP 1.4a, 1 HDMI 2.1 and 1 DVI-D.
As for the implementation in the form of a Palit GeForce RTX 3050 KalmX card (6 GB), on the one hand, this is a modern budget accelerator with a silent cooling system that does not require additional power and has compact dimensions (16.5 × 14 × 4 cm), which makes it suitable for Mini-ITX form factor cases. On the other hand, under serious load, the heating of this card can be quite high, and in compact cases the temperature will be even higher. Therefore, it is important to provide good ventilation inside the case.
In conclusion of our review, we remind buyers: be careful! GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce RTX 3050 6GB are not the same thing. The performance difference between these models is quite significant and amounts to at least 25%.
The manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty for this video card.
We remind you that cards like the GeForce RTX 3050 are great for gaming at 1080p, especially in classic games without ray tracing, but with high graphics settings. It is recommended to use DLSS/FSR/XeSS to improve performance. Compared to older video cards at 1080p in classic games (without RT), the GeForce RTX 3050 (6 GB) demonstrates similar performance to the GeForce GTX 1650 (slightly faster), is 16% slower than the GeForce GTX 1660 Super, but is 18% faster than the GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB). However, the Radeon RX 5700 XT significantly outperforms the GeForce RTX 3050 (6 GB) in performance, almost twice as much.