If you’re shopping for a gaming laptop in 2025, you’ll probably see models powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti. Back in 2020, this GPU was a decent mid-range option for budget laptops. But now, with RTX 3050, 4050, and even AMD’s new integrated GPUs dominating the market, the question is:
Is the GTX 1650 Ti a bad GPU laptops today?
Let’s break down its performance, limitations, and alternatives to help buyers in the USA and India decide whether it’s still worth buying.
What is the GTX 1650 Ti GPU Laptop?
- Architecture: Turing (TU117)
- VRAM: 4GB GDDR6
- Ray Tracing: ❌ Not supported
- DLSS: ❌ Not available
- Target Users: Casual gamers, students, and entry-level users
At launch, the 1650 Ti was attractive for budget-friendly gaming laptops. But five years later, it’s showing its age.
Why the GTX 1650 Ti Feels Outdated in 2025
1. Limited Gaming Performance
- AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty, Starfield, and Alan Wake 2 run poorly, often dropping below 30–40 FPS even on low settings.
- In esports titles like Valorant and CS:GO, it still manages 60+ FPS at medium settings, making it fine for competitive but lightweight gaming.
2. Only 4GB VRAM
- In 2025, most new games recommend 6GB–8GB VRAM for 1080p high settings.
- The 1650 Ti’s 4GB limit means you’ll see:
- Stuttering in open-world titles.
- Texture downgrades in newer games.
- Struggles with HD texture packs and mods.
3. No Ray Tracing or DLSS
- The 1650 Ti misses ray tracing (realistic lighting) and DLSS (AI upscaling for higher FPS).
- Meanwhile, budget GPUs like the RTX 3050 already include these, giving much better visuals and smoother performance.
4. Poor Value in 2025
- Many laptops with 1650 Ti are still priced $600–$750 in the USA and ₹55,000–₹65,000 in India.
- For just a little more, you can buy an RTX 3050 laptop, which delivers 25–40% better performance with modern features.
5. Thermals and Longevity
- 1650 Ti laptops often have weaker cooling systems, leading to thermal throttling during long sessions.
- Result? FPS drops mid-game and reduced laptop lifespan.
Is the GTX 1650 Ti Still Good for Everyday Use?
Yes, outside gaming, the 1650 Ti is still reliable for daily tasks:
- Web browsing and multitasking.
- Video streaming (YouTube, Netflix 4K).
- Office apps (Word, Excel, Google Docs).
- Light Photoshop or photo editing.
For students and remote workers who play only casual games, a cheap 1650 Ti laptop can still make sense—if found under $500 (₹45,000).
GTX 1650 Ti vs RTX 3050 vs RTX 4050 (2025 Comparison)
| GPU | VRAM | Gaming Performance | Features | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1650 Ti | 4GB | Esports only, struggles in AAA | No RT/DLSS | Budget casual gaming |
| RTX 3050 | 6GB | 1080p High 60 FPS+ | Ray Tracing + DLSS | Affordable gaming |
| RTX 4050 | 6GB/8GB | 1080p Ultra / 1440p | Ray Tracing + DLSS 3 | Future-proof builds |
Even the RTX 3050 blows the 1650 Ti away with DLSS and better raw FPS.
Who Should Still Buy a 1650 Ti Laptop?
- Casual Gamers → Only play Valorant, CS:GO, Minecraft, GTA V.
- Students → Need an affordable laptop for assignments + light gaming.
- Budget Shoppers → If you find a great deal under $500 (₹45,000–₹50,000).
Tips Before Buying a 1650 Ti Laptop in 2025:-
- Pair it with at least an Intel i5 11th Gen or Ryzen 5 5600H.
- Ensure it has 512GB SSD storage for smoother load times.
- Avoid ultra-thin designs with poor cooling.
- Don’t expect 120Hz or 144Hz gaming—stick to 60Hz displays.
Better Alternatives in 2025
If your budget allows, here’s what you should buy instead:
- RTX 3050 laptops → Best balance of price and performance.
- RTX 4050 laptops → Great for gamers & creators who want future-proofing.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840U laptops → Powerful iGPU rivaling 1650 Ti without a dedicated GPU.
Final Thoughts: Is the GTX 1650 Ti a Bad GPU Laptop in 2025?
Yes, for gaming, but it’s outdated.
If you only play older games or want a budget laptop for casual use, it can still work—but only if you get it at a deep discount.
If you’re serious about modern gaming, content creation, or long-term use, go for an RTX 3050/4050 or AMD alternative. Spending a bit more now will save you from replacing your laptop too soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
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Q1: Is the GTX 1650 Ti laptop good for students?
Yes, for everyday tasks and light gaming. But not for heavy multitasking or 3D design software.
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Q2: Can a GTX 1650 Ti laptop run Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, but only at low settings (30–40 FPS).
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Q3: Is the GTX 1650 Ti better than integrated GPUs like AMD Radeon 780M?
Not anymore. The 780M iGPU rivals or beats it in many games while being more power efficient.
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Q4: How long will a GTX 1650 Ti laptop last?
For office work, 2–3 years more. For gaming, it’s already struggling in 2025.
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Q5: Should I buy a refurbished RTX 3050 laptop instead?
Absolutely. A refurbished RTX 3050 offers better gaming, ray tracing, DLSS, and a longer lifespan.
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