ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition 8GB: features and specs explained

The ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition is a graphics card for desktop PCs, built on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture. ASUS designed it to be compact: it is about 20 cm long and occupies two slots, so it can fit smaller cases. Here is what the main features mean.

Ampere, RT cores and Tensor cores

The card is based on NVIDIA Ampere, and the listing names three parts of it. The Ampere streaming multiprocessors are the main processing units, and NVIDIA says they deliver twice the FP32 throughput of the previous generation along with improved power efficiency. The second-generation RT cores handle ray tracing, a lighting technique that simulates how light bounces in a scene. The third-generation Tensor cores run AI workloads such as DLSS, which uses AI to render games at a lower internal resolution and upscale them, typically raising frame rates.

These are NVIDIA's generational claims. How much they improve a particular game depends on the game, its settings and the rest of your PC.

8GB of GDDR6 memory

The card carries 8GB of GDDR6 video memory. Video memory holds textures and frame data, and 8GB is a common amount for 1080p gaming. Higher resolutions and very detailed textures use more, so demanding settings can run into the limit sooner.

Clock speeds and OC mode

ASUS lists a boost clock of 1852 MHz in OC mode and 1822 MHz in Gaming mode. The boost clock is the speed the graphics chip can reach under load, and OC mode applies a small factory overclock that ASUS provides through its software. The difference between the two modes is modest; real gains will usually be small.

Cooling and the Dual design

The Dual series uses two Axial-tech fans that ASUS says maximise airflow to the heatsink, with cooling ideas drawn from its flagship cards. The listing also mentions 0dB technology, which typically means the fans stop completely when the card is cool or lightly loaded, such as when browsing, and spin up only under load.

Connections

The card uses a PCIe 4.0 interface, and also works in older PCIe slots, usually at the older slot's speed. Outputs include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a. HDMI 2.1 supports high resolutions and refresh rates on suitable TVs and monitors, while DisplayPort 1.4a is common on gaming monitors.

Who it suits

ASUS positions the card at gamers who want solid graphics in a compact build. It suits small-form-factor and mid-sized PCs, and 1080p gaming. Anyone planning high-resolution or heavily ray-traced play may want to compare memory and performance figures for other cards.

What to check before you buy

• Case clearance: the card is about 20 cm long and takes two slots; check your case and motherboard layout.
• Power supply: look up the card's recommended power supply wattage and the power connector it needs, and confirm that your supply has it.
• Monitor ports: check that your display's inputs match HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4a.
• Processor pairing: a very old processor can limit what the card delivers.
• Drivers and software: you will need to install the graphics driver, and ASUS software to switch modes.
• Product details: the listing shows model 90YV0GH6-M0NA00; make sure it matches the card you intend to buy.

The short version

• A compact two-slot, 20 cm NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 card with 8GB GDDR6.
• Ampere architecture with second-generation RT cores and third-generation Tensor cores.
• Boost clock of 1852 MHz in OC mode and 1822 MHz in Gaming mode.
• Two Axial-tech fans and 0dB technology.
• PCIe 4.0, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.