MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT OC graphics card: specs and who it suits

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT OC (model V809-2277R) is a graphics card based on NVIDIA's Pascal-generation GTX 1050 Ti chip. It carries 4GB of GDDR5 memory and a factory overclock, and it is built around a modest power draw. That makes it a card for light gaming and for adding graphics output to an older or low-power PC.

What the main specs mean

• Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, a Pascal-based card from an older generation.
• Memory: 4GB of GDDR5 on a 128-bit interface. That's enough for many esports and older titles at moderate settings, but newer games with large textures may need lower settings.
• Clocks: MSI lists 1455 MHz and 1341 MHz. The higher figure is the OC (overclocked) boost mode, and the lower is the base boost, as the OC in the name suggests. The listing doesn't say which mode applies to which figure, so check MSI's page for the detail.
• Bus: PCI Express 3.0 x16. Any modern motherboard with an x16 slot should accept it, since PCIe is generally backward and forward compatible.
• Form factor: ATX card, so it needs a physical case with enough room.

Power needs

The listing states a power consumption of 75W and a recommended power supply of 300W. The card also has a 6-pin PCIe power connector, which means your power supply needs a free one, and that is a common stumbling block in older prebuilt PCs that don't have one. If your PSU lacks it, an adapter may or may not be suitable, so check the PSU's specifications and manual.

Cooling and looks

MSI says the card uses a scaled-down version of its twin Frozr VI thermal design, which it says allows higher core and memory clocks. The cover has a red gaming glow that can be animated together with the MSI gaming Dragon LED on the side. MSI also describes a four-phase PCB with military class 4 components to support overclocking.

Size

The listing gives 8.5 x 1.5 x 4.4 inches (about 21.6 x 3.8 x 11.2 cm) and a weight of 1.0 lb (about 0.45 kg). The card takes two slots in most cases, so check clearance next to the motherboard slot, and for length in small cases.

Outputs

The listing doesn't specify the video outputs. Check MSI's product page for the exact ports and confirm they match your monitor's inputs before buying.

Who it suits

It suits someone upgrading the graphics of an older desktop, building a modest gaming machine, or needing a card for a PC without integrated graphics. Anyone wanting high settings in the latest games, or high-resolution gaming, will likely look at newer and more powerful cards.

What to check before you buy

• Power connector: confirm your power supply has a free 6-pin PCIe connector and enough capacity.
• Case space: compare the card's length and thickness with your case.
• Slot: confirm a PCIe x16 slot is free and not blocked.
• Monitor connection: check the card's ports against your monitor.
• Drivers: NVIDIA's driver support for older cards can change, so check the support status for your operating system.
• Intended games: look at the requirements of the titles you want to play.

The short version

• An MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB GDDR5 on a 128-bit interface.
• PCI Express 3.0 x16, ATX form factor, 75W consumption with a 300W PSU recommended.
• Twin Frozr VI-style cooling and a red LED glow.
• Needs a 6-pin PCIe power connector.
• A fit for light gaming and older PCs, not for demanding new titles.

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