GTX 1050 Ti in 2025 -- Still Worth It?
The GTX 1050 Ti launched in 2016 but it is still one of the most common gaming GPUs in Pakistan and South Asia. You can find it used for Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000. The question is: what can it actually run in 2025?
The answer is more than you would expect -- if you use optimized settings instead of running everything on Auto or High.
Test setup: Intel Core i5-9400F, 16GB DDR4-2666, GTX 1050 Ti 4GB, 1080p monitor, Windows 10. All games tested at 1080p with optimized settings unless noted.
Benchmark Results -- All Games
Settings shown are optimized for best performance while keeping the game looking reasonable.
| Game | Settings | Avg FPS | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS2 | Low-Medium, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| Valorant | Medium, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| Free Fire | Max, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| GTA V | High, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| PUBG | Low, 1080p | Runs Well | |
| Fortnite | Performance Mode | Runs Well | |
| Apex Legends | Low, 1080p | Runs Well | |
| COD Warzone | Low, 900p | Playable | |
| Far Cry 5 | Low, 1080p | Runs Well | |
| Minecraft Java | Fancy + Sodium | Runs Great | |
| The Witcher 3 | High, 1080p | Runs Well | |
| GTA IV | Low + DXVK | Runs Well | |
| Rocket League | High Perf, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Low + FSR Quality | Playable | |
| Elden Ring | Medium, 1080p | Playable | |
| Spider-Man Remastered | Low, 1080p + FSR | Playable | |
| RDR2 | Low, 720p | Playable | |
| EA FC 25 | High, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| Overwatch 2 | High, 1080p | Runs Great | |
| God of War | Original, 1080p | Runs Well |
Key Findings
The GTX 1050 Ti in 2025 is a solid card for esports titles and most games up to 2018-2019. It handles competitive games very well and can run newer titles at lower settings.
What it runs great
- Free Fire, CS2, Valorant, Overwatch 2 -- 60 to 120+ FPS, these are its best use case
- GTA V, FIFA/EA FC -- Smooth 60+ FPS at High settings
- Minecraft with Sodium mod -- 100+ FPS easily
- Rocket League -- 120+ FPS, perfect for competitive play
What needs settings work
- PUBG -- Post-Processing to Very Low, 60 FPS cap. Works well with tuning.
- Fortnite -- Use Performance Mode (DX11). 60-70 FPS achievable.
- COD Warzone -- Drop to 900p, Low settings. Playable at ~45 FPS.
What struggles
- Cyberpunk 2077 -- Needs FSR Quality mode. 30-38 FPS is the ceiling.
- RDR2 -- 720p Low settings gets you 28-35 FPS. Cap at 30 FPS for smooth play.
- Hogwarts Legacy, BF 2042 -- Below playable even at minimum settings.
Optimized Settings for GTX 1050 Ti
The biggest mistake people make with the 1050 Ti is running games on Auto or High settings. The card has only 4GB VRAM -- exceeding that causes stutters. Follow these general rules:
- Always set Shadow Quality to Medium or Low first -- it is the biggest FPS gain in almost every game
- Keep Texture Quality at Medium -- Low textures look bad and do not save much FPS
- Disable Ambient Occlusion and Screen Space Reflections in every game
- Use FSR Quality mode in games that support it -- free 30-50% FPS boost
- Cap FPS at 60 for story games, uncapped for competitive titles
Best tip: Use our GPU benchmark tool -- select GTX 1050 Ti and see optimized settings for every game individually. No guessing required.
GTX 1050 Ti vs GTX 1060 6GB
If you are deciding between these two in Pakistan's used market, the 1060 6GB is roughly 35-40% faster and handles modern games noticeably better. If you can spend Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 more, the 1060 6GB is worth it. If budget is tight, the 1050 Ti is still a capable card for its price.
Conclusion
The GTX 1050 Ti is still a viable gaming GPU in 2025 for its price in Pakistan. It excels at esports titles, handles mid-2010s open world games well, and can run newer titles with lowered settings. For Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000 used, it represents good value if you are on a tight budget.
Use the FrameXPK tool to check any game you want to play and get exact recommended settings for your hardware.