I'm currently using an RTX 5080, which is handling a second display, NVIDIA Broadcast, and streaming simultaneously. I'm wondering if adding a cheaper GPU like a 3050 or 4050 would be beneficial for my performance. Would investing in a second GPU be worth it, or would it just complicate my setup?
5 Answers
If your CPU has an integrated GPU, consider using that for your second display—not for streaming. This way, you won't overload your main GPU with uncompressed video data. Just let your RTX 5080 handle all the streaming.
Modern NVIDIA GPUs, like the 5080, come with a dedicated NVENC chip for streaming. This means that your gaming performance won't see much improvement with a second GPU since the NVENC is effectively handling the load already. In fact, adding another GPU could hurt your overall performance due to potential PCIe bandwidth issues, increased power consumption, and heat generation. So, I'd say it's not worth buying a second GPU.
Nope, you probably don't need it. If you're questioning whether a second GPU is necessary, chances are you won't benefit from it. Multiple GPUs are typically for very specific use cases. Stick with what you have.
You might want to check if you can borrow an older GPU from a friend, like a GTX 1060. This could suffice for your streaming needs. A 3050 might be overkill unless you really need that performance.
About DLSS 5, it's still unclear if a 5060 will handle it alone. As per current info, it seems that pairing two 5090s is essential for running it properly.

Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload