Hey folks! My RTX 2080 finally gave up after six years, and I'm looking at an 8GB RTX 3050 as a replacement. I'm mainly interested in playing CS2, and I need to hit above 100 fps on my 240Hz monitor at 1080p. I've heard mixed things about the 3050's performance, and I'm not planning to spend more than $225 since I want to eventually upgrade my whole setup. Do you think the 3050 will keep me competitive in CS2? Thanks!
8 Answers
You might want to check out something like a B580 or look into used options like a 6650 XT. Keep in mind that CS2 requires more GPU power than CS:GO did, so align your choice accordingly!
I hate to break it to you, but the 3050 is probably one of the worst options you could pick up. You'd be lucky to get a decent performance from it, really. Definitely not a good fit for what you're aiming for.
For $225, you could snag a 2080 or even a 2080 Super off eBay. Seriously, a 3050 would be a horrible decision—it just doesn’t stack up!
If you're looking for an upgrade, consider the new 5050 for around $250 instead. You might also want to avoid spending more than $150 on a 3050. It’s just not worth it!
Honestly, for $225, you might want to consider getting an RX 6600 instead. It’s around 27% less powerful than the 2080, while the 3050 would only give you about half that power. Not ideal for CS2 if you're aiming for those higher frame rates!
The RX 6600 is definitely a solid pick for your budget! It should run CS2 at 100 fps without breaking a sweat. If you’re open to used cards, the 3060 Ti or 2080 are great too, but a 6600 or 6650 XT would still outshine a 3050 any day!
You could easily find a used card like the RX 6700 XT for a little more, which would be an actual upgrade over the 3050. Trust me, buying the 3050 would be a step back from the performance you had with the 2080!
I've spotted used 3060 Ti cards for about $250. They still have 8GB and would give you a nice boost over the 2080. That might be a solid choice for you!
For real, if you can stretch your budget, go for something like the 9060 XT with 16GB. You’ll see much better performance.