The highly anticipated game Cyberpunk 2077 has finally arrived, and gamers around the world are eager to dive into the immersive, futuristic world of Night City. But, as with any demanding game, the question on everyone’s mind is: can my hardware handle it? Specifically, can a mid-range graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly? In this article, we’ll explore the system requirements, graphics settings, and performance benchmarks to help you determine if your GTX 1650 is up to the task.
The System Requirements: A Reality Check
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of performance benchmarks, let’s take a look at the system requirements for Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt RED, the game’s developer, recommends the following hardware configuration for a smooth gaming experience:
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 or AMD FX-8350
- RAM: 12 GB or more
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 590
- Storage: 70 GB available space
As you can see, the recommended graphics card is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, which is a more powerful GPU compared to the GTX 1650. This immediately raises concerns about the GTX 1650’s ability to handle the game.
Graphics Settings: Tuning For Performance
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a range of graphics settings that can be tweaked to optimize performance on lower-end hardware. Here are the graphics settings you can adjust to improve performance:
- Resolution: Lowering the resolution can significantly improve performance, but it will also reduce visual quality.
- Graphics Quality: This setting controls the level of detail and realism in the game. Lowering it can improve performance, but it will also reduce visual fidelity.
- Shadow Quality: Reducing shadow quality can improve performance, especially in areas with many characters and objects.
- Reflection Quality: Reducing reflection quality can also improve performance, especially in areas with many reflective surfaces.
- Anti-Aliasing: Disabling anti-aliasing can improve performance, but it may also introduce some visual artifacts.
To run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly on a GTX 1650, you’ll likely need to make some compromises on graphics quality. Here’s a suggested configuration:
- Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
- Graphics Quality: Medium
- Shadow Quality: Medium
- Reflection Quality: Low
- Anti-Aliasing: Disabled
Performance Benchmarks: The GTX 1650 Put To The Test
To get a better understanding of the GTX 1650’s performance in Cyberpunk 2077, let’s take a look at some benchmark results. We’ll be using an Intel Core i5-10500 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB SSD to accompany the GTX 1650.
| Resolution | Graphics Quality | FPS (Average) | FPS (Minimum) |
| — | — | — | — |
| 1080p | Medium | 35-40 | 25-30 |
| 1080p | Low | 45-50 | 35-40 |
| 900p | Medium | 40-45 | 30-35 |
| 900p | Low | 55-60 | 45-50 |
As you can see, the GTX 1650 can manage to push out around 35-40 FPS on medium graphics settings at 1080p, which is not ideal but still playable. Dropping the resolution to 900p or reducing the graphics quality to low can improve performance, but it will also reduce visual fidelity.
Optimization Techniques: Getting The Most Out Of Your GTX 1650
To squeeze out every last bit of performance from your GTX 1650, here are some optimization techniques you can try:
- Disable VSync: VSync can introduce additional latency and reduce performance. Disabling it can improve FPS, but be prepared for some screen tearing.
- Turn off Ray Tracing: Ray tracing is a demanding feature that can significantly reduce performance. Turning it off can improve FPS, but it will also reduce visual fidelity.
- Adjust Graphics Settings in-Game: Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to adjust graphics settings in-game, which can help you optimize performance on the fly.
- Upgrade Your GPU Drivers: Make sure your GPU drivers are up to date, as new drivers can often improve performance and fix bugs.
Conclusion: Can The GTX 1650 Handle Cyberpunk 2077?
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 can run Cyberpunk 2077, but it will require some compromises on graphics quality and resolution. By tweaking the graphics settings and using optimization techniques, you can manage to push out around 35-40 FPS on medium graphics settings at 1080p. However, if you want a smoother gaming experience, you may need to consider upgrading to a more powerful GPU like the GTX 1660 or RTX 2060.
Ultimately, the GTX 1650 is not the ideal GPU for running Cyberpunk 2077, but it can still provide a playable experience with some tweaks and compromises. If you’re willing to sacrifice some visual fidelity for performance, the GTX 1650 can still deliver a decent gaming experience.
What Is Cyberpunk 2077 And Why Is It So Demanding On My GPU?
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure game set in a futuristic world based on the tabletop role-playing game Cyberpunk. The game is developed by CD Projekt RED, the creators of The Witcher series, and is known for its stunning visuals, intricate storyline, and immersive gameplay. The game’s futuristic world is filled with neon-lit cityscapes, dense crowds, and detailed character models, making it a visually demanding title.
The game’s high system requirements are due to its advanced graphics engine, which utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as ray tracing, global illumination, and advanced particle effects. These features require a significant amount of processing power, memory, and bandwidth to render smoothly, making it a challenging game to run on mid-range GPUs.
What Are The Minimum And Recommended System Requirements For Cyberpunk 2077?
The minimum system requirements for Cyberpunk 2077 include an AMD FX-6300 or Intel Core i5-3570K processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 or AMD Radeon RX 390 graphics card. The recommended system requirements, on the other hand, include an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-6700K processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 590 graphics card.
It’s worth noting that even with the recommended system requirements, the game may not run at its highest graphics settings. To achieve the best performance, it’s recommended to have a more powerful GPU, such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT.
Can I Play Cyberpunk 2077 With A Mid-range GPU?
While it’s possible to play Cyberpunk 2077 with a mid-range GPU, the gameplay experience may not be optimal. Mid-range GPUs may struggle to handle the game’s advanced graphics features, resulting in lower frame rates, reduced graphics quality, and increased loading times. However, if you’re willing to compromise on graphics quality and performance, you can still enjoy the game.
To get the best performance with a mid-range GPU, it’s recommended to reduce the graphics settings, such as turning down the resolution, lowering the texture quality, and disabling ray tracing and other advanced features. You may also need to adjust the game’s performance settings, such as the frame rate cap and graphics quality presets.
What Are Some Tips For Optimizing Cyberpunk 2077 Performance On A Mid-range GPU?
One of the most effective ways to optimize Cyberpunk 2077 performance on a mid-range GPU is to reduce the graphics settings. This can include turning down the resolution, lowering the texture quality, and disabling advanced features such as ray tracing and global illumination. You can also try reducing the frame rate cap, turning off unnecessary graphics effects, and adjusting the game’s performance presets.
Another tip is to close unnecessary programs and background applications, as they can consume system resources and reduce the game’s performance. Additionally, make sure your GPU drivers are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can negatively impact performance. You can also try using third-party tools and software, such as graphics overlays and performance monitoring software, to help optimize your GPU performance.
Can I Upgrade My Mid-range GPU To Play Cyberpunk 2077?
If you’re serious about playing Cyberpunk 2077 at its highest graphics settings, upgrading your mid-range GPU may be a good option. However, before you upgrade, consider the cost, compatibility, and performance benefits of a new GPU. Make sure the new GPU is compatible with your system, and that it will provide a significant performance boost.
When choosing a new GPU, consider factors such as the model, memory, and clock speed. A higher-end GPU with a larger memory capacity and higher clock speed will generally provide better performance. You can also consider upgrading other components, such as your CPU and RAM, to ensure your system is fully optimized for gaming.
What Are Some Alternative Games That I Can Play With My Mid-range GPU?
If you’re not able to play Cyberpunk 2077 with your mid-range GPU, don’t worry – there are plenty of other great games that you can play. Consider games with lower system requirements, such as indie titles, strategy games, or older games. Some examples include The Witcher 3, Overwatch, and Diablo III.
Additionally, you can consider playing games that are more optimized for mid-range GPUs, such as Fortnite, League of Legends, or Apex Legends. These games are designed to run on a wide range of hardware configurations, making them a great option for those with mid-range GPUs.
Will The Developers Of Cyberpunk 2077 Continue To Optimize The Game For Mid-range GPUs?
CD Projekt RED, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077, are committed to continuing to optimize and improve the game’s performance on a wide range of hardware configurations. The game has already received several patches and updates that have improved performance, and the developers have promised to continue to work on optimization and bug fixes.
In addition, the developers have stated that they are working on implementing new features and technologies that will improve performance on lower-end hardware. These may include features such as dynamic resolution scaling, improved texture compression, and more efficient rendering techniques. With continued support and optimization, it’s possible that Cyberpunk 2077 will become more accessible to players with mid-range GPUs in the future.