About MSI GeForce RTX 5050 8G SHADOW 2X OC

The MSI GeForce RTX 5050 8G SHADOW 2X OC is a compact, entry-level powerhouse built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture. Designed primarily for high-performance 1080p gaming and efficient content creation, it balances a small physical footprint with modern features like DLSS 4 and improved ray tracing.

At the heart of the card is the GB207 GPU, featuring 2,560 CUDA cores. This OC (Overclocked) edition pushes performance further with a boost clock of 2602 MHz, which can be cranked up to 2617 MHz using the Extreme Performance profile in MSI Center. It is equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory running at a fast 20 Gbps on a 128-bit bus, providing ample bandwidth for modern titles and AI-accelerated tasks.

Despite its "Shadow" naming, the card’s thermal solution is anything but stealthy. It utilizes a dual-fan SHADOW 2X system featuring:

TORX Fan 5.0: Linked ring arcs that stabilize airflow and increase pressure.

Zero Frozr Technology: The fans stop completely during low-load tasks (like web browsing), ensuring silent operation.

Reinforcing Backplate: A flow-through design that allows heat to exhaust directly through the card, preventing heat soak.

With a power consumption of only 130W, it is remarkably efficient, requiring just a single 8-pin power connector and a recommended 550W PSU. Its connectivity is cutting-edge, offering three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and one HDMI 2.1b port, supporting resolutions up to 8K at 120Hz or 4K at 480Hz.

Measuring just 197 x 120 x 40 mm and weighing a mere 478g, this card is ideal for Small Form Factor (SFF) builds or mid-tower setups where space is at a premium. It offers a clean, black aesthetic without distracting RGB, focusing instead on build quality and thermal reliability.