Choosing Between GTX 940MX and GTX 1050 for Gaming Laptops

When it comes to gaming laptops, the choice between the GTX 940MX and GTX 1050 can be confusing. Both graphics cards offer different performance levels, heat management capabilities, and future-proofing options. To help you make the right decision, let's take a detailed look at the differences between these two cards.

Understanding the Graphics Cards

First, it's important to know that the GTX 940MX is an integrated graphics chip, meaning it's part of the CPU. In contrast, the GTX 1050 is a dedicated graphics card.

VRAM Comparison

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) plays a critical role in determining the graphics card's performance. Both the 940MX and 1050 have 2GB of VRAM. However, the manufacturer typically includes an additional 2GB of VRAM for the 940MX, making it appear to have more than the 1050 in certain configurations. This 4GB configuration for the 940MX is common, whereas the 1050 usually comes with just 2GB of VRAM.

Performance and Heat Management

The GTX 1050 is notorious for generating a lot of heat. Due to this, it's more likely to throttle down in performance if it's subjected to high temperatures. This can result in users getting less performance than they paid for. Conversely, the GTX 940MX is well-known for its low heat output and efficient performance. It often runs much cooler, making it a more stable choice for gaming and day-to-day use.

Real-World Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming performance, the GTX 1050 can be about 30% faster than the GTX 940MX. In some games, like Battlefield 1 or Doom, the 1050 outperforms the 940MX significantly. However, if you're looking for top-end performance, especially at 1080p resolution, the GTX 940MX is still a strong contender.

Future-Proofing and Cost

The GTX 1050 is designed to be a long-term investment, as it’s a true graphics card and is compatible with future games and software updates. In contrast, the GTX 940MX is an integrated chip and, although it's more powerful than the 1050, it's not as powerful as a dedicated GPU. This means that you might need to replace the whole system in about 2 years if you want to continue gaming at a high level.

Conclusion

The GTX 940MX costs about $130 more and has 77 more megabytes of video memory, but it's 30% slower and is not a real graphics card like the GTX 1050. If you want top-end performance at 1080p, the 1050 is the way to go. However, if you want to play most games smoothly or if you have a powerful CPU (like an i5 or higher) and don't plan to upgrade in a couple of years, the GTX 940MX is a better option.

In summary, the choice between GTX 940MX and GTX 1050 depends on your priorities: future-proofing, performance, and long-term stability. Consider your specific needs and budget before making your decision.