When it comes to gaming and high-performance graphics, choosing the right graphics card can make a world of difference. Among the popular contenders in the mid-range segment, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 and the GTX 1070 have long been prominent choices among gamers and content creators. With both cards boasting impressive specifications and performance, a common question arises: Is the RTX 2060 better than the GTX 1070? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each card while providing insights into their performance, technology, and suitability for different types of users.
The Origins of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070
Before delving into a detailed comparison, it’s essential to understand the background of these two graphics cards.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Launched in June 2016, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 was part of the Pascal architecture, which was well-known for its excellent performance-per-watt ratio. Targeting 1440p gaming, the GTX 1070 provided gamers with an exceptional experience, delivering high frame rates across most titles. Key features include:
- Architecture: Pascal
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1683 MHz
- Memory: 8GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
Released in January 2019, the RTX 2060 was NVIDIA’s first step into the Turing architecture and the world of real-time ray tracing technology. This card was designed to cater to gamers looking for high-quality graphics and features without breaking the bank. Its specifications include:
- Architecture: Turing
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock: 1365 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1680 MHz
- Memory: 6GB GDDR6
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
Performance Comparison: Rendering Power and Gaming Experience
General Gaming Performance
When evaluating the gaming performance of the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1070, it’s crucial to consider how both cards perform across various games and resolutions. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 1440p Gaming: The GTX 1070 still holds an edge in traditional gaming titles, thanks to its larger memory capacity and wider memory bus. In many cases, it can maintain higher frame rates in demanding scenarios compared to the RTX 2060.
- 1080p Gaming: At this resolution, both cards perform exceptionally well, with the RTX 2060 occasionally taking the lead in newer titles optimized for Turing architecture, largely due to its enhancements.
- Ray Tracing Performance: Here is where the RTX 2060 shines. With hardware-support for ray tracing, it allows gamers to experience enhanced lighting and reflections in games that support this feature. Although performance drops with ray tracing enabled, the RTX 2060 can deliver a superior visual experience compared to the GTX 1070.
Benchmark Results
When comparing benchmark scores, different games can reflect varying results based on the card’s capabilities. In general, for popular titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 2060 can compete well, especially in scenarios where ray tracing comes into play.
Game Title | RTX 2060 (FPS) | GTX 1070 (FPS) |
---|---|---|
Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 60 | 65 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 65 | 58 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 30 (with ray tracing) | Not recommended |
This table showcases the frames per second (FPS) achieved by both cards in a selection of modern titles, revealing how they stack up against one another.
Features: Ray Tracing and DLSS
Ray Tracing Capabilities
One of the most significant advantages of the RTX 2060 is its capability to handle real-time ray tracing. Ray tracing technology enhances visual fidelity by simulating the behavior of light in a realistic manner, allowing for more lifelike environments.
The GTX 1070 lacks hardware support for ray tracing, which means it is unable to process these advanced lighting effects efficiently. Therefore, if you’re aiming for the latest gaming experiences and visuals, the RTX 2060 is the clear winner.
NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
Another feature that the RTX 2060 brings to the table is NVIDIA’s DLSS. This is an advanced rendering technology that leverages AI to produce higher-quality images while boosting frame rates. It allows users to enjoy smoother gameplay experiences, especially in graphically demanding games.
Unfortunately, DLSS is not available on the GTX 1070, making the RTX 2060 a more future-proof option for gaming. Support for DLSS means that even if you’re playing at higher resolutions, you can achieve higher performance with acceptable image quality.
Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
Power Efficiency
When it comes to power consumption, the RTX 2060 tends to be slightly more efficient due to advancements in the Turing architecture. Here are some stats for comparison:
- RTX 2060: 160 Watts TDP
- GTX 1070: 150 Watts TDP
However, the performance per watt is significantly improved in the RTX 2060, enabling it to perform better without excessive power draw.
Thermal Performance
Temperature management is crucial for maintaining a stable gaming environment. Both cards have been reported to maintain reasonable temperatures during extensive gaming sessions. However, many user reviews indicate that the GTX 1070 tends to run cooler under load, primarily due to its older architecture and manufacturing process.
Yet, with adequate cooling solutions (custom or aftermarket), both cards can perform optimally without throttling.
Learning Curve: Which Card Fits Your Needs?
When deciding between the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1070, consider the following aspects:
Budget
The RTX 2060 generally comes at a similar price point or slightly higher than the GTX 1070. However, the advancements in technology and features may justify the extra cost for those who prioritize gaming visually rather than performance alone.
Gaming Preferences
- Mainstream Gaming: For most casual gamers who primarily play older or less demanding titles, the GTX 1070 could still provide a satisfying experience.
- Ray Tracing and Future Titles: For gamers interested in next-gen titles and future-proofing their system, the RTX 2060 would be the better match.
Content Creation and Other Uses
For content creators who utilize software for 3D rendering, video editing, or graphic design, the RTX 2060’s better efficiency and performance can make a notable difference in productivity.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
In conclusion, whether the RTX 2060 is better than the GTX 1070 largely depends on individual needs and gaming preferences.
- Choose the RTX 2060 if:
- You are interested in ray tracing technology and want to leverage DLSS.
- You’re looking for a graphics card that offers better performance in upcoming and graphically demanding titles.
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You are engaged in content creation where GPU enhancements can be beneficial.
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Choose the GTX 1070 if:
- You are on a tighter budget and do not need ray tracing capabilities.
- You play a lot of older games or titles that do not require cutting-edge graphics.
- You value slightly more effective thermal performance under sustained loads.
Ultimately, with proper evaluation of these parameters, you can make an informed decision that best suits your gaming or creative endeavors. The choice between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070 represents more than mere specifications; it reflects the evolving landscape of performance graphics, signaling how gamers and creators embrace technological advancements in their pursuit of visual excellence.
What are the main specifications of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070?
The RTX 2060 features NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, which includes support for real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics. It has 6GB of GDDR6 memory, a base clock speed of 1365 MHz, and a boost clock of up to 1680 MHz. The card is equipped with 1920 CUDA cores and operates with a TDP of 160 watts. The GTX 1070, on the other hand, utilizes the Pascal architecture and has 8GB of GDDR5 memory. Its base clock is 1506 MHz, with a boost clock reaching 1683 MHz, and it contains 1920 CUDA cores as well. The TDP for the GTX 1070 is slightly lower at 150 watts.
In terms of performance, the RTX 2060 generally offers comparable or superior results in modern titles, especially those utilizing ray tracing technologies. However, the GTX 1070 shines in traditional gaming scenarios, primarily due to its larger memory size, which may provide an advantage in games that use more VRAM. Both cards are efficient but cater to slightly different demands based on their respective architectures and memory characteristics.
Which card offers better performance in gaming?
The performance comparison between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070 can vary depending on the titles played and the settings used. The RTX 2060 tends to outperform the GTX 1070 in newer games that leverage ray tracing and advanced shading techniques due to its Turing architecture and additional CUDA cores optimized for these features. Gamers looking for a card that will provide longevity with the latest gaming trends will find the RTX 2060 to be more future-proof.
However, in many traditional gaming benchmarks where ray tracing is not a factor, the GTX 1070 can still hold its ground. It can achieve high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it a strong performer for gamers on a budget who don’t prioritize the latest rendering techniques. The bifurcation in performance underscores the importance of considering personal gaming preferences and the types of titles favored when choosing between these two cards.
How does ray tracing performance differ between the two cards?
Ray tracing performance is one of the standout features of the RTX 2060, as it is specifically designed to handle these advanced graphical processes. The inclusion of dedicated RT cores allows the RTX 2060 to render real-time reflections, shadowing, and lighting more accurately than the GTX 1070. Consequently, when playing games that support ray tracing, the RTX 2060 provides a significant advantage, allowing for a more visually immersive experience with higher graphical fidelity.
The GTX 1070, while a capable card, does not have dedicated hardware for ray tracing, meaning it cannot process these effects as efficiently. In games that rely heavily on ray tracing, the GTX 1070 will struggle to maintain playable frame rates, leading to a subpar experience. Thus, for gamers interested in exploring the latest visual technologies, the RTX 2060 is the clear winner when it comes to ray tracing performance.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The RTX 2060 and GTX 1070 have relatively similar power requirements and efficiencies, but the RTX 2060 is slightly more power-efficient given its newer architecture. With a TDP of 160 watts, the RTX 2060 manages to deliver modern gaming performance while consuming a bit more power. Its architectural improvements in terms of performance per watt allow it to perform well without drawing excessive power.
On the other hand, the GTX 1070 has a TDP of 150 watts, which makes it slightly more efficient in terms of power consumption during standard gameplay scenarios. However, the performance-per-watt offered by the RTX 2060 can offset its higher power requirement, especially during demanding tasks. Ultimately, for users focused on maintaining lower power costs while gaming, both cards can fit well into a standard gaming setup, but the RTX 2060 may provide better performance returns on power used.
Can I use ray tracing and DLSS with the GTX 1070?
No, the GTX 1070 cannot utilize ray tracing or Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) features. Ray tracing requires the dedicated RT cores found in Turing architecture graphics cards, such as the RTX 2060. Because the GTX 1070 is based on the older Pascal architecture, it lacks the necessary hardware for this advanced rendering technology. As a result, gamers using the GTX 1070 will need to forego these features when playing games that utilize them.
Furthermore, DLSS, which leverages AI to enhance performance and image clarity, is also unavailable on the GTX 1070. DLSS technology is specifically optimized for RTX cards due to their Tensor cores, allowing for better scaling of performance without sacrificing visual quality. Therefore, if you are looking to play games with ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 2060 is the recommended choice to experience these features.
Which card is better for VR gaming?
When it comes to VR gaming, the RTX 2060 has distinct advantages due to its support for advanced rendering techniques and overall performance enhancements. With its newer architecture and improved specifications, the RTX 2060 is better equipped to handle the demanding requirements of VR games, providing smoother frame rates and higher graphical fidelity. This is especially important in a VR context, where performance is crucial for an immersive experience. Many modern VR titles also leverage technologies like ray tracing, making the RTX 2060 a more future-proof option.
The GTX 1070 is still a competent card for VR gaming, particularly for less demanding titles. It can deliver an acceptable performance level in many VR scenarios but may struggle with the latest or more graphically intense games. The need for stable frame rates in VR sessions makes the RTX 2060 a better choice overall, especially for gamers who plan to invest in VR technology for an extended time.
What is the price difference between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070?
Typically, the RTX 2060 is priced slightly higher than the GTX 1070 due to its newer architecture and advanced features, such as ray tracing and DLSS. The actual price can fluctuate significantly depending on the market conditions, availability, and retailer pricing strategies. In general, you might find the RTX 2060 retailing for around $300 to $350, while the GTX 1070 might be found at a lower price point, often between $250 and $300, especially in the used or refurbished market.
However, it’s essential to consider the overall value rather than just the upfront cost. While the RTX 2060 may require a higher initial investment, its capabilities in modern gaming and support for new technologies could provide better long-term value, particularly for users interested in gaming advancements. Ultimately, your budget, gaming aspirations, and the types of games you play should guide your decision regarding their cost-effectiveness.