Key Points
- The RTX 2060 delivers higher frame rates and enhanced graphics quality due to its updated Turing architecture and real-time ray tracing capabilities, while the GTX 1070 performs slightly less well and does not support ray tracing.
- The RTX 2060 boasts a faster memory speed of 14 Gbps compared to the GTX 1070’s 8 Gbps, and supports newer GDDR6 memory type.
- The GTX 1070 has a lower thermal design power consumption of 150W, while the RTX 2060 consumes slightly more power at 160W.
- The RTX 2060 features dedicated ray-tracing cores and tensor cores for AI tasks, while the GTX 1070 does not.
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are an ever-evolving market and new models appear frequently. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 have long been recognized as two capable graphics cards suitable for gamers and professionals. Both GPUs offer distinct advantages and drawbacks, so deciding between them can be challenging for users.
Fortunately, this comparison guide provides a complete look between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 graphics cards. This analysis will help you choose the best graphic card for your needs. But what are their key differences?
Let’s dive further into the study to determine how the two graphic cards differ based on several specifications or aspects.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 vs. RTX 2060: Side-by-Side Comparison
| GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 2060 | |
| GPU Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1,920 | 1,920 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1,506 MHz | 1,365 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1,683 MHz | 1,680 MHz |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Memory Interface | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Ray Tracing Capabilities? | No | Yes |
| Tensor Cores? | No | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 150W | 160W |
| Launch Price | $379 | $349 |
- PCI Express graphics card interface
- 1470MHz GPU clock speed
- 8GB GDDR6 graphics RAM
- 2176 processors
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 vs. RTX 2060: What’s the Difference?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 graphics cards have become immensely popular among gamers who value extraordinary gaming performance and visual quality experience. However, users must gather extensive details to choose between these options effectively.
While NVIDIA has recently introduced more powerful graphics cards, the GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 remain ideal choices for individuals seeking the balance between affordability and power. Understanding the differences between these graphic cards is crucial for making an informed decision.
Let’s examine what differentiates the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060.
Performance
The GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 graphics cards differ immensely in terms of performance. The GTX 1070, launched in 2016, features 1,920 CUDA cores and 8GB GDDR5 VRAM. On the other hand, the RTX 2060, launched in 2019, features faster 6GB GDDR6 VRAM and 1,920 CUDA cores.
The RTX 2060 delivers higher frame rates and enhanced graphics quality thanks to its updated Turing architecture and real-time ray tracing capabilities. Conversely, the GTX 1070 performs slightly less well, while not supporting ray tracing. This inability leads to less realistic lighting and reflection effects in games that utilize this feature.
Furthermore, the RTX 2060 also boasts powerful Tensor Cores to improve AI-driven applications such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). This is responsible for sharper visuals while offering high frame rates (the GTX 1070 lacks this advantage).
Memory Speed and Interface
Memory speed is another area where the RTX 2060 stands out, boasting 14 Gbps compared to the 8 Gbps of its rival, the GTX 1070, thus offering faster data transfer rates and transfer times. Additionally, the RTX 2060 supports newer GDDR6 memory type while the GTX 1070 relies on the older GDDR5. However, this difference in memory technology also contributes to faster performance on an RTX 2060 GPU.
In terms of interface, the RTX 2060 boasts a 192-bit interface compared to GTX 1070’s 256-bit one. Although the RTX 2060 may feature slightly less memory bandwidth than its GTX 1070 rival, its faster memory speed allows it to outperform and deliver better overall performance.
Ultimately, these variations in memory speed and interface may result in faster rendering times and smoother gameplay on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 cards.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The GTX 1070 typically boasts lower thermal design power (TDP). The GTX 1070’s thermal design power consumption is about 150W, while an RTX 2060 features nearly 160W TDP. This implies that, under normal operating conditions, the RTX 2060 consumes slightly more power.
Cooling-wise, the GeForce RTX 2060 tends to run cooler due to its more efficient architecture. The newer Turing architecture on the RTX 2060 and its 12nm manufacturing process allows for increased power efficiency and heat dissipation. Consequently, this reduces strain and lower operating temperatures on the cooling system.
However, both cards require sufficient cooling solutions to achieve ideal operating temperatures. Plus, proper airflow within the system and efficient cooling methods such as aftermarket coolers or well-ventilated cases are recommended for effective performance in either of the graphics cards.
©Zoomik/Shutterstock.com
Price and Availability
NVIDIA released their GeForce GTX 1070 video card at $379. Due to age constraints, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 cards have become limited. Accordingly, production discontinuation was a consideration by NVIDIA, as communicated in 2019.
On the other hand, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 launched with an estimated retail price of $349 in 2019. As an emerging card, the GTX 1070 has become more widely available than the GTX 1070. Currently, the RTX 2060 sells at a slightly higher price than GTX 1070.
However, factors like inflation, market demand, and supply chain constraints all affect the cards’ prices.
Processor and Transistors
The GTX 1070 uses an established 16nm process for production, while its successor, the RTX 2060, features more sophisticated 12nm manufacturing technology.
Small manufacturing processes typically allow more transistors to fit on each chip for improved performance and power efficiency compared to larger operations. The RTX 2060 boasts a higher transistor density of 10.8 billion transistors compared to the GTX 1070 with 7.2 billion.
Consequently, the RTX 2060’s high transistor count offers superior performance and efficiency and additional features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI-based rendering. However, it requires software support to take full advantage of these features.
Ray Tracing Capabilities and Tensor Cores
The GTX 1070 does not feature hardware support for real-time ray tracing — an advanced rendering technique that enhances game lighting and reflection effects. As such, the GTX 1070 relies solely on traditional rasterization techniques for graphics processing.
The RTX 2060 features dedicated ray-tracing cores that enable real-time ray-tracing. These dedicated cores handle the intricate calculations required for realistic lighting and reflection effects, creating more immersive and visually captivating game environments.
Additionally, the RTX 2060 features tensor cores explicitly designed to facilitate AI tasks like deep learning and neural network computations.
Overall, tensor cores enhance application performance using deep learning algorithms, including Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). Consequently, DLSS increases image quality while keeping frame rates high.
Compatibility with DirectX
NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 graphics cards vary in compatibility with DirectX and their effects.
Specifically, GTX 1070 supports DirectX 12 (12_1), while the RTX 2060 can run the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2). Accordingly, the RTX 2060 can provide more advanced graphics and real-time ray-tracing effects than its GTX 1070 counterpart.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 vs. RTX 2060: 7 Must-Know Facts
- The GTX 1070 utilizes Pascal architecture, while its successor, the RTX 2060, is equipped with Turing architecture for enhanced performance and features.
- The GTX 1070 features 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM, while the RTX 2060 boasts 6GB faster GDDR6 VRAM.
- The RTX 2060 supports real-time ray tracing, an innovative rendering method that enhances visual realism.
- The GTX 1070 supports DirectX 12 (12_1), while the RTX 2060 supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2).
- The RTX 2060 features Tensor Cores explicitly designed to facilitate AI tasks and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), an image quality enhancement technology.
- Concerning power consumption, the RTX 2060 features a higher total dynamic power consumption than GTX 1070.
- The GTX 1070 was introduced at $379, while its rival card, the RTX 2060, retailed for an initial cost of $349 at launch.
- PCI Express graphics card interface
- 1470MHz GPU clock speed
- 8GB GDDR6 graphics RAM
- 2176 processors
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 vs. RTX 2060: Which One is Better?
Choosing between NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 is challenging and requires a concrete understanding of the differences. The GTX 1070, with its Pascal architecture, provides excellent gaming performance and reliability when gaming at 1080p resolutions.
On the other hand, the RTX 2060’s Turing architecture takes things one step further. It also features real-time ray tracing that provides enhanced visual realism and immersion for an improved viewing experience.
If you are considering cutting-edge features, the RTX 2060 should be your choice. It supports DirectX 12 Ultimate and Tensor Cores for AI-powered tasks. This enables advanced technologies like DLSS for improved image quality and performance. However, for gamers on a budget who primarily game at 1080p resolution and want a lower-cost solution, the GTX 1070 still delivers solid performance at an economical price.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©MEzairi/Shutterstock.com.
