Quick Answer
The Radeon RX 5700 XT and GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER are two graphics cards from competing manufacturers that were positioned in a similar performance segment. The RX 5700 XT generally offers higher raw performance in traditional rasterization, while the RTX 2060 SUPER provides features like real-time ray tracing and DLSS, which are not available on the AMD card.
Radeon RX 5700 XT vs GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating graphics cards, comparing models from different generations and architectures can help users understand the trade-offs between raw performance and feature sets. This comparison between the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER examines two cards that were often considered against each other. We will analyze their architectural approaches, gaming performance, feature sets, and efficiency to provide a clear picture of their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental designs of these two GPUs differ significantly, influencing their performance and capabilities.
- Radeon RX 5700 XT: Built on AMD’s RDNA 1 architecture and a 7nm manufacturing process. It features 40 Compute Units, 2560 stream processors, and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus.
- GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER: Based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and a 12nm process. It incorporates 2176 CUDA cores and is notable for including dedicated RT Cores for ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI tasks like DLSS. It also has 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus.
The key architectural difference is the inclusion of specialized hardware for real-time ray tracing and AI upscaling in the RTX 2060 SUPER, a feature absent in the RX 5700 XT.
Traditional Gaming Performance (Rasterization)
In games that use traditional rendering techniques (rasterization), performance can vary based on title and resolution.
- 1080p and 1440p Gaming: The Radeon RX 5700 XT typically holds a performance advantage in many titles, often delivering higher average frame rates. The margin can vary from being very close to a more noticeable lead for the AMD card.
- Game Optimization: Performance is often title-dependent. Some games are optimized better for one architecture over the other, which can sway results.
- Overall: For users focused solely on the highest possible frame rates in non-ray-traced games, the RX 5700 XT is generally the stronger performer in this category.
Feature Set: Ray Tracing and Upscaling
This is the most distinct area of differentiation between the two cards.
- Ray Tracing: The GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER includes dedicated RT Cores, enabling real-time ray traced effects in supported games (like shadows, reflections, and global illumination). The Radeon RX 5700 XT lacks dedicated hardware for this and performs ray tracing through standard shader cores, which results in a much more significant performance penalty.
- DLSS vs FSR: The RTX 2060 SUPER supports NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), an AI-driven upscaling technology that can boost frame rates while attempting to maintain image quality. The RX 5700 XT does not support DLSS but can use AMD’s later-introduced FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a spatial upscaler that works across many GPUs.
Power, Thermals, and Efficiency
The power draw and thermal output can be considerations for system builders.
- Power Consumption: The Radeon RX 5700 XT typically has a higher typical board power (TBP), often drawing more power under load compared to the RTX 2060 SUPER. Actual power draw can vary based on the specific model from board partners.
- Thermals and Cooling: Both cards were available with a variety of cooling solutions from manufacturers. Early reference models of the RX 5700 XT were noted for a blower-style cooler that could run louder and warmer, while aftermarket models improved significantly. RTX 2060 SUPER models typically featured efficient dual or triple-fan designs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Radeon RX 5700 XT | GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | RDNA 1 (7nm) | Turing (12nm) |
| Stream Processors / CUDA Cores | 2560 | 2176 |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Ray Tracing Cores | No (Software-based) | Yes (Dedicated RT Cores) |
| AI / Tensor Cores | No | Yes (For DLSS) |
| Key Feature | FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) | DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex |
| Typical Board Power | Higher | Lower |
| Primary Gaming Advantage | Higher raw rasterization performance | Ray tracing support, DLSS upscaling |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RX 5700 XT and RTX 2060 SUPER?
The main difference lies in their feature sets. The RTX 2060 SUPER includes hardware for real-time ray tracing and DLSS upscaling, while the RX 5700 XT focuses on delivering higher performance in traditional gaming without those specific features.
Which card is better for gaming without ray tracing?
In most traditional gaming scenarios without ray tracing enabled, the Radeon RX 5700 XT typically provides higher frame rates compared to the GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER.
Can the Radeon RX 5700 XT do ray tracing?
Technically, yes, through software/driver-based processing using its standard compute units. However, the performance penalty is very significant, making it impractical for enjoyable gameplay in most ray-traced titles compared to a card with dedicated RT Cores.
Does the RTX 2060 SUPER support AMD’s FSR technology?
Yes. FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is an open-source upscaling technology that works on a wide range of GPUs, including the GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER. It does not require specialized hardware like DLSS does.
Final Thoughts
The choice between the Radeon RX 5700 XT and GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER often comes down to a user’s priority between raw performance and advanced features. The RX 5700 XT generally delivers stronger performance in conventional gaming, making it a consideration for users focused on high frame rates in titles that do not use ray tracing. Conversely, the RTX 2060 SUPER offers a more forward-looking feature set with dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing and DLSS, which can enhance visual fidelity and performance in supported games. Your decision may hinge on which of these aspects—peak rasterization performance or access to specific rendering technologies—holds more value for your gaming preferences.