Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 1070 Ti are graphics cards from different generations. The RTX 2060 generally offers newer architecture, support for real-time ray tracing and DLSS, and comparable to slightly better traditional rasterization performance. The GTX 1070 Ti remains a capable card for 1080p and 1440p gaming but lacks the newer feature set.
GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 1070 Ti: Full Comparison
Introduction
When considering a graphics card, comparing models across generations can be insightful, especially when they occupy a similar performance tier. The GeForce GTX 1070 Ti, a high-end offering from the Pascal generation, and the GeForce RTX 2060, an entry-level RTX card from the Turing generation, are two such products. This comparison will analyze their architectures, gaming performance, feature sets, and efficiency to help clarify their respective positions and value propositions.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference between these cards lies in their underlying architecture. The GTX 1070 Ti is based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture, while the RTX 2060 utilizes the newer Turing architecture.
- GeForce GTX 1070 Ti (Pascal): Built on a 16nm process, it features 2432 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus. It focuses purely on traditional rasterized graphics rendering.
- GeForce RTX 2060 (Turing): Built on a 12nm process, it features 1920 CUDA cores and typically 6GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus. Its key architectural addition is dedicated hardware for ray tracing (RT Cores) and AI-driven tasks (Tensor Cores).
While the GTX 1070 Ti has more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus, the RTX 2060’s newer GDDR6 memory and more efficient architecture often allow it to compete closely or exceed the older card’s performance in many games.
Gaming Performance and Features
In terms of raw performance for standard gaming (rasterization), the two cards are typically very close, with outcomes varying by game title and resolution.
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards are generally capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p resolution with high to ultra settings in most titles. The RTX 2060 often holds a slight lead in newer games that leverage its architectural improvements.
- 1440p Gaming: At 1440p, both can provide a good experience, though settings may need to be adjusted from ultra to high in more demanding games to maintain smooth frame rates. The GTX 1070 Ti’s larger VRAM buffer can be an advantage in some specific scenarios at this resolution.
- Feature Set: This is the most significant differentiator. The RTX 2060 supports real-time ray tracing for enhanced lighting and reflections, and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which uses AI to upscale images for better performance with minimal quality loss. The GTX 1070 Ti does not have dedicated hardware for these features.
Power Efficiency and Support
The technological advancements in the Turing architecture generally translate to improved power efficiency.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): The RTX 2060 typically has a TDP around 160W, while the GTX 1070 Ti is rated at approximately 180W. This means the RTX 2060 can often generate less heat and may require a slightly less robust power supply.
- Driver Support: As the newer card, the RTX 2060 is expected to receive driver support and optimizations for a longer period. However, both cards continue to receive game-ready drivers.
- Connectivity: The RTX 2060 usually includes a more modern display output suite, often featuring VirtualLink (USB-C) for VR headsets, which the GTX 1070 Ti lacks.
Comparison Table: GeForce RTX 2060 vs GTX 1070 Ti
| Feature | GeForce RTX 2060 | GeForce GTX 1070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Pascal (16nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 1920 | 2432 |
| RT Cores / Tensor Cores | Yes (30 RT, 240 Tensor) | No |
| VRAM | 6 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Base / Boost Clock | ~1365 MHz / ~1680 MHz | ~1607 MHz / ~1683 MHz |
| Typical Gaming Performance (1080p) | High to Ultra settings | High to Ultra settings |
| Key Features | Real-time Ray Tracing, DLSS, NVENC (Improved) | Traditional Rasterization, NVENC |
| TDP (Typical) | ~160 Watts | ~180 Watts |
| Recommended PSU | 500 Watts (typical) | 500 Watts (typical) |
| Launch Date | January 2019 | November 2017 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070 Ti?
The primary difference is architectural. The RTX 2060 is built on the newer Turing architecture, which introduces dedicated RT Cores for ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI features like DLSS, which the GTX 1070 Ti lacks.
Which card has better performance for traditional gaming?
Performance is generally very close. In many modern game titles, the RTX 2060 may show a slight lead due to its more efficient architecture and faster GDDR6 memory, but the difference is often marginal, and the GTX 1070 Ti remains highly capable.
Is the GTX 1070 Ti’s 8GB VRAM better than the RTX 2060’s 6GB?
Having more VRAM can be beneficial at higher resolutions (like 1440p) or with texture-heavy mods. For standard 1080p gaming, 6GB is typically sufficient. The GDDR6 memory in the RTX 2060 is faster, which helps offset the lower capacity in many scenarios.
Are ray tracing and DLSS on the RTX 2060 worth considering?
Ray tracing and DLSS represent a forward-looking feature set. While the RTX 2060 can handle ray tracing, its performance impact is significant, making DLSS almost essential to maintain playable frame rates. If you value these cutting-edge features in supported games, the RTX 2060 provides that option.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the GeForce RTX 2060 and the GeForce GTX 1070 Ti involves weighing a slightly newer architecture and modern features against a card with a proven track record and more VRAM. The RTX 2060 offers a pathway to technologies like real-time ray tracing and DLSS, which can enhance visual fidelity and performance in supported titles. The GTX 1070 Ti delivers solid traditional gaming performance that remains relevant. The decision often comes down to the value placed on these newer features versus the specific performance and potential cost considerations in a given market.