Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 1070 are graphics cards from different generations. The RTX 2060 generally offers newer architecture, support for real-time ray tracing and DLSS technology, and performance that is typically on par with or slightly exceeds the GTX 1070. The GTX 1070, while older, was a high-performance card in its time and can still handle many modern games at respectable settings.
GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 1070: Full Comparison
Introduction
When considering a graphics card, comparing models across different generations can provide valuable insight into the evolution of performance and features. The GeForce GTX 1070, launched in 2016, was a flagship model of its era, while the GeForce RTX 2060, released in 2019, introduced a new architectural paradigm. This comparison will break down their specifications, gaming performance, feature sets, and overall value proposition to help you understand their key differences and similarities.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference between these two cards lies in their underlying architecture. The GTX 1070 is based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture, built on a 16nm process. The RTX 2060 utilizes the newer Turing architecture on a 12nm process, which includes dedicated hardware not found in the older card.
- RTX 2060 (Turing): Features 1920 CUDA cores and includes dedicated RT Cores for ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI-driven tasks like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
- GTX 1070 (Pascal): Equipped with 1920 CUDA cores but lacks the specialized RT and Tensor Cores, focusing purely on traditional rasterization performance.
- Memory: Both cards typically come with 8GB of GDDR6 memory (though early GTX 1070 models used GDDR5), with the RTX 2060 generally offering a wider memory bus and higher bandwidth.
Gaming Performance
In traditional rasterized gaming (without ray tracing), the performance between these two cards is often close. The outcome can depend heavily on the specific game, resolution, and graphical settings used.
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards are considered capable for 1080p gaming at high to ultra settings. The RTX 2060 typically holds a slight lead in many modern titles, often ranging from a few percentage points to a more noticeable 10-15% in games that leverage newer APIs.
- 1440p Gaming: At 1440p resolution, both cards can deliver playable frame rates, but often require settings adjustments for more demanding games. The RTX 2060’s architectural advantages and memory bandwidth can provide a more consistent experience here.
- Feature-Dependent Performance: The RTX 2060’s performance advantage becomes more pronounced in games that support DLSS, which can significantly boost frame rates while maintaining image quality.
Feature Set: Ray Tracing and DLSS
This is the most significant generational divide. The “RTX” prefix denotes the introduction of features that were not available on the “GTX” series.
- Real-Time Ray Tracing: The RTX 2060 includes RT Cores to accelerate ray-traced effects like realistic shadows, reflections, and global illumination. The GTX 1070 lacks this hardware and cannot run these effects at a practical performance level.
- DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): This is an AI-powered rendering technology exclusive to RTX cards. It can increase performance by rendering at a lower resolution and using AI to upscale the image, often with minimal quality loss. This feature is not available on the GTX 1070.
- NVENC Encoder: The RTX 2060 features a newer, more efficient video encoder which is beneficial for content creators and streamers.
Power and Efficiency
The shift to a more refined manufacturing process with the Turing architecture generally brings efficiency improvements.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): The RTX 2060 typically has a TDP around 160 watts, while the GTX 1070 is rated at approximately 150 watts. Actual power draw can vary based on the specific model and manufacturer design.
- Efficiency: Despite a similar or slightly higher power draw, the RTX 2060 delivers its performance (and advanced features) with a more modern architecture, often resulting in better performance-per-watt compared to the older Pascal design.
- Cooling and Form Factor: Both cards were available in a variety of cooling solutions from board partners, including dual-fan and triple-fan designs. Founders Edition and aftermarket models for both can vary in size and noise levels.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 2060 | GeForce GTX 1070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Pascal (16nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 1920 | 1920 |
| RT Cores | 30 | None |
| Tensor Cores | 240 | None |
| Base / Boost Clock | ~1365 MHz / ~1680 MHz | ~1506 MHz / ~1683 MHz |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR5 (or GDDR5X on some later models) |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 256 GB/s (GDDR5) |
| Key Features | Real-time Ray Tracing, DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex | Traditional Rasterization, Ansel, G-SYNC |
| TDP (Typical) | 160W | 150W |
| Launch Date | January 2019 | June 2016 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1070?
The primary difference is architectural. The RTX 2060 is built on the newer Turing architecture, which introduces dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing (RT Cores) and AI processing (Tensor Cores for DLSS). The GTX 1070 uses the older Pascal architecture and does not support these features.
Which card has better performance for gaming?
In games using traditional rendering, the RTX 2060 typically offers slightly better performance than the GTX 1070, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Its advantage can be significantly larger in games that support DLSS, a feature unavailable on the GTX 1070.
Can the GTX 1070 do ray tracing?
Technically, ray tracing can be enabled on GTX cards via software, but the performance impact is severe due to the lack of dedicated RT Cores. For practical, playable gaming, real-time ray tracing is considered a feature exclusive to RTX-series cards like the RTX 2060.
Is the RTX 2060 more future-proof than the GTX 1070?
The RTX 2060’s support for ray tracing and DLSS gives it access to a growing set of technologies in modern and upcoming games. This feature set generally makes it more adaptable to future gaming trends compared to the GTX 1070, which relies solely on traditional rendering.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 1070 highlights a clear generational shift. The GTX 1070 remains a capable card for rasterized gaming, representing the peak of its era’s technology. The RTX 2060, however, introduced a new direction with its dedicated ray tracing and AI hardware, offering comparable or better traditional performance while unlocking a new tier of graphical features. The choice between them often hinges on the value placed on these modern technologies versus the core rasterization performance offered by an older flagship. Factors such as availability, local pricing for new or used units, and specific game preferences will ultimately guide the decision.