Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 980 Ti represent two different generations of graphics cards. The RTX 2060 generally offers more modern features like ray tracing and DLSS support, while the GTX 980 Ti, a high-end card from its time, can still deliver comparable traditional rasterization performance in many titles.
GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 980 Ti: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from different generations can be insightful for users considering an upgrade or evaluating performance in a specific market segment. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti was a flagship model, while the GeForce RTX 2060 arrived later as a more mainstream offering with new architectural advancements. This comparison will break down their specifications, feature sets, and typical performance profiles to highlight where each card stands.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference lies in their underlying architecture. The GTX 980 Ti is based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, while the RTX 2060 utilizes the newer Turing architecture. This generational shift brings more than just raw performance changes.
- RTX 2060 (Turing): Features dedicated RT Cores for real-time ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI-driven tasks like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). It’s built on a 12nm manufacturing process.
- GTX 980 Ti (Maxwell): Lacks dedicated hardware for ray tracing or AI upscaling. It focuses on traditional shading performance and is built on a 28nm process, which is typically less power-efficient.
- VRAM: Both cards typically come with 6GB of GDDR6 (RTX 2060) or GDDR5 (GTX 980 Ti) memory. The RTX 2060’s memory, while the same capacity, is on a newer, faster standard.
Performance and Features
Performance varies significantly depending on the application and game settings, particularly with modern titles.
- Traditional Rasterization: In games that do not use ray tracing or DLSS, the performance can be quite close. The GTX 980 Ti’s raw shading power often allows it to compete with the RTX 2060 in many older or less demanding titles.
- Ray Tracing and DLSS: This is the RTX 2060’s defining advantage. It can handle real-time ray tracing effects (like shadows and reflections), a feature completely absent on the GTX 980 Ti. DLSS can also provide a significant performance boost in supported games by using AI to upscale images from a lower resolution.
- Power Efficiency: Due to its more modern architecture and manufacturing process, the RTX 2060 typically delivers its performance at a lower power draw compared to the GTX 980 Ti.
Display and Connectivity
Both cards are capable of driving high-resolution displays, but their output ports reflect the technology available at their release.
- RTX 2060: Commonly features more modern display outputs like DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b, supporting higher refresh rates at high resolutions. It also supports Variable Rate Shading (VRS) for performance optimization.
- GTX 980 Ti: Typically equipped with DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0. It lacks support for some newer display technologies that are part of the Turing feature set.
- Target Resolution: Both are generally considered capable for 1080p and 1440p gaming, though the RTX 2060 tends to have an edge in newer, more demanding games at these resolutions, especially when using its feature set.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 2060 | GeForce GTX 980 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Maxwell |
| GPU Process | 12nm | 28nm |
| Ray Tracing Cores | Yes (RT Cores) | No |
| Tensor Cores / DLSS | Yes | No |
| VRAM (Typical) | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 384-bit |
| Performance Profile | Strong in modern titles with RT/DLSS; efficient | Strong traditional shading; high power draw |
| Key Features | Real-time Ray Tracing, DLSS, VRS, NVENC (updated) | MFAA, DSR, VXGI |
| Display Outputs | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 |
| Target Gaming Resolution | 1080p, 1440p | 1080p, 1440p |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the RTX 2060 and GTX 980 Ti?
The primary difference is architectural. The RTX 2060 is built on the Turing architecture, which introduces dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing (RT Cores) and AI processing (Tensor Cores for DLSS). The GTX 980 Ti uses the older Maxwell architecture and lacks these specific features.
Can the GTX 980 Ti handle ray tracing?
No, the GTX 980 Ti does not have the dedicated RT Core hardware required for real-time ray tracing. While some very basic ray tracing effects can be run via software emulation on older cards, the performance impact is typically too severe to be practical for gaming.
Which card is better for playing older games?
For games released around the same time as the GTX 980 Ti or that rely purely on traditional rendering, both cards can deliver a very similar experience. The GTX 980 Ti’s high-end heritage often allows it to perform well in this context.
Is the RTX 2060 more power-efficient than the GTX 980 Ti?
Yes, generally. The RTX 2060’s more advanced 12nm manufacturing process and architectural improvements typically allow it to deliver comparable or better performance at a lower power draw than the 28nm GTX 980 Ti.
Final Thoughts
This comparison highlights a classic generational shift. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti remains a card with substantial traditional rendering power for its age. The GeForce RTX 2060, while positioned differently in its product stack, brings forward-looking features like ray tracing and DLSS, along with generally improved efficiency. The choice between them often depends on whether access to modern graphical features and support in new game titles is a priority, or if performance in a library of older games is the main consideration.