Comparing RTX 2070 and GTX 1080: Performance Enhancements at 1080p
Introduction
When it comes to choosing between the RTX 2070 and the GTX 1080 as a gaming graphics card at 1080p resolution, one often finds themselves at a crossroads of memorable features and impressive performance. Both cards have made their mark in the world of gaming, but with different emphases and features. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison, highlighting the strengths of each card, and offer insights into which one might be better suited for your gaming needs.
Performance at 1080p
At 1080p resolution, the performance difference between an RTX 2070 and a GTX 1080 is relatively small, making it a significant consideration for many gamers. According to various benchmarks and real-world testing, the performance difference is largely negligible at this resolution.
Avg. frame rates at medium settings for 11 games showed that the RTX 2070 was approximately 6% faster than the GTX 1080. When pushing the settings to ultra, this difference increased slightly to around 8%. These percentages might seem minor, but for competitive gamers and those deeply involved in demanding games, these increments can matter significantly in terms of performance and responsiveness.
Differences Between RTX 2070 and GTX 1080
The RTX 2070 Super, which is a newer and more powerful version of the RTX 2070, offers a bigger performance gap when compared to the GTX 1080. In fact, the RTX 2070 Super often provides up to 20% better performance than the GTX 1080 at 1080p. This improvement can be attributed to advancements in architecture, such as the NVIDIA Turing architecture, which includes features like ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), enhancing visual fidelity and overall performance.
Ray Tracing and Ray-Traced Textures
One of the key distinctions between the RTX series and the traditional GTX series is the inclusion of support for ray tracing and ray-traced textures. The RTX 2070 and 2070 Super, among other RTX series cards, are equipped with Turing architecture, which makes them capable of rendering ray-traced images in real-time. Ray tracing simulates the physics of light in a scene, creating more realistic and detailed visuals, enhancing the gaming experience and reducing the need for post-processing effects.
Real-Time Ray Tracing and DLSS
The capability for real-time ray tracing is a significant upgrade for the RTX 2070 and 2070 Super. This technology not only enhances image quality but also adds new dimensions to gaming, making environments and characters more lifelike. Furthermore, the RTX series, including the RTX 2070 and 2070 Super, also support DLSS, a technology that leverages AI and deep learning to upscale frame rates without sacrificing image quality. This can be particularly beneficial when running games at higher settings and resolutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the performance difference between the RTX 2070 and GTX 1080 at 1080p is minimal, the RTX 2070 Super offers a significant performance boost, making it a worthwhile upgrade for gamers who demand the best from their hardware. For those interested in the latest advancements in graphics and a more immersive gaming experience, the RTX 2070 Super is the way to go. However, for gamers who prioritize keeping costs down or are already satisfied with the performance of the GTX 1080, the higher frame rates and additional features provided by the RTX card may not be necessary.