Is an RTX 2070 and Ryzen 5 260 Enough for 60 FPS Ultra Gaming After 5 Years?

Mid-2021: As of mid-2021, running triple-A games on a RTX 2070 with DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) at balanced settings, or even maxing out the graphics on a 1440p resolution with a minimum of 55 FPS, is still achievable. However, could this rig maintain the same performance for the next three to four years? The answer remains uncertain.

With the intention to upgrade to a RTX 3080, it's clear that hardware evolution is inevitable, and gaming performance standards will continue to rise.

Long-Term Viability at 1080p

At 1080p, an RTX 2070 reinforced with proper maintenance (cleaning or using a water block) should be sufficient for at least four years to five. Ensuring regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your hardware.

For those who plan to play at high or ultra settings without ray tracing, the RTX 2070 should be capable of achieving 60 to 100 FPS in games for the next two to three years. However, if ray tracing is enabled, the frame rates may drop to around 40 to 60 FPS, even at the medium preset.

If you want to ensure sustained performance for the next five years, the RTX 2070 might still be up to the task, but as the number of years increases, the graphic settings will naturally decrease. This holds true for processors like an R5 360 or an I5 9600K.

For those who haven't upgraded to an RTX 2070 yet, now would be the perfect time to make the switch to the RTX 30 series. The RTX 3080, released in 2021, represents the next generation of NVIDIA's GPUs, offering significant improvements over the previous generation.

Future Proofing Considerations

While the level of graphics in modern games is continually evolving, with RTX enabled, current games are already struggling and impacting frame rates. For future-proofing, it's not advisable to push your hardware to absolute limits. The RTX 2070, though powerful, is a first-generation technology and, while sufficient for now, is not perfect. Future generations, specifically the RTX 3000 series, are anticipated to bring more interesting improvements.

Many professional players do not run their graphics at ultra settings, as evidenced by the settings they use in their Twitch or Mixer streams. Professional gamers often adjust their settings based on their required FPS and resolution needs. It's wise to tune your graphics settings accordingly.

Conclusion

The RTX 2070 and Ryzen 5 260 should suffice for high-fidelity gaming at 1080p for the next five years, with some maintenance and adjustments. However, as the gaming landscape continues to evolve, investing in future-proof hardware will ensure your rig remains competitive. The RTX 3080 and future generations of NVIDIA GPUs offer a safer bet for long-term gaming needs.