RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1070 And RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1070 Ti - Eurogamer

RTX 2060 vs GTX 1070 vs GTX 1070 Ti: Feature comparison

Deep learning super-sampling (DLSS)

DLSS is perhaps the most exciting feature to debut with Nvidia's Turing cards, thanks to its promise of significant frame-rate boosts in exchange for a minor downgrade in visuals. Whether used to maximise frame-rates or to offset the extra performance cost of real-time ray tracing, DLSS definitely has potential. We've already produced an in-depth discussion of DLSS but essentially this new feature works by rendering a lower-resolution image which is then upscaled by an efficient deep learning algorithm which has been fed high-res images of the game in question. This allows the RTX hardware to deliver a final image that looks similar to the standard full-size image using around 50 per cent of the shading power, but it does require that Nvidia built out support game by game. Thus far, DLSS has seen limited adoption, but as we continue into 2019 it will hopefully become a more prevalent standard.

So how much extra performance can you expect from games that do support the standard? One example is the Final Fantasy 15 benchmark provided by Nvidia, which perhaps shows a best-case scenario for the technology as we compare results with traditional TAA and DLSS. The RTX 2060 jumps from 23fps average to 32fps, just a hair behind the GTX 1080 Ti. That nearly 40 per cent leap is in line with the relative boost experienced by the RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti, showing that the tech works well across the RTX lineup. With some early DLSS implementations looking worse than an actual drop in resolution, Nvidia will have to continue improving this feature to make it a real selling point for these cards. DLSS could become the RTX 2060's secret weapon that allows it to challenge the GTX 1080 and even the GTX 1080 Ti in some titles - but DLSS has to be implemented better and be available in more games.

Final Fantasy 15 demo: TAA vs DLSS To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings

View source video for this data on YouTube

Resolution: TAA	Lowest 1%	Mean average
GTX 1080	20.07	25.94
GTX 1080 Ti	26.02	32.52
RTX 2060	17.18	23.01
RTX 2070	23.88	29.31
RTX 2080	26.15	33.74
RTX 2080 Ti	34.04	43.43
Resolution: DLSS	Lowest 1%	Mean average
RTX 2060	24.33	31.87
RTX 2070	34.33	40.21
RTX 2080	37.42	46.83
RTX 2080 Ti	46.49	59.77

Real-time ray tracing

Of course, when it comes to features we'd be remiss not to mention the whole reason that Nvidia have shifted from GTX to RTX branding: real-time ray tracing. Ray tracing refers to a process of simulating light as it bounces realistically around a scene, allowing for greater graphical fidelity through lights and shadows that appear more realistic. As well as upgraded visuals, this can have gameplay implications - with RT, you can see around corners using reflections, something that isn't possible with traditional techniques that mimic reflections by using only the player's viewpoint.

Unfortunately, even with the dedicated hardware on board the RTX cards, ray tracing in real time still incurs a heavy performance penalty and uses up a ton of video memory. We have seen from the updates to Battlefield 5 that this penalty can be minimised through smart coding, but it is still significant. To get an idea of how ray tracing affects the RTX 2060 specifically, you can take a look at our Battlefield 5 vs RTX 2060 ray tracing analysis article. You can also see how RTX is implemented in another recent game, Metro Exodus, below.

[4K] Metro Exodus PC/RTX Analysis: The Next Level In Real-Time Visuals Watch on YouTube

Turing architecture: new rendering features

As well as the inclusion of RTX and DLSS, Nvidia's Turing GPUs include other feature improvements over their predecessors. Variable rate shading is one remarkable inclusion, as this tech reduces processing on scene elements that don't require so much attention. On its most aggressive setting, that can result in frame-rate boosts of around 15 per cent based on our testing in Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. All of these technologies are potentially exciting for VR too.

Speaking of VR, some RTX 2060 models also include a single USB-C port that supports the new VirtualLink standard. That means you'll be able to connect future VR headsets with just a single USB-C cable, rather than the usual awkward HDMI and USB 3.0 cat-o'-nine-tails. DisplayPort 1.4a is also included, just in case your single-cable fetish stretches to hooking up an 8K 60Hz display with just one cord.

Finally, content creators like streamers and YouTubers will be able to make use of an upgraded NVENC encoder which allows for higher resolutions and supports a wider range of video standards. More importantly, the new version of the encoder provides better quality with less CPU utilisation, opening the door to 4K streaming on mainstream PC setups - which is particularly exciting for RTX 2060 owners who are perhaps more likely to be using a low or mid-range PC.

Finally, it's worth mentioning what you'll get on both cards. G-Sync, including G-Sync Ultimate and G-Sync Compatible, is supported by both generations, giving you a wide range of variable refresh rate monitors to choose from. You'll also have the option of GeForce experience software, including easy options for streaming and recording gameplay through ShadowPlay. Nvidia cards are more popular than their AMD counterparts, so by and large you'll find all three of the GeForce cards we're considering are well supported with aftermarket accessories, online help forums and so on - with the obvious proviso that the RTX card is newer, so its ecosystem is understandably smaller.