Rtx 2070 vs gtx 1080: Nvidia GTX 1080 vs RTX 2070

RTX 2070 Vs. GTX 1080

Whether you’re building your own gaming computer from scratch or simply upgrading your outdated graphics card, you’ll want to know you can trust the brands being recommended to you.

To show you how we came to our decision so you can see for yourself and put your mind at ease, we’ve touched on some of the most important features that we think you should consider when trying to determine whether you should invest in the RTX 2070 or the GTX 1080.

AMD/Nvidia

Since the launch of Nvidia’s Turing graphics card architecture sometime last year, the company has turned its attention to creating a well-rounded range of GPUs that will suit every preference, set-up, and budget, so that every gamer has options.

This has seen them return to revamp their GTX GPUs, and they consistently bring variety in the form of their original, Ti-moniker, and Super-moniker cards. So, there’s even more to choose from than ever, and a number of options that are worthy of your consideration.

The RTX 2070 and the GTX 1080 are both mid-range GPUs that were the original graphics card in their family, and like every firstborn, they’re both capable of carrying a lot on their shoulders. Neither would have trouble taking out a lower-end GPU from AMD or Nvidia, but how do these two graphics cards stack up against each other when put to the test?

They’re pretty evenly matched in terms of price, but of course, there’s a lot more that goes into a decision like this which means they’re not necessarily matched in terms of ability.

We’re going to take a look at what we consider to be some of the most important features that you should factor into your decision, including architecture, cooling solution, the size and dimensions of the GPU, resolution, frame rates, and VRAM memory.

Architecture

The long-awaited Turing architecture well and truly lived up to the hype that built up in the run-up to its release, and it’s what the RTX 2070 GPU is based on. This means that this is a graphics card that is equipped with the latest Tensor and Ray Tracing cores, totaling 288 and 36 respectively, which enables real-time ray tracing and realistic shadow imagery.

Comparably, the GTX 1080 features the older Pascal architecture, although it’s the most advanced 16nm FinFET version which means that it’s more efficient than its predecessors. It has 2,560 CUDA cores, where the RTX 2070 only has 2,304.

However, Nvidia boasts of their Turing architecture boost as being up to 50% more effective per core, which would translate to them taking the lead. You might want to check that with a language dictionary, however, as the clock speeds tell a different story.

Clock speeds are another important thing to think about, as this will determine the speed at which your games can run at. The GTX 1080 has a base clock speed of 1,607 MHz and a base clock speed of 1,733 MHz, so there’s a small but not huge improvement when boosted.

If you’re looking to overclock your GPU, you’ll squeeze more performance out of the RTX 2070 which comes clocked at 1,410 and can be boosted to a speed of 1,620 MHz leaving a bigger gap in the performance, but both speeds are slower than the GTX 1080 delivers.

Cooling

The absolute craftsmanship of the fans, vapor chamber, and shroud, ensures that this is a cooling solution that works efficiently, and the GTX 1080 manages to stay well below the 94℃ maximum temperature limit.

On average, we saw it settle somewhere between 70℃ and 80℃, only peaking over this mark to around 83℃ when pushed to the absolute limits of its ability. By comparison, the maximum temperature we recorded for the RTX 2070 is 79℃, so just slightly cooler.

The RTX 2070 is known to sometimes run a little on the warmer side when under a particularly heavy load, so it’s especially important to invest in a cooling system that’s going to help you battle the risk of overheating.

Dimensions

You need to know whether your graphics card will actually slot in somewhere within your existing gaming set-up, and if you’re already dealing with a crowded motherboard, being able to compare the exact measurements of the GPU against the available space is useful.

When it comes to the RTX 2070 and the GTX 1080, there’s admittedly not a huge amount of difference, but it’s still enough that one may be a tighter fit than the other. So, which is the larger of the two?

The GTX 1080 takes up slightly more space as it measures 267 mm (L) x 112 mm (W) x (40 mm (H) with a dual-slot cooling solution, and it connects to the rest of the system using a PCI-Express 3.0 x 16 interface.

The RTX 2070 shares the same PCI-interface, but nothing else. It measures at a shorter 229 mm in length, is 1 mm wider with a width of 113 mm, and although it too has a 2-slot cooling solution, it’s also shorter in terms of height reaching just 35 mm.

Resolutions and Frames Per Second

In terms of raw performance, the RTX 2070 is capable of delivering a pixel rate of 108.90 GigaPixels/Second, which is only a slight improvement over the GTX 1080 which has a pixel rate of 102.80 GigaPixels/Second. Still, the higher the pixel rate, the better the resolution.

Both graphics cards offer absolutely fantastic performance at 1080p, but the RTX 2070 takes the lead by about 9% and delivers impressive frame rates of approximately 120.8 per second on average. Games like Minecraft delivered particularly impressive results, and even titles such as League of Legends and PUBG offered faster frames than the GTX 1080.

What’s interesting about these two GPUs is that the RTX 2070 consistently maintains this lead and the gap doesn’t get any smaller as you increase the settings, which you would usually see when comparing two similar-value graphics cards.

Instead, the GTX 1080 lags behind by a larger 10% disparity when cranked up to Ultrawide 1440p performance settings, although it still manages to give us just under 70 frames per second with an average of 69.0, so it’s by no means a weak graphics card in its own right.

However, when compared to the RTX 2070 it’s clear that it can’t keep up, and the final nail in the coffin is when we tested them at 4K settings where the GTX 1080 dropped below 50 frames and the RTX 2070 managed to keep pushing out a decent 53. 7 frames per second.

Ray Tracing?

Like all of Nvidia’s RTX GPUs, the RTX 2070 comes with the exciting new Tensor and Ray Tracing cores that are designed to work with the Turing architecture and provide high-quality real-time ray tracing to the games that support this feature.

If you’re in any doubt over these abilities, a simple scroll back through this article and the results we’ve already reviewed will demonstrate exactly how much of an upgrade these new RT and Tensor cores are compared to the former rasterization technology that was used.

Nvidia chose not to equip their latest GTX series graphics cards with the same ray tracing technology, despite the fact that some of them do feature Turing architecture, but this was a deliberate decision that was made in an attempt to present them as more affordable alternatives to the high-end RTX range.

That’s not to say that you can’t experience ray tracing at all on these GPUs, as what Nvidia has done is create a downloadable driver that enables ray tracing on GTX cards for games that support it. However, seeing as it’s not designed for this purpose it doesn’t handle the intense demands of real-time ray tracing and shadow rendering as well as the RTX 2070.

VRAM

The GTX 1080 features the GDDR5X VRAM memory type, which is an improvement on the earlier version, GDDR5, but not quite the same step up as is offered by GDDR6, which is the most energy-efficient memory type currently available.

They both offer an 8 GB capacity of memory storage which is more than suitable for the majority of modern game titles, and this should reduce the risk of any bottlenecking occurring.

The RTX 2070 takes the lead in terms of memory bandwidth as it delivers much higher speeds of 448.00 Gbps compared to the GTX 1080 which is only capable of 320.00 Gbps. This means you can increase the resolution and AA settings further as it is able to access and retrieve stored data faster.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already the proud owner of the GTX 1080, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend upgrading to the RTX 2070 as while there’s definitely an improvement in the performance quality it provides, it’s not a big enough jump up in quality to justify the cost.

However, if you’re struggling to get the results you want out of an older graphics card, it’s definitely worth bypassing the GTX 1080 and heading straight for the RTX 2070 because this will offer more for your money, as it will deliver better resolution and faster frame rates for smoother and more seamlessly realistic gameplay.

Plus, it’s a better option for future-proofing your PC rig, especially as ray tracing is only at the beginning of its journey, with the expectation of it becoming the next big thing in gaming. It’s also the more affordable of the two options, so even if sticking to a budget is your highest priority, it’s still going to be a good idea to opt for the RTX 2070 in this case.

RTX 2070 vs GTX 1080 — Which Should You Choose? [2020 Update]

Are you considering between RTX 2070 vs GTX 1080? Then you NEED to take a look at Colorfy’s following article.

Nvidia started its Turing GPU structure roughly annually ago and ever since that time has fleshed out its lineup with non-RTX versions that absence the dedicated hardware for real-time beam tracing, and more recently refreshed its GeForce RTX string with updated Super versions. This usually means that you have more choices to wade through searching for the best graphics cards for your own setup and price range.

Based on how far you’re trying to invest and what amount of functionality you’re aiming for, then you could be asking yourself if it is much better to plunk down a wad of money on a GeForce RTX 2070 (possibly the standard version or the Super version ) or a former production GeForce GTX 1080. All three started with a $499 MSRP, placing these cards on seemingly equal footing. However, are they actually?

The quick and dirty answer is no, they aren’t, but naturally, things are somewhat more complex than a straightforward yes’ or’no’ answer could communicate. That’s the reason we’ve opted to compare these GPU heavyweights about features, functionality, and actual street pricing. All things considered, these are what ultimately matter while purchasing a graphic card (or some other hardware element (actually) to make an educated buying choice. Thus, let us begin.

Table of Contents

Differences between RTX 2070 and GTX 1080

There are tons of differences between NVIDIA’s Pascal and Turing structure (in other words that the 10- and 20-series), and covering all of these in this brief article probably is not that helpful and interesting to the majority of people that is the reason why I’ll only cover the principal gaps.

First and foremost are the largest new feature, which is the main reason behind the new naming of these cards, moving from GTX into RTX: real-time beam tracing. Essentially, it’s a different approach to making a picture when compared with the rasterization you are utilized to and operates by tracing the route of a beam of light back into the 3D space. This contributes to a more striking picture, as reflections, shadows, and so forth would be far more realistic. If you would like to understand more about ray tracing, this article by PCGamer goes fairly in-depth relating to this technology.

Together with the launch of the RTX 2070, you might have seen some standard numbers and that the cost is really much like this one of those GeForce GTX 1080 beginning at only under $500. That means you might be left wondering which you are the better purchase and what you may expect of this new 20-series of RTX graphic cards from NVIDIA. I will attempt to discuss this subject in the present article.

RTX 2070 vs. GTX 1080 – Performance Benchmarks

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

While the RTX 2070, along with the GeForce GTX 1080, will take center stage in our performance comparison, it is reasonable to incorporate some increased context. This comes in the kind of two higher-end Nvidia graphic cards by this creation and the past, the RTX 2080, along with the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. We have also included the AMD Vega 64, Team Red’s fastest graphics cards right now. Our testing has been conducted at 1440p and 4K to best show the gap between them, as 1080p testing is frequently too CPU-limited.

To provide you a clearer idea of those cards’ raw functionality, you can observe a number of the pertinent stats at the table below. Be aware that Founder’s Edition figures are given, with their benchmark equivalents in parentheses, since the RTX FE cards we tested come factory overclocked.

Our testing results will be displayed with our Digital Foundry benchmarking program – so long as you see the desktop version of the page, anyhow. A YouTube video shows the spectacle in which we analyzed every card with dwell frame-rate and frame period information embedded below. Use the controls to the right of this movie to include or remove cards and resolutions and locate quick summaries for the entire run in the graph below. Don’t forget to find different characters in this graph; you will want to mouse on the outcomes. You could even click on the graph to toggle between absolute figures and percentages. Now, let us enter the outcomes proper!

The RTX 2070 and GTX 1080 – a battle for the ages! Fittingly, our very first evaluation is also a historical one, as we all carry into the mountainous areas of Greece to find out which card leaves this intricate scene the speediest. Hit play on the movie below, and you will realize that the RTX 2070 in the GeForce GTX 1080 in crimson. The RTX 2070 might be the first victor here, together with the brand new card operating 56fps in 1440p and 35fps in 4K. When compared with this GTX 1080, that is a lead of about 12 percent at every resolution.

Ray Tracing And DLSS

Alongside a fresh Turing core design and a new production of memory, Nvidia’s RTX-series graphics cards also sport some fascinating added chips beneath their springs that are impressive. The RT and Tensor cores enable features that other cards can not actually compete with. Ray tracing and profound learning supersampling (DLSS). Of both of these cards, these features are only really in 2070. Though 1080 can technically execute ray-tracing calculations with no hardware acceleration of RT cores, it is only likely to have the ability to offer you that at 1080p in 30 FPS roughly.

Though Nvidia’s alternative is a bit of a workaround than a true beam tracing, the result is still quite remarkable. Lighting appears more realistic than conventional rasterization. It may respond in real-time to changes in a scene, allowing for more light and reflections scattering for a complete, more believable looking digital atmosphere.

There are a few drawbacks, however. The most notable in the present time is that there are not many encouraging games yet offered. Some games have to launch, and many others have yet to execute the attribute. The list is increasing, but it is still not broad or long. Additionally, it is a costly feature concerning system functionality, despite hardware acceleration.

DLSS is not the same. It is available on a lengthier list of names and has performance benefits instead of detriments. However, it does not always seem great, which makes its usage rather suspicious. It is a wonderful improvement for RTX owners, particularly if you would like to use ray tracing, but it is not worth purchasing the card alone.

Read also: Best RTX 2070 Graphics Card

Cost And Value

Jarred mentioned in his critique of this RTX 2070 Super, which it’s an excellent solution for people seeking to construct a high-end gaming PC. Really, it puts on the peak of the graphs for your FPS per unit of cash spent on a comprehensive PC, and also, the RTX 2070 isn’t far behind. Both cards are somewhat less enticing from a worth standpoint when looking at the card, rather than the platform’s price as a whole.

With this comparison, however, we are not assessing the bang-for-buck proposition among all cards. That is a showdown between the RTX 2070 cards as well as the former production GTX 1080. That is also what makes things tricky.

Whenever the GeForce GTX 1080 started, it was a $499 card. And today? New versions on Newegg price upwards of $735, and many hovers around the $1,000 mark. Yeah, no. We could say totally and emphatically it makes absolute sense to cover these costs to get a GTX 1080. Zip. Zilch.

Pricing is a lot more realistic in the second-hand sector. On eBay, by way of instance, you may expect to pay around $300–a few options to get a bit less, and many others go for a little more. Meanwhile, the brand new RTX 2070 cards Newegg generally opt for $449 and up, along with also the RTX 2070 Super sells for $499 and up.

1 thing to remember, however, is a used card may have been toiling away mining cryptocurrency 24 hours each day for a year or even longer. The GeForce GTX 1080 has been a desired GPU through the crypto trend, and also, a used card might have been conducted at full bore for extended stretches.

Conclusion

Here the obvious winner is RTX 2070 since it plays marginally better in matches. The significant difference is that the additional features like Ray tracing and DLSS.

Depending on the operation difference, there is no actual reason to update from 1080 into 2070; it might make more sense to visit the 2080 or even 1080Ti. If you choose between them, both look pretty great for both 1080p and 1440p gambling, I would not go for 4K, not to mention 2070 gets the choice of raytracing, which in theory will be encouraged in more matches moving forward, but that is yet to be seen.

Both are very effective at providing a fantastic gaming experience. It actually boils down to what type of games you would like to play with, what resolutions you would like to perform, and what frame rates you would like to target.