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Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a classic showdown: the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 versus the AMD Radeon RX 5700. This comparison aims to help you determine which GPU is the better fit for your gaming needs and budget.
Both the RTX 2060 and the RX 5700 have held significant positions in the mid-range GPU market. They both offer solid performance for 1080p and even 1440p gaming, but their strengths and weaknesses differ. We will explore their performance across various games and assess other crucial factors.
Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading your existing rig, understanding the nuances of the RTX 2060 and the RX 5700 is essential. We will examine their specifications, features, and real-world performance to provide you with a comprehensive analysis. Let’s find out which card comes out on top in this detailed comparison!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | RTX 2060 | RX 5700 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | RDNA |
| Process Size | 12 nm | 7 nm |
| CUDA Cores / Stream Processors | 1920 | 2304 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1680 MHz | Up to 1725 MHz |
| Memory Size | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP | 160W | 180W |
| Ray Tracing | Yes | No |
| DirectX Support | 12 | 12 |
| Release Date | January 2019 | July 2019 |
| Typical Resolution | 1080p, 1440p | 1080p, 1440p |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rtx 2060: Based on Nvidia’s Turing architecture, the RTX 2060 offers ray tracing capabilities and DLSS support. However, its memory bandwidth is somewhat limited compared to newer cards.
- Rx 5700: Utilizing AMD’s RDNA architecture, the RX 5700 focuses on raw rasterization performance and offers a strong value proposition. It lacks dedicated ray tracing hardware found in the 2060.
- Winner: Tie
Performance (Rasterization)
- Rtx 2060: Performs well in 1080p and 1440p gaming, though it can struggle with demanding titles at higher resolutions. Offers good performance for its price point.
- Rx 5700: Generally outperforms the RTX 2060 in rasterization-based games, especially at 1440p. Provides a higher average frame rate in most games.
- Winner: RX 5700
Ray Tracing
- Rtx 2060: Features dedicated RT cores for ray tracing, enabling realistic lighting and reflections in supported games. However, the performance impact can be significant.
- Rx 5700: Does not have dedicated ray tracing hardware, limiting its ability to run ray-traced games. It relies on software-based solutions which are less efficient.
- Winner: RTX 2060
DLSS/FidelityFX Super Resolution
- Rtx 2060: Supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which uses AI to improve performance and image quality. This can significantly boost frame rates in supported games.
- Rx 5700: Does not support DLSS. However, it can utilize AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) which is a more open-source approach offering similar upscaling benefits.
- Winner: Tie
Memory
- Rtx 2060: Typically comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which can be a bottleneck in some modern games at higher resolutions or with demanding textures.
- Rx 5700: Features 8GB of GDDR6 memory, providing a larger buffer for textures and improving performance in memory-intensive games.
- Winner: RX 5700
Power Consumption
- Rtx 2060: Generally consumes less power than the RX 5700, making it slightly more efficient. This results in less heat and a quieter experience.
- Rx 5700: Typically consumes more power, leading to higher temperatures and potentially louder fans. This can affect the overall system’s power requirements.
- Winner: RTX 2060
Price & Value
- Rtx 2060: Often found at lower prices in the used market, making it an attractive option for budget builds. Value proposition is decent depending on the used market.
- Rx 5700: Typically offers better performance for its price, especially if purchased used. Provides a strong value for raw gaming performance.
- Winner: RX 5700
Features & Ecosystem
- Rtx 2060: Offers Nvidia’s ecosystem advantages, including features like Nvidia Broadcast for streaming and driver optimization.
- Rx 5700: Benefits from AMD’s driver improvements and features like FreeSync, which improves gaming experience on FreeSync-compatible monitors.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Performance | RX 5700 |
| Ray Tracing | RTX 2060 |
| Features (DLSS, Software) | RTX 2060 |
| Price (Overall) | Depends on current market |
What They Have in Common
- Gddr6 Memory: Both cards utilize GDDR6 memory, offering faster speeds compared to older GDDR5 cards, leading to improved performance in games.
- Directx 12 Support: Both GPUs fully support DirectX 12, ensuring compatibility with the latest games and technologies.
- 1080p and 1440p Gaming: Both cards are well-suited for gaming at 1080p and can handle many games at 1440p with decent settings.
- Pcie 3.0 Interface: Both cards utilize the PCIe 3.0 interface, allowing for high-speed data transfer between the GPU and the motherboard.
- Multiple Display Outputs: Both cards typically feature multiple display outputs, such as DisplayPort and HDMI, allowing for multi-monitor setups.
Rtx 2060 Vs Rx 5700 Buying Guide
Price Considerations
The price point of both the RTX 2060 and the RX 5700 should be a significant factor in your decision. While the RX 5700 often offered a better price-to-performance ratio initially, this landscape can change based on market availability and used market values. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on a graphics card. Research current prices from various retailers to find the best deal. Factor in the cost of any necessary power supply upgrades if your current one isn’t sufficient.
Performance Benchmarks
The RX 5700 generally outperformed the RTX 2060 in most gaming scenarios, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. However, the performance gap wasn’t always massive, and specific games could favor either card. Review benchmark results from reputable sources to compare the frame rates achieved by both cards in the games you play. Focus on the resolutions you intend to use and the settings you prefer to get a realistic picture.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
The RTX 2060 offered the advantage of ray tracing capabilities and NVIDIA’s DLSS technology, which can improve image quality and performance in supported games. The RX 5700 did not support ray tracing or DLSS at the time of its release. If you prioritize ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 2060 is the better choice. Consider the games you play and whether these features are important to you.
Availability and Used Market
Given that both cards are older generations, their availability in the new market may be limited. The used market is a viable option, but it comes with potential risks. Carefully inspect any used card before purchasing, and consider factors like warranty and seller reputation. Research prices on used marketplaces to get a feel for the current values and compare them with newer generation cards to see if they offer better performance.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Consider the power consumption and cooling requirements of each card. The RX 5700 typically consumed more power than the RTX 2060. Ensure your power supply can handle the load of the chosen card. Research the cooling solutions available for each card, as some models may run hotter than others. Proper cooling is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your graphics card.
Driver Support and Features
Both NVIDIA and AMD provide driver updates that optimize performance and fix bugs. Consider the history of driver updates and the general stability of drivers for both cards. NVIDIA cards often have features like ShadowPlay for recording gameplay. Research the features offered by each card’s drivers and determine if they align with your needs. Consider the overall user experience and ease of use.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RTX 2060 If…
- You prioritize ray tracing and DLSS features for enhanced visual fidelity in supported games.
- You prefer Nvidia’s software ecosystem and features, such as ShadowPlay for recording gameplay.
- You want a card with slightly lower power consumption.
- You find the RTX 2060 at a more competitive price in your region.
Buy RX 5700 If…
- You prioritize raw performance and higher frame rates, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
- You are looking for a card with more memory bandwidth.
- You are not concerned with ray tracing or DLSS.
- You find the RX 5700 at a lower price point and/or prefer AMD’s drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The RX 5700 generally offered better performance at 1080p. It often provided higher frame rates in many games, giving a smoother gaming experience. However, the exact performance varies depending on the specific game and settings. Consider checking benchmarks for the games you play to make an informed decision and see the exact difference in performance.
Does the RTX 2060 support ray tracing?
Yes, the RTX 2060 supports ray tracing, allowing for more realistic lighting and shadows in supported games. However, enabling ray tracing can significantly impact performance, so you may need to adjust graphics settings to maintain playable frame rates. The impact of ray tracing varies greatly depending on the game.
Does the RX 5700 have DLSS support?
No, the RX 5700 does not support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). DLSS is an NVIDIA technology that uses AI to improve performance and image quality. This feature is exclusive to NVIDIA graphics cards. DLSS can significantly boost frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity in compatible games.
Which card is more power efficient?
The RTX 2060 is generally more power-efficient than the RX 5700. This means it consumes less power to operate, which can result in lower electricity bills and potentially less heat generated within your computer case. This can be important when considering the overall cost of ownership.
Which card is better for content creation?
The RTX 2060 has some advantages in content creation, due to its support for CUDA and NVENC, which can accelerate certain tasks like video encoding. However, the RX 5700 can still perform well in content creation depending on the specific application and workload. Check benchmarks and software compatibility to determine the best choice for your needs.
What is the current availability of these cards?
Both the RTX 2060 and RX 5700 are older generation cards, so their availability in the new market may be limited. You’re more likely to find them on the used market. Prices can fluctuate. Always check several retailers and online marketplaces to compare the prices before making a purchase.
Is it worth buying either card in 2024?
Whether it’s worth buying either card in 2024 depends on your budget and needs. If you’re on a tight budget and want to experience decent 1080p gaming, then either card can still be an option. However, consider the availability of newer cards and their features to see if they offer a better value for your money.
Final Verdict
The RX 5700 generally offered superior performance compared to the RTX 2060, particularly at higher resolutions. However, the RTX 2060 provided the benefit of ray tracing and DLSS. The best choice depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and the importance of those specific features. Consider the used market availability and pricing for both cards.
Winner: RX 5700