The world of graphics cards is a realm where technological advancements happen at lightning speed, and the competition is fierce. Two of the most popular and highly debated graphics cards in recent times are the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. Both cards have their loyal followings, and for good reason. But which one reigns supreme? In this article, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and performance of both cards to answer the question: Is RTX 2070 Super better than GTX 1080?
Specifications and Architecture
Before we dive into the performance comparison, let’s take a look at the specifications and architecture of both cards.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super is based on the TU104 chip, which is a refined version of the TU106 chip used in the RTX 2070. It features 2560 CUDA cores, 320 Tensor cores, and 40 RT cores. The card has a base clock speed of 1605 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1770 MHz. It also comes with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory with a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
On the other hand, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 is based on the GP104 chip and features 2560 CUDA cores. It has a base clock speed of 1607 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1733 MHz. The card comes with 8 GB of GDDR5X memory with a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s.
One significant difference between the two cards is the architecture. The RTX 2070 Super is based on the newer Turing architecture, which introduces several innovative features such as ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading. The GTX 1080, on the other hand, is based on the older Pascal architecture, which lacks these features.
Ray Tracing and AI-Enhanced Graphics
One of the most significant advantages of the RTX 2070 Super is its ability to handle ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics. Ray tracing is a technology that allows for more accurate and realistic lighting in games, which can greatly enhance the gaming experience. The RTX 2070 Super’s 40 RT cores are dedicated to handling ray tracing, which enables it to handle this feature efficiently.
The RTX 2070 Super also features Tensor cores, which are dedicated to handling AI-enhanced graphics. These cores enable features such as deep learning super sampling (DLSS), which can improve the performance of games that use AI-enhanced graphics.
Variable Rate Shading
Another feature that sets the RTX 2070 Super apart from the GTX 1080 is variable rate shading. This feature allows developers to allocate shaders more efficiently, which can improve the performance of games that use complex graphics.
Performance Comparison
Now that we’ve looked at the specifications and features of both cards, let’s see how they perform in real-world scenarios.
1080p Gaming Performance
At 1080p resolution, both cards perform admirably. In games such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, the RTX 2070 Super averages around 140-150 FPS, while the GTX 1080 averages around 120-130 FPS.
However, when it comes to more demanding games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the RTX 2070 Super takes the lead. It averages around 80-90 FPS in these games, while the GTX 1080 averages around 60-70 FPS.
1440p Gaming Performance
At 1440p resolution, the RTX 2070 Super’s lead becomes more pronounced. In Fortnite and Apex Legends, it averages around 100-110 FPS, while the GTX 1080 averages around 80-90 FPS.
In more demanding games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the RTX 2070 Super averages around 60-70 FPS, while the GTX 1080 averages around 40-50 FPS.
4K Gaming Performance
At 4K resolution, the RTX 2070 Super is the clear winner. In Fortnite and Apex Legends, it averages around 60-70 FPS, while the GTX 1080 averages around 40-50 FPS.
In more demanding games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the RTX 2070 Super averages around 30-40 FPS, while the GTX 1080 averages around 20-30 FPS.
Power Consumption and Noise
Another important factor to consider when choosing a graphics card is power consumption and noise. The RTX 2070 Super has a TDP of 215W, while the GTX 1080 has a TDP of 180W.
In terms of noise, the RTX 2070 Super is generally quieter than the GTX 1080. This is due to its more efficient cooling system, which features a dual-axial fan design.
Price and Value
The final factor to consider is price and value. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super is generally priced around $500-$600, while the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 is priced around $400-$500.
While the GTX 1080 may seem like a better value at first glance, the RTX 2070 Super’s additional features and superior performance make it a better value in the long run.
In conclusion, the RTX 2070 Super is the better graphics card overall. Its superior performance, advanced features, and efficient cooling system make it the better choice for gamers who want the best. While the GTX 1080 is still a great graphics card, it can’t match the RTX 2070 Super’s performance and feature set.
| Specification | RTX 2070 Super | GTX 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 2560 | 2560 |
| Tensor Cores | 320 | None |
| RT Cores | 40 | None |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR5X |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 320 GB/s |
| Architecture | Turing | Pascal |
Note: The table above summarizes the key specifications of both graphics cards.
What is the main difference between RTX 2070 Super and GTX 1080?
The main difference between RTX 2070 Super and GTX 1080 is the architecture and technology used in these two graphics cards. RTX 2070 Super is based on the newer TU104 architecture, which provides significant improvements in performance, power efficiency, and features compared to the GP104 architecture used in GTX 1080. Additionally, RTX 2070 Super supports ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and Variable Rate Shading, which are not available in GTX 1080.
In terms of specifications, RTX 2070 Super has more CUDA cores (2560 vs 2560), higher memory bandwidth (448 GB/s vs 320 GB/s), and faster memory (14 Gbps vs 10 Gbps) compared to GTX 1080. These changes result in significant performance improvements in modern games and applications that take advantage of the newer architecture and features.
Is RTX 2070 Super worth the extra cost compared to GTX 1080?
Whether RTX 2070 Super is worth the extra cost compared to GTX 1080 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a gamer who wants the latest and greatest technology, including ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics, and you have a 4K monitor or plan to game at high refresh rates, then RTX 2070 Super may be worth the extra cost. Additionally, if you’re a content creator who uses applications that take advantage of the newer architecture and features, such as AI-enhanced video editing or 3D rendering, then RTX 2070 Super may be a better choice.
However, if you’re a casual gamer who doesn’t need the latest and greatest technology and you’re on a budget, then GTX 1080 may be a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance. It’s also worth noting that GTX 1080 is an older card, so you may be able to find deals or discounts on new or used cards, which could make it an even more attractive option for those on a budget.
Can I use RTX 2070 Super with a lower-end CPU?
Yes, you can use RTX 2070 Super with a lower-end CPU, but you may not be able to take full advantage of the graphics card’s performance. RTX 2070 Super is a powerful graphics card that requires a relatively powerful CPU to drive it. If you pair it with a lower-end CPU, you may experience bottlenecks in performance, especially at higher resolutions and detail settings.
That being said, if you’re planning to game at lower resolutions or detail settings, you may still be able to get decent performance with a lower-end CPU. Additionally, if you’re using the graphics card for tasks other than gaming, such as video editing or 3D rendering, you may not need as powerful of a CPU. However, in general, it’s recommended to pair RTX 2070 Super with at least a mid-range to high-end CPU to get the most out of it.
Does GTX 1080 support ray tracing?
No, GTX 1080 does not support ray tracing. Ray tracing is a feature that is exclusive to Nvidia’s RTX series of graphics cards, including RTX 2070 Super. GTX 1080 is a Pascal-based graphics card that was released before the RTX series, and it does not have the necessary hardware or software capabilities to support ray tracing.
If you want to experience ray tracing in your games, you’ll need an RTX series graphics card, such as RTX 2070 Super. However, it’s worth noting that not all games take advantage of ray tracing, and some games may have alternative rendering methods that provide similar visual effects without the need for ray tracing.
How does RTX 2070 Super perform compared to GTX 1080 in 4K gaming?
RTX 2070 Super generally performs better than GTX 1080 in 4K gaming, especially in games that take advantage of the newer architecture and features. In many modern games, RTX 2070 Super is able to maintain high frame rates (above 60 FPS) at 4K resolutions, while GTX 1080 may struggle to reach 60 FPS in the same games.
This is because RTX 2070 Super has more CUDA cores, higher memory bandwidth, and faster memory compared to GTX 1080, which allows it to handle the increased demands of 4K gaming. Additionally, RTX 2070 Super’s Variable Rate Shading and other features help to improve performance in 4K gaming. However, the exact performance difference will depend on the specific game and settings used.
Can I overclock RTX 2070 Super to match GTX 1080’s performance?
Yes, you can overclock RTX 2070 Super to match or exceed GTX 1080’s performance, but it will depend on the specific card and system you’re using. RTX 2070 Super has a higher boosts clock and more overclocking headroom compared to GTX 1080, which makes it potentially capable of higher performance.
However, overclocking will also increase power consumption and heat generation, which may require additional cooling and power supplies. Additionally, overclocking will void the warranty and may reduce the lifespan of the graphics card. It’s also worth noting that overclocking may not always result in significant performance gains, and it’s generally recommended to stick with the manufacturer’s recommended specifications for optimal performance and reliability.
Is RTX 2070 Super worth it for 1440p gaming?
RTX 2070 Super is generally considered overkill for 1440p gaming, especially if you’re not using the latest and greatest features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics. GTX 1080 or even lower-end graphics cards may be sufficient for 1440p gaming, depending on the specific games and settings you’re using.
However, if you want the absolute best performance at 1440p, RTX 2070 Super may be worth considering. It will provide higher frame rates and better performance in demanding games, especially at higher detail settings. Additionally, if you’re planning to game at higher refresh rates or use features like G-Sync or FreeSync, RTX 2070 Super may be a better choice. But for casual 1440p gaming, you may not need the extra power and features of RTX 2070 Super.