RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1080: Which Is Better In 2023?

Previously, our comparison revealed that AMD’s RX 7900 XTX had better performance than NVIDIA’s 4070 Ti. However, this time, we will examine the performance gap between NVIDIA’s previous generations by comparing the GeForce RTX 2060 vs GTX 1080 to see which holds up better in 2023.

Key Takeaways

• Initially, it’s worth noting that the GeForce RTX 2060 uses the advanced Turing architecture, whereas the GeForce GTX 1080 relies on the less powerful Pascal architecture.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 in benchmark tests, with an average FPS production that is 7.4% higher.
• Furthermore, benchmark results indicate that the RTX 2060 has a power consumption that is approximately 5.8% lower than that of the GeForce GTX 1080.
• In contrast, the benchmark analysis also concluded that the GTX 1080 has a 13.2% advantage in thermal efficiency over the RTX 2060.

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060

The GeForce RTX 2060, launched a couple of years ago, is a Turing-based graphics card that belongs to the RTX 2000 series.

With a base clock of 1365 MHz, a boost clock of 1680 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6 memory, and a bandwidth of 336.0 GB/s, it is one of the older models in the series. Despite its age, it still holds a notable position among mid-range gaming graphics cards.

Also Read: GTX 1080 Vs RTX 2080

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080

The GeForce GTX 1080, once deemed a high-end graphics card from NVIDIA’s Pascal generation, was released as a part of the RTX 1000 series. The card boasts a base clock of 1607 MHz, a boost clock of 1733 MHz, and 8 GB GDDR 5X memory with a bandwidth of 320.3 GB/s.

It was a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts during its time and was considered one of the most powerful GPUs available.

RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1080: Gaming Benchmarks

After examining the hardware specifications of the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080, the next step is to evaluate their real-world performance in modern gaming applications. The goal is to perform a comprehensive and precise analysis to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each graphics card in various modern games.

Testing Rig

Here are the specs of the testing rig:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero
• Memory: 16 GB DDR4 3600 MHz CL 16
• Storage Drive: 500 GB  M2 PCIe 3.0 SSD, 2 TB Samsung 870 QVO Sata SSD
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

In order to provide a detailed analysis, we will carry out an extensive comparison of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1080. Our testing will involve evaluating their performance and technical capabilities, such as frame rates, temperatures, and 1% lows, under 1080p ultra settings.

Note: Just remember that various external factors can influence benchmark tests, such as room temperature, airflow, and background software, which can all affect the final results. As a result, it is crucial to consider the results as estimates instead of exact outcomes.

Now without wasting any time, let’s jump right into the gaming benchmarks of the GeForce RTX 2060 vs GTX 1080.

Cyberpunk 2077

• Surpassing the GTX 1080’s 61.1 FPS, the RTX 2060 performs remarkably well, boasting a significant 15.6% increase in average FPS, achieving an impressive 71.5 FPS in benchmark tests.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 exhibits a stronger 1% low performance compared to the GTX 1080, showcasing an improvement of 10.2% with 53.3 FPS compared to 48.1 FPS.
• When it comes to power consumption, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 by using 2.4% less power, consuming only 166.6 W compared to 170.8 W.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 lags behind the GTX 1080 in terms of cooling by 30% or 17°C, with an average temperature of 65°C, while the GTX 1080 achieves a lower 48°C.

Strange Brigade

• The RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 by a significant margin, achieving an impressive 148.9 FPS compared to 138.3 FPS in benchmark tests and boasting a 7.3% increase in average FPS.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 showcases better 1% low performance in comparison to the GTX 1080 with a 9.2% improvement, exhibiting 116.2 FPS as opposed to 105.9 FPS.
• Moreover, the RTX 2060 consumes less power than the GTX 1080, with a difference of 9.7%, as it only uses 173.3 W compared to the latter’s 191.1 W.
• Additionally, the GTX 1080 outperforms the RTX 2060 in thermal management by 20.3% or 12°C, with an average temperature of 53°C compared to 65°C for the latter.

F1 2022

• With an impressive 10% increase in average FPS, the RTX 2060 delivers 107.3 FPS in benchmark tests and surpasses the GTX 1080’s 97 FPS.
• In addition, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 with regards to 1% low performance, showing an 11.6% improvement with 87.2 FPS in contrast to 77.6 FPS.
• Comparatively, the GTX 1080 consumes more power than the RTX 2060, with an increase of 14.2%, using 183.5 W compared to the latter’s 159.1 W.
• Furthermore, our tests showed that the GTX 1080 has superior cooling by 3.2% or 2°C compared to the RTX 2060, with an average temperature of 61°C compared to 63°C for the RTX 2060.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

• The RTX 2060 draws a close competition, with a 1.1% increase in average FPS and achieving an impressive 62 FPS in benchmark tests, surpassing the GTX 1080’s 61.3 FPS.
• Moreover, the RTX 2060 barely wins against the GTX 1080 in terms of 1% low performance with an 0.7% improvement, presenting 51.6 FPS versus 51.2 FPS.
• The power consumption of the RTX 2060 is lower than the GTX 1080 by 2%, as the former uses 135.3 W while the latter consumes 138.1 W.
• However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 1080 has a better cooling system than the RTX 2060 by 1.6% or 1°C, having a lower average temperature of 60°C compared to the RTX 2060’s 61°C.

Also Check: NVIDIA RTX 3060 vs GTX 1080

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

• In benchmark tests, the RTX 2060 performs well, achieving an impressive 109.8 FPS and boasting a 5% increase in average FPS, surpassing the GTX 1080’s 104.4 FPS.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 demonstrates superior 1% low performance when compared to the GTX 1080, with a 4.8% improvement and 85 FPS in contrast to 81 FPS.
• Unlike the RTX 2060, the GTX 1080 consumes more power by 5.2%, as it uses 185.4 W compared to the former’s 176 W.
• Moreover, the GTX 1080 performs better than the RTX 2060 by 6.3% or 4°C in terms of thermal management, with an average temperature of 61°C, while the RTX 2060 has a higher average temperature of 65°C.

Metro Exodus

• Surprisingly with a 1.4% decrease in average FPS, the RTX 2060 achieves 75.8 FPS in benchmark tests, compared to the GTX 1080’s 76.9 FPS.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 delivers enhanced 1% low performance compared to the GTX 1080, exhibiting a 1.6% improvement with 36 FPS versus 35.4 FPS.
• In terms of power usage, the RTX 2060 is more efficient than the GTX 1080, using 1.3% less power, with a consumption of 185.2 W compared to the latter’s 187.8 W.
• In addition, the GTX 1080 outshines the RTX 2060 in temperature management by 3.2% or 2°C, with an average temperature of 60°C compared to 62°C for the latter.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• With a significant 16.6% increase in average FPS, the RTX 2060 achieves an 82.8 FPS in benchmark tests, surpassing the GTX 1080’s 70.1 FPS.
• In addition, the RTX 2060 provides a superior 1% low performance than the GTX 1080 with a 16.3% increase, showing 67 FPS as opposed to 56.9 FPS.
• With a difference of 5.3%, the RTX 2060 uses less power than the GTX 1080, with a consumption of only 164 W compared to 173 W.
• Additionally, our analysis revealed that the GTX 1080 has 11.7% or 8°C better thermal management than the RTX 2060, with a lower average temperature of 55°C compared to 63°C.

Horizon Zero Dawn

• The RTX 2060 shines in benchmark tests, delivering performance with a 5% increase in average FPS, achieving 85.4 FPS and surpassing the GTX 1080’s 81.2 FPS.
• Moreover, the RTX 2060 offers an improved 1% low performance in comparison to the GTX 1080, showcasing a 2.7% improvement with 63.3 FPS as opposed to 61.6 FPS.
• In power consumption, the RTX 2060 performs better than the GTX 1080, using 7.4% less power, with a consumption of only 150.4 W compared to 162.2 W.
• Furthermore, the GTX 1080 boasts 9% or 5°C superior cooling compared to the RTX 2060, with an average temperature of 53°C, while the RTX 2060 has a higher average temperature of 58°C.

Similar Comparisons: RTX 3050 Vs 2060

Unigine Superposition

• The RTX 2060 shines in benchmark tests, delivering remarkable performance with an impressive 16% increase in average FPS, achieving 34.4 FPS and surpassing the GTX 1080’s 29.3 FPS.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 surpasses the GTX 1080 in terms of 1% low performance, exhibiting an 11.9% improvement with 27.5 FPS as opposed to 24.4 FPS.
• The GTX 1080 uses more power than the RTX 2060 by 2.4%, with a consumption of 181.7 W compared to the latter’s 177.3 W.
• That being said, it’s worth noting that the GTX 1080 has a better 1.6% or 1°C cooling system than the RTX 2060, with a lower average temperature of 59°C compared to the RTX 2060’s 60°C.

Time Spy

• The RTX 2060 impresses with its remarkable performance, achieving 48.1 FPS in benchmark tests and boasting a 5.1% increase in average FPS, surpassing the GTX 1080’s 45.7 FPS.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 excels over the GTX 1080 when it comes to 1% low performance, showcasing a 3.9% improvement with 36.2 FPS in contrast to 34.8 FPS.
• When it comes to power consumption, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 by using 7.3% less power, with a consumption of 178.2 W compared to the latter’s 191.8 W.
• In terms of thermal performance, the GTX 1080 outperforms the RTX 2060 by 3.3% or 2°C, with an average temperature of 58°C, while the RTX 2060 has a higher average temperature of 60°C.

Also Read: RX 6600 Vs RTX 2060

Overall Gaming Performance

Upon analyzing the results of our benchmark tests, it is evident that there is a clear winner when it comes to the performance comparison between the GeForce RTX 2060 vs GTX 1080.

• Overall, it’s evident from our benchmark analysis that the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 in terms of FPS and 1% lows across the majority of the games we tested.
• Additionally, our benchmark analysis has indicated that the RTX 2060 performs better than the GTX 1080, with an average of 82.5 FPS compared to the latter’s 76.6 FPS.
• In terms of FPS performance, the RTX 2060 surpasses the GTX 1080 by a margin of 7.4%, making it the better option for gaming purposes.

Average Power Consumption

When choosing a graphics card, it’s crucial to pick one that provides excellent performance without drawing too much power. After analyzing the power consumption of the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080, we discovered the following results.

• Starting with, the RTX 2060 needs a 450 W power supply for peak performance, thanks to its TDP of 160 W.
• In contrast, the GTX 1080 has a higher TDP rating of 180 W, resulting in more power consumption and a requisite 500 W power supply for optimal functionality.
• To put it differently, the RTX 2060 boasts a superior TDP, which is 11.7% better than the GTX 1080’s TDP.
• To demonstrate this further, benchmark testing consistently showed the GTX 1080 consuming 175.5 W compared to the RTX 2060’s 166.5 W.
• To highlight, the average power consumption of the RTX 2060 during benchmark testing is 5.8% more efficient than the GTX 1080.

Average Thermal Statistics

Temperature is one of the key factors that influence the performance and longevity of a graphics card. By measuring thermal statistics, we gained the following valuable insights about the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080:

• Despite the RTX 2060’s lower power consumption, the GTX 1080 displayed better thermal efficiency during benchmark testing.
• To add to that, the GTX 1080 maintained lower temperatures compared to the RTX 2060 throughout the benchmark testing, with an average temperature of 56.9°C versus 65°C.
• Concluding the benchmark results, the GTX 1080 demonstrated 13.2% better thermal efficiency than the RTX 2060.

Also Check: RTX 2060 Vs RX Vega 56

Pricing And Availability

Taking into account the results of a comprehensive performance analysis, we also examined the pricing and availability of the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080. Despite both being old GPUs from NVIDIA, they did come with a hefty price tag.

The suggested retail price of the GeForce RTX 2070 is 349 USD, while the GeForce GTX 1080 is priced at 599 USD. However, it’s important to note that prices can vary significantly based on the model and variant. Premium versions from renowned manufacturers such as MSI and AORUS may cost even more.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the GeForce RTX 2060 is approximately 52.7% less expensive than the GTX 1080. However, the price gap may fluctuate depending on the specific model or variant you opt for.

GTX 1080 Vs RTX 2060: Which One Should You Get?

• The RTX 2060 offers a more cost-effective solution, with a 52.7% price difference and a 7.4% increase in average FPS production compared to the GTX 1080.
• To add on, when choosing a graphics card, thermal efficiency is a crucial factor to consider. The RTX 2060, despite having a 5.8% lower power consumption, has an average temperature that is 13.2% higher than the GTX 1080.
• Finally, while the GTX 1080 may have better thermal efficiency, the RTX 2060 stands out with its impressive performance and exceptional power efficiency.

Also Read: RTX 2060 Vs 3060

Pros And Cons

If you’re on the hunt for a new graphics card and are uncertain about which option to choose between the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080, there are other alternatives worth considering. On our website, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of two other high-performance GPUs, the RTX 4080 vs RX 6950 XT, which could be the answer to your gaming needs.