GuidesComparisonsRTX 2060 Vs GTX 1080: Which Is Better In 2024?

RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1080: Which Is Better In 2024?

We discussed the architectural differences between the GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1080, listed down their specs, and observed how well they perform in our Gaming Benchmarks.

GeForce RTX 2060
Rated:
8.5/10

GeForce GTX 1080
Rated:
7/10


Pros And Cons

GPUProsCons
GeForce RTX 2060āœ… Improved performance
āœ… Attractive Founders Edition design
āŒ Higher price tag than previous models
GeForce GTX 1080āœ… Improved Performance than GTX 980
āœ… VR & 4K Capable
āŒ Fans are always on, even in idle

Key Takeaways
  • During our gaming benchmarks, the RTX 2060 dominated the GeForce GTX 1080 with an average FPS production that is 7.4% higher.
  • The RTX 2060 has a power consumption that is approximately 5.8% lower than that of the GeForce GTX 1080. In contrast, the GTX 1080 had a 13.2% advantage in thermal efficiency over the RTX 2060.
  • The current prices of the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1080 have a difference of 74%, which brings out the RTX 2060 as the economical option out of the two graphic cards.
  • We recommend that users buy the RTX 2060 as it gives a better performance at a lower price, along with low power ratings.

Comparison Table

Technical SpecsGeForce RTX 2060GeForce GTX 1080
GPU NameTU106GP104
ArchitectureTuringPascal
Transistors10,800 million7,200 million
TMUs120160
ROPs4864
L1 Cache64 KB (per SM)48 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache3 MB2 MB
Suggested PSU450 W500 W
Release DateOct 17th, 2018May 27th, 2016
MSRP349 USD599 USD

Architectural Differences

  1. CPU Core Count: The RTX 2060 consists of 1920 CUDA cores, coupled with 240 Tensor cores, along with 30 Ray Tracing cores. On the other hand, the GTX 1080 is bundled with a total of 2560 CUDA cores, while there are no Tensor cores and Ray Tracing cores available, giving an enormous edge to the RTX 2060.
  2. TDP: Speaking of the TDP, the RTX 2060 offers a maximum TDP of 160W to its users. Meanwhile, the GTX 1080 provides users with a TDP of 180W. This gap proves the power efficiency of the RTX 2060.
  3. Processing NodeThe GeForce RTX 2060 is built on a relatively old processing size of 12nm. Compared to this, the GTX 1080 gains an advantage with an 8nm processing node, taking the lead in processing node technology.
  4. Clock Speeds: The GeForce RTX 2060 has a base clock of 1365MHz which can be extended up to 1680MHz on boosting. Conversely, the GeForce GTX 1080 leads in clock speeds as it gets a base clock of 1607MHz, which can be boosted up to 1733MHz.
  5. Memory: The RTX 2060 has a GDDR6 memory type of 6GB, with its memory bus having a 192-bit width and a memory bandwidth of 336 GB/s. This is competed against the GeForce RTX 3070 which has an 8GB memory of GDDR5X type and a 256-bit memory bus of a bandwidth of 320.3 GB/s.

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 RTX 2060 vs GTX 1080 to see which holds up better in 2024.


RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1080: Gaming Benchmarks

Previously, we have discussed the specifications of the GeForce RTX 2060 and the GeForce GTX 1080 individually. After examining the hardware specifications of the GPUs, 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:

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

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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 Cyberpunk 2077’s 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.

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade
Strange Brigade 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The Strange Brigade benchmarks featured the RTX 2060 outperforming the GTX 1080, achieving an impressive 148.9 FPS compared to 138.3 FPS 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.

F1 2022

F1 2022
F1 2022 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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 F1 2022 benchmarks.
  • 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.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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 a 0.7% improvement, presenting 51.6 FPS versus 51.2 FPS.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Shadow of the Tomb Raider 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • We were surprised in Metro Exodus, as 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.

Red Dead Redemption 2

RDR2
Red Dead Redemption 2 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The RTX 2060 shines in Horizon Zero Dawn benchmark, 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.

Unigine Superposition

Unigine Superposition
Unigine Superposition 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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.

Time Spy

Time Spy
Time Spy 1080p Gaming Benchmarks ā€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • 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.

RTX 2060 vs GTX 1080 – Overall Gaming Performance

ProcessorAverage FPS1% Lows
GeForce RTX 2060šŸ“ˆ 82.5šŸ“‰ 35.1
GeForce GTX 1080šŸ“ˆ 76.6šŸ“‰ 32.6
Winner: GeForce RTX 2060

In our benchmark tests, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1080 across the games we tested. 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. Moreover, the TX 1080 also lagged 2.5 FPS in terms of 1% low performance.

Power Consumption

GamesGeForce RTX 2060 (W)GeForce GTX 1080 (W)
Average Power Consumption166.5āš”ļø175.5āš”ļø
Winner: GeForce RTX 2060

As per our results, we realized that the RTX 2060 proved more power efficient with a 10W lower power rating than the GTX 1080. Conclusively, the average power consumption of the RTX 2060 during benchmark testing is 5.8% more efficient than the GTX 1080, declaring the RTX 2060 as the better one.

Thermal Efficiency

GamesGeForce RTX 2060 (Ā°C)GeForce GTX 1080 (Ā°C)
Average Thermal Capacity65šŸŒ”ļø56.9šŸŒ”ļø
Winner: GeForce GTX 1080

After testing both graphic cards, we discovered that the GeForce GTX 1080 ran 13.2% cooler than the GeForce RTX 2060 on average despite the RTX 2060’s lower power consumption. This puts the GTX in the lead as the better thermal GPU for users requiring a cooler card for gaming.

Pricing And Availability

GPUMSRPCurrent Price
GeForce GTX 1080šŸ’²599šŸ’²598
GeForce RTX 2060šŸ’²349šŸ’²343
Price Difference71.6%74.2%

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 GeForce RTX 2060 is approximately 52.7% less expensive than the GTX 1080. However, the price may fluctuate depending on the model.


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

GeForce RTX 2060: 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, coupled with a good gap of 5.8% in the power ratings.

GeForce GTX 1080: While the GTX 1080 may have a 13.2% better thermal efficiency, it is still behind the RTX 2060, which stands out with its impressive performance and exceptional power efficiency.

We recommend the RTX 2060 as the users get a combo of better graphics, better power ratings, and a lower price tag. The only downside is the slightly higher thermals which will not be an issue considering the tradeoffs.


FAQs

Which graphics card offers better FPS performance, RTX 2060 or GTX 1080?

The RTX 2060 exhibits superior FPS performance compared to the GTX 1080, with an average FPS production that is 7.4% higher.

Which graphics card has better thermal efficiency, RTX 2060 or GTX 1080?

The GTX 1080 has better thermal efficiency than the RTX 2060, with an average temperature that is 13.2% lower, despite its inferior power efficiency

Which graphics card is more power-efficient, the RTX 2060 or the GTX 1080?

The RTX 2060 is more power-efficient than the GTX 1080, as it consumes approximately 5.8% less power, as indicated by benchmark results.


More From GeForce RTX 2060:

More From GeForce GTX 1080:

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