GTX vs RTX - Which is better? - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

The GTX vs. RTX debate is a common one when selecting a graphics card for gaming or other demanding jobs. NVIDIA’s two series provide strong performance, but they target slightly different markets and price points. This post will examine the GTX vs. RTX comparison, emphasizing pricing, features, and performance to assist you in selecting the model that best suits your needs.

EXAMPLE:- Let’s say that you want to build a computer or you want to change the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) of your existing PC, you go to the market in search of a new one and there are two variants in front of you – GTX and RTX. You don’t know what is meant by all this and make the wrong decision. This article aims to help you in a situation like that and will try to give a basic difference between these terms. While there are many competitors in the market of GPUs (mainly Nvidia and AMD), we would only talk about the Nvidia processors as they are the most common, and the terms GTX and RTX belong to them.

GTX vs RTX

In the gaming community, GTX graphics cards have become standard equipment. GTX cards are a great option for players who seek a good gaming experience without going over budget because of their reputation for dependable performance and affordability. Due to its cost-effectiveness and performance balance, models such as the GTX 1660 and GTX 1080 have gained popularity.

In contrast, NVIDIA’s RTX graphics cards represent the next generation of their product line. Real-time ray tracing and AI-based improvements are brought to the RTX series, greatly enhancing both performance and visual fidelity. For gamers and professionals seeking the highest graphics performance, particularly in games that support ray tracing, cards like the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 are developed.

1. Performance

• RTX GPUs usually perform better than GTX cards in terms of raw performance. This is particularly true for modern games and apps that make use of the complex features of the RTX series. On an RTX card, for example, games that make use of ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) will perform noticeably better.
• Whereas GTX cards are still competitive, especially when it comes to older games and less graphically intensive apps. The performance difference between GTX and RTX is most apparent in situations where the RTX-specific features are utilized. Even with 1080p resolution, a top-tier GTX card can deliver an amazing gaming experience.

2. Features

• When comparing the features of the GTX and RTX, the RTX series is undoubtedly superior. Ray tracing, which replicates the realistic interaction of light with objects, and DLSS, which employs artificial intelligence to upsample images from lower resolutions to higher resolutions, are built into RTX cards. Games and other applications’ visual quality can be greatly improved by these capabilities.
• With or without these latest innovations, GTX cards provide good performance for the majority of tasks. While RTX cards use the more recent Turing or Ampere architectures, which include electronic components specifically made for ray tracing and AI activities, they are based on the older Pascal architecture.

3. Price

In terms of cost, GTX cards are often less expensive than RTX cards. Because of this, they are a desirable choice for gamers on a tight budget or those who don’t want the newest features. Even though they cost more, RTX cards offer superior future-proofing because of their higher performance and more sophisticated capabilities.

GTX vs RTX: Spec’s Comparison

Conclusion

In the GTX vs RTX debate, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. GTX graphics cards are a great option for those looking for reliable performance at a lower cost. However, if you want the latest features and are willing to invest more, RTX graphics cards offer superior performance and future-proofing with their advanced technologies.

GTX vs RTX – Which is better – FAQ’s

What is the main difference between GTX and RTX graphics cards?

The main difference is that RTX cards have ray tracing and AI-based features like DLSS, which GTX cards lack. This allows RTX cards to deliver better visual fidelity and performance in supported games and applications.

Are RTX cards worth the extra cost over GTX cards?

If you play modern games that support ray tracing and DLSS, or if you want future-proof hardware, RTX cards are worth the extra cost. For general gaming at 1080p, a high-end GTX card can still be a great choice.

Which is better for gaming, GTX or RTX?

For gaming, RTX cards are better due to their advanced features and higher performance. However, GTX cards are still a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.

See Also

Nvidia RTX 5060: Now Expected In Early To Mid 2025 - thinglabs

What are the benefits of DLSS in RTX cards?

DLSS uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, improving frame rates and visual quality without a significant performance hit.