When it comes to PC gaming, few things matter more than a smooth, high-frame-rate experience. And when it comes to achieving that, few components are as crucial as the graphics card. For years, NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX series has been the go-to choice for gamers seeking top-tier performance. But with the introduction of the RTX series, things got a little more complicated. So, which is better for FPS – GTX or RTX? Let’s dive in and find out.
The GTX Legacy
The GTX series has been around for over a decade, with its first iteration, the GTX 280, released back in 2008. Since then, it has undergone numerous revisions, each bringing significant performance boosts and new features. The GTX 10 series, released in 2016, marked a major milestone, introducing Pascal architecture, which brought considerable performance improvements and power efficiency.
GTX cards are known for their exceptional performance in traditional rasterization-based games, making them the ideal choice for fast-paced FPS titles. They excel in scenarios where raw processing power is king, such as:
- High-resolution gaming (1440p, 4K)
- High-refresh-rate gaming (144Hz, 240Hz)
- Multi-GPU configurations (SLI)
However, as the gaming landscape has evolved, new technologies have emerged, and NVIDIA has responded with the RTX series.
Enter RTX: A New Era Of Graphics
The RTX series, launched in 2018, marked a significant departure from the traditional GTX architecture. Focusing on real-time ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and variable rate shading, RTX cards are designed to tackle the demands of next-generation games.
RTX cards are built around the TU10x architecture, which brings several key innovations:
- Tensor Cores: Dedicated AI processing units for machine learning and deep learning tasks
- RT Cores: Hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections
- Variable Rate Shading: Efficient rendering of complex graphics
These features enable RTX cards to excel in scenarios where:
- Ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics are essential
- Games utilize DirectX Raytracing (DXR) or Vulkan APIs
- Shaders and ray tracing are heavily used (e.g., in games like Minecraft, Cyperpunk 2077)
The FPS Showdown: GTX Vs RTX
Now that we’ve covered the basics of both series, let’s delve into the FPS performance of GTX and RTX cards.
Traditional Rasterization-Based Games
In games that don’t utilize ray tracing or AI-enhanced graphics, GTX cards still hold a slight edge in raw performance. This is because they are optimized for traditional rasterization-based rendering.
- In titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Overwatch, GTX cards tend to outperform RTX cards by around 5-10% at high resolutions (1440p, 4K).
- However, the performance gap narrows as the resolution decreases (1080p, 720p).
Ray Tracing-Enabled Games
When it comes to games that leverage ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics, RTX cards take the lead. The dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores in RTX cards provide a significant performance boost.
- In titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Control, and Metro Exodus, RTX cards outperform GTX cards by around 20-30% at high resolutions (1440p, 4K).
- The performance gap widens as the complexity of ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics increases.
Benchmarks: A Closer Look
To provide a more concrete understanding of the performance differences, let’s examine some benchmark results from popular FPS games:
| Game | GTX 1080 Ti | RTX 2080 Ti | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 130 FPS | 120 FPS | 1440p |
| Apex Legends | 140 FPS | 130 FPS | 1440p |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ray Tracing) | 60 FPS | 80 FPS | 1440p |
| Metro Exodus (Ray Tracing) | 50 FPS | 70 FPS | 1440p |
As the benchmarks suggest, GTX cards hold their own in traditional rasterization-based games, but RTX cards pull ahead in titles that utilize ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
The Verdict: GTX Or RTX For FPS?
Ultimately, the choice between GTX and RTX for FPS gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re invested in the traditional gaming ecosystem and prioritize high-frame-rates in existing titles, a GTX card might be the better option.
However, if you’re looking to future-proof your gaming setup, invest in the latest technologies, and experience the benefits of real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics, an RTX card is the way to go.
Conclusion
The GTX vs RTX debate is a complex one, with each series having its strengths and weaknesses. While GTX cards excel in traditional rasterization-based games, RTX cards bring a new level of realism and immersion to the table.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider the type of games you play, the features you want, and the performance you need. By understanding the differences between GTX and RTX cards, you can make an informed decision and upgrade your gaming experience to the next level.
What Is The Main Difference Between GTX And RTX Graphics Cards?
The main difference between GTX and RTX graphics cards is the type of technology used to power their performance. GTX graphics cards are based on traditional GPU architecture, which focuses on delivering high frame rates and fast performance. RTX graphics cards, on the other hand, are based on a more advanced architecture that combines traditional GPU power with AI-enhanced features and real-time ray tracing.
This difference in technology gives RTX graphics cards a significant edge when it comes to handling graphics-intensive tasks and features like AI-enhanced graphics, variable rate shading, and mesh shading. RTX cards are also capable of handling more complex graphics and higher resolutions, making them a better choice for 4K gaming and other demanding applications.
Is RTX Only For Gaming, Or Can It Be Used For Other Applications?
RTX graphics cards are most commonly associated with gaming, and it’s true that they offer a lot of benefits for gamers. However, their advanced technology and features also make them well-suited for other applications that require heavy graphics processing. This includes professional fields like video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific visualization.
In these fields, RTX cards can accelerate workflows and enable faster rendering times, thanks to their ability to handle complex graphics and compute tasks efficiently. They can also be used for AI-assisted tasks like deep learning and machine learning, which are becoming increasingly important in a variety of industries.
Will I Need To Upgrade My System To Use An RTX Graphics Card?
RTX graphics cards are more powerful than GTX cards, but they also require more power and resources to operate. This means that you’ll need a system that can support their power requirements and provide a sufficient power supply. In general, you’ll need a system with a recent CPU, plenty of RAM, and a high-wattage power supply to get the most out of an RTX card.
Additionally, you may need to upgrade your system’s cooling system to handle the increased heat generated by an RTX card. This is especially true if you’re planning to overclock your system or push it to its limits. However, if your system is already capable of handling demanding graphics tasks, you may not need to make significant upgrades to use an RTX card.
How Does Ray Tracing Improve The Gaming Experience?
Ray tracing is a key feature of RTX graphics cards, and it improves the gaming experience by enabling more realistic and immersive graphics. With traditional graphics rendering, lighting and reflections are pre-baked into the game’s graphics, which can look fake and unrealistic. Ray tracing, on the other hand, uses complex algorithms to simulate the way light behaves in the real world, creating more accurate and detailed graphics.
This results in a more immersive gaming experience, with features like accurate reflections, detailed shadows, and realistic lighting. Ray tracing also enables more complex graphics and effects, like global illumination and ambient occlusion, which can add depth and realism to a game’s environments and characters.
Are GTX Graphics Cards Still Worth Buying?
While RTX graphics cards offer a lot of advanced features and benefits, GTX cards are still a great option for many users. GTX cards are generally less expensive than RTX cards, which makes them a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. They’re also still plenty powerful, offering fast frame rates and smooth performance in most modern games.
If you’re a casual gamer or don’t need the advanced features of an RTX card, a GTX card can be a great option. You’ll still get great performance and plenty of bang for your buck, without having to break the bank on a high-end RTX card.
Can I Use An RTX Card With An Older System?
While RTX graphics cards are designed to work with newer systems, it’s technically possible to use one with an older system. However, you’ll need to make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the RTX card, including a compatible CPU, motherboard, and power supply.
In general, it’s recommended to pair an RTX card with a system that’s from the last few years, as older systems may not be able to take full advantage of the card’s features and performance. You may also need to make significant upgrades to your system to get the most out of an RTX card, which could be cost-prohibitive.
Will The Price Of RTX Cards Come Down Over Time?
The price of RTX graphics cards has been a major point of contention for many buyers, as they tend to be more expensive than GTX cards. However, as with any new technology, the price of RTX cards is likely to come down over time.
As more RTX cards are produced and demand increases, manufacturers will be able to reduce their prices and make them more competitive with GTX cards. Additionally, as new generations of RTX cards are released, the prices of older models will likely drop, making them more affordable for budget-conscious buyers.