Choosing between the GTX 1080 and RTX 2060 can be difficult, especially when both GPUs offer similar gaming performance despite coming from different generations. The GTX 1080 was once NVIDIA’s flagship graphics card, while the RTX 2060 introduced ray tracing and AI-based features to the mid-range market.
This comparison looks closely at gaming benchmarks, resolution performance, features, efficiency, and long-term value to help you decide which GPU makes the most sense today.
Overview of GTX 1080 and RTX 2060
The GTX 1080 is based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture and was designed to deliver top-tier performance at high resolutions. Even years after release, it remains a powerful card for traditional gaming workloads.
The RTX 2060, built on the newer Turing architecture, focuses more on efficiency and modern features rather than raw power alone.
In real-world gaming, these two GPUs often trade blows depending on the game, graphics settings, and resolution.
Technical Specifications
On paper, the GTX 1080 has advantages in memory capacity and bandwidth, while the RTX 2060 benefits from faster memory technology and architectural improvements.
The GTX 1080 comes with 8GB of VRAM, which helps in texture-heavy games and higher resolutions. The RTX 2060 includes 6GB of VRAM but compensates with newer memory and better compression techniques.
These differences explain why performance results can vary significantly from game to game.
Gaming Performance Benchmarks
When ray tracing is disabled, the GTX 1080 often delivers slightly higher frame rates in many older and esports titles. Games built on DirectX 11 engines tend to favor the GTX 1080’s strong rasterization capabilities.
The RTX 2060 performs better in newer games that take advantage of newer APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan. Improved driver optimization also helps the RTX 2060 maintain stable frame times in modern releases.
Average Gaming Benchmarks (Rasterization Only)
1080p Ultra Settings (Average FPS)
| GAME | GTX 1080 | RTX 2060 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 108 FPS | 101 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 78 FPS | 74 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Off) | 72 FPS | 68 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 74 FPS | 70 FPS |
| Fortnite (DX12) | 165 FPS | 158 FPS |
| Average | 95 FPS | 90 FPS |
1080p Gaming Performance
At 1080p resolution, both GPUs easily handle high and ultra settings in most modern games.
The GTX 1080 excels in competitive titles such as CS2, Valorant, and Fortnite, often delivering extremely high frame rates.
The RTX 2060 performs just as well in many cases and gains an advantage in games that support DLSS, allowing smoother gameplay without reducing visual quality.
For standard 1080p gaming, the difference between the two is rarely noticeable during actual play.
1440p Gaming Performance
At 1440p, the GTX 1080’s extra VRAM and memory bandwidth become more noticeable. It tends to maintain higher minimum frame rates in demanding titles, especially when high-resolution textures are used.
The RTX 2060 can still handle 1440p gaming but may require some settings adjustments in newer AAA titles. Enabling DLSS, when available, can significantly improve performance and make gameplay smoother.
Both GPUs remain viable for 1440p, but the GTX 1080 often feels more comfortable at native resolution.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
This is where the RTX 2060 clearly separates itself from the GTX 1080.
The RTX 2060 supports real-time ray tracing, enabling more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games. While ray tracing can reduce performance, DLSS helps recover lost frames by using AI-based upscaling.
The GTX 1080 does not support ray tracing or DLSS, limiting it to traditional rendering techniques.
For gamers interested in modern visual features, the RTX 2060 offers a noticeably better experience.
Power Consumption and Thermals
The RTX 2060 is more power-efficient than the GTX 1080. It consumes less electricity under load and generally runs cooler, making it better suited for compact builds or quieter systems.
The GTX 1080 draws more power and may require stronger cooling, especially in overclocked or older models.
Efficiency improvements give the RTX 2060 an advantage for long gaming sessions and lower energy costs.
Driver Support and Game Optimization
NVIDIA continues to optimize newer drivers with RTX-series cards in mind. As a result, the RTX 2060 often receives better performance tuning in newly released games.
While the GTX 1080 is still supported, future titles may increasingly favor newer architectures and features.
For gamers planning to play upcoming releases, the RTX 2060 provides more peace of mind.
Price and Overall Value
On the used market, the GTX 1080 can often be found at attractive prices, making it appealing for budget-conscious gamers who want strong performance.
The RTX 2060 typically costs more but offers better long-term value thanks to modern features, efficiency, and continued optimization.
Your choice largely depends on whether you prioritize maximum raw performance per dollar or modern gaming features and longevity.
Final Verdict
The GTX 1080 vs RTX 2060 gaming performance comparison shows that both GPUs remain capable options.
The GTX 1080 is ideal for gamers who want strong traditional performance, especially at 1440p, and don’t care about ray tracing.
The RTX 2060 is better suited for modern gaming, offering ray tracing, DLSS, improved efficiency, and longer-term support.
Both cards can still deliver excellent gaming experiences when matched with the right expectations and settings.
FAQs
Is GTX 1080 still good for gaming today?
Yes, it remains a strong option for 1080p and 1440p gaming without ray tracing.
Does RTX 2060 outperform GTX 1080?
In ray-traced and DLSS-supported games, the RTX 2060 performs better overall.
Which GPU is better for future games?
The RTX 2060 is better positioned for future titles due to modern features and optimizations.
