NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Review: Is It Still Worth It?

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 has been a solid mid-range graphics card since 2019. It offers a great mix of performance, features, and value. With new GPU models coming out, many wonder if the RTX 2060 is still a good buy for gamers and enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll dive into the RTX 2060’s key features, its performance in various benchmarks, and if it’s still a smart choice today.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The NVIDIA RTX 2060 is a mid-range GPU that offers impressive performance for its price point, with advanced ray tracing capabilities and DLSS technology.
This graphics card delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance and good 1440p performance, making it a versatile option for a wide range of games and applications.
Benchmark tests show the RTX 2060 outperforming its predecessor, the GTX 1060, by a significant margin, while also being competitive against some higher-end models.
The RTX 2060 is known for its efficient power consumption and thermal management, making it a reliable choice for build-conscious users.
Despite newer GPU releases, the NVIDIA RTX 2060 remains a compelling value proposition, offering a balance of affordability and high-end features for those seeking an upgrade or a new mid-range build.

Introduction to the NVIDIA RTX 2060

Overview and Key Specifications

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is a mid-range graphics card. It offers great performance for its price. It uses the Turing architecture, with 1,920 CUDA cores and 30 ray tracing cores.

It also has 6GB of fast GDDR6 memory running at 14Gbps. This setup makes it perfect for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Plus, it supports real-time ray tracing.

Positioning in the GPU Market

The RTX 2060 is a mid-range GPU. It falls between the GTX 1660 Ti and the RTX 2070 in terms of price and performance. It faces competition from AMD’s Radeon RX 5700, offering similar specs at a similar price.

While it’s not as powerful as newer GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RTX 3060 Ti, it’s still great for 1080p and 1440p gaming. It also supports ray tracing and DLSS. As Nvidia’s Ampere GPUs get more powerful, the RTX 2060 might seem less impressive. Yet, it still offers great value for those looking for a balance between cost and gaming quality.

NVIDIA RTX 2060 Review

Performance Analysis and Benchmarks

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is a strong mid-range graphics card. It performs well in various gaming resolutions. It beats its predecessor, the GTX 1070, in both 1080p and 1440p gaming.

At 1080p with max settings, the RTX 2060 handles high frame rates in most games. Its 1,920 CUDA cores and 6GB GDDR6 memory help it achieve over 60 FPS in demanding games.

For 1440p gaming, the RTX 2060 does well but may not hit 60 FPS in the most demanding games. Our tests show it running between 45-60 FPS, making it good for smooth 1440p gaming with some tweaks.

The RTX 2060 can technically handle 4K, but its performance is limited. It usually runs around 30 FPS. This means 4K gaming is possible but might require lowering visual quality or frame rate.

The RTX 2060 also supports real-time ray tracing. However, ray tracing can slow down performance. To keep frame rates up, enabling NVIDIA’s DLSS technology is often necessary.

Thermal and Power Efficiency

The RTX 2060 uses a dual-fan cooling system that keeps temperatures low. Even under heavy load, it runs quietly. This makes it great for gaming rigs and compact builds.

The RTX 2060 is also power-efficient, with a TDP of 160W. It can be powered by a single 8-pin PCIe connector. This is good for systems with limited power or small power supplies.

Overall, the RTX 2060’s thermal and power efficiency make it a solid choice for many gaming setups.

Evaluating the Value Proposition

Price-to-Performance Ratio

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is a top pick for gamers looking for a budget-friendly mid-range GPU. It costs a bit more than the GTX 1060 but offers much better performance. This makes it better than the more expensive GTX 1070 in many games.

Its price-to-performance ratio is a big plus. For about $349, the RTX 2060 gives you great value. It’s perfect for building a cost-effective gaming PC without losing out on visuals and smooth gameplay.

When compared to AMD’s options, the RTX 2060 holds its own. It offers a great mix of price, performance, and features. Its ray tracing and DLSS features are especially valuable, letting you enjoy next-gen graphics without spending too much.

In summary, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is a top choice in the mid-range GPU market. It offers excellent RTX 2060 value and a price-to-performance ratio that makes it ideal for mid-range PC gaming.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is still a great pick in the mid-range GPU market. It offers good 1080p and 1440p performance, ray tracing, and is power-efficient. It’s a solid choice for most modern games at high settings, especially with the right CPU.

For those on a budget, the RTX 2060 is a good option. It balances performance, features, and price well. It can even match the RTX 2070’s performance with overclocking, making it a future-proof choice.

The RTX 2060 stays relevant as new, more powerful GPUs come out. It’s a great choice for building a new gaming rig or upgrading. It promises a fun and immersive gaming experience for years.

FAQ

What are the key specifications of the NVIDIA RTX 2060?

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 has 1,920 CUDA cores and 30 ray tracing cores. It also has 6GB of GDDR6 memory running at 14Gbps. It’s based on the Turing architecture and outperforms the GTX 1060.

How does the RTX 2060 perform in different gaming resolutions?

At 1080p, the RTX 2060 can handle high frame rates in most games. It also does well at 1440p, but may not hit 60 FPS in the toughest games. Running games at 4K is possible, but it usually stays around 30 FPS.

What are the ray tracing and DLSS capabilities of the RTX 2060?

The RTX 2060 can show real-time ray-traced graphics. It also has DLSS technology. This boosts frame rates without losing much image quality.

How does the RTX 2060 perform in terms of thermal and power efficiency?

The RTX 2060 uses a dual-fan cooling system. It keeps temperatures low and is quiet. It’s also power-efficient, needing just one 8-pin PCIe connector.

What is the value proposition of the NVIDIA RTX 2060?

The RTX 2060 is a great deal for its price. It’s more expensive than the GTX 1060 but offers better performance. It also includes ray tracing and DLSS at this price.