In this article, I will compare two of the most popular graphics card series: GTX and RTX. GTX has been around for a long time and is a go-to choice for many gamers and content creators. On the other hand, RTX is the latest series from Nvidia, and it promises to bring a whole new level of performance to the table.
I’ll be taking a closer look at each series’s key features and specifications, as well as their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of which series is right for you, whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just someone who wants the best technology for their computer.
What is GTX?
GTX stands for Giga Texel Shader eXtreme. It is a brand of graphics processing units (GPUs) made by Nvidia. The GTX line of GPUs was created to provide high-end gaming performance for desktop PCs. The first GTX card was released in 2006, and the latest models are the GTX 1070 Ti and GTX 1080 Ti.
One of the key features of the GTX graphics cards is their support for DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5, which allows them to run a wide range of games and applications smoothly.
They come with varying levels of VRAM, the memory the graphics card uses to store image and video data. Depending on the model, you can get anywhere from 2GB to 11GB of VRAM, which is more than enough for most games and applications.
GTX cards are based on the Pascal architecture, designed for gaming at high resolutions and with high levels of detail. The GTX 1070 Ti and GTX 1080 Ti are based on the Pascal architecture and offer excellent performance for 3D gaming.
GTX cards also support Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, which synchronizes the GPU with the display to reduce screen tearing and input lag.
What is RTX?
RTX stands for Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme. It is a high-end graphics processing unit (GPU) developed by Nvidia. It is based on the company’s new Turing architecture, which replaces the older Pascal design. The GeForce RTX 20-series was announced in August 2018, with the first cards released in September.
One of the key features of the RTX graphics cards is their support for real-time ray tracing, which is a technology that enhances the realism of shadows, reflections, and other effects in games and applications. This makes the graphics look more lifelike and immersive, and it’s a big step forward for content creators who want to create high-quality videos and images.
RTX cards are significantly more powerful than their predecessors and have new features that make them ideal for gamers and other demanding users.
Some of these features include:
- Real-time ray tracing: This allows for more realistic lighting and shadows in games and more accurate reflections.
- Deep learning super sampling: This allows for better anti-aliasing and increased detail in textures.
- Tensor cores: These are dedicated to artificial processing intelligence (AI) tasks, making RTX cards suitable for use in AI-powered applications.
- VirtualLink: This is a new standard that allows for the connection of virtual reality (VR) headsets to GPUs with a single cable.
Difference Between GTX and RTX
Nvidia manufactures the GTX and RTX models. The GTX model was released in 2016, while the RTX model was released in 2018.
| Features | GTX 10-Series | GTX 16-Series | RTX 20-Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turing Architecture | No | Yes | Yes |
| NVIDIA Adaptive Shading | No | Yes | Yes |
| VR Ready | GTX 1060 or higher | GTX 1660 or higher | Yes |
| Concurrent Floating Point & Integer Operations | No | Yes | Yes |
| Turing NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC) | No | Yes (except 1650) | Yes |
| Ray-Tracing Cores | No | No | Yes |
| Tensor Cores | No | No | Yes |
| NVIDIA DLSS | No | No | Yes |
The difference between the two models are:
1. GTX is a standard graphics card, while RTX is a ray-tracing card
Ray tracing is a rendering technique for generating realistic lighting effects in 3D graphics. It is used in video games, movies, and other computer-generated imagery (CGI) applications. This makes RTX better for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks, as it can render more realistic lighting effects.
2. RTX has more memory than GTX
This means that RTX can process more information simultaneously, which is useful for graphics-intensive tasks. The extra memory also makes RTX better for future-proofing your system, as it can handle more demanding games and applications as they are released.
3. RTX is more expensive than GTX
The price difference is due to the ray-tracing capabilities of RTX, as well as the extra memory. If you are looking for a graphics card for general use, then GTX is a good option. However, RTX is the better option if you are looking for a card that is better for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
4. RTX has more cores than GTX
Cores are the processing units within a graphics card. The more cores a card has, the faster it can process information. This means RTX is better for tasks requiring much processing power, such as gaming and 3D rendering.
5. RTX supports AI-enhanced graphics
Nvidia’s RTX cards are the first to support AI-enhanced graphics. This means they can use machine learning to improve the graphics quality of games and other applications. This could lead to better visuals in the future, as developers can leverage the power of AI to improve graphics quality.
6. GTX is not ray tracing-enabled
This means it cannot take advantage of the ray tracing features in RTX. If you are not interested in ray tracing, GTX is a good option.
However, if you want to take advantage of the ray-tracing features available in RTX, you must choose a ray-tracing-enabled card.
7. RTX supports G-Sync while GTX doesn’t
G-Sync is a technology that synchronizes your monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame rate. This reduces screen tearing and stuttering and results in a smoother gaming experience.
If you want a smooth gaming experience, choose a G-Sync graphics card. GTX does not support G-Sync, while RTX does.
8. RTX has a higher power consumption than GTX
This means that it will require more power to run. If you are looking for a more power-efficient card, then GTX is a better option. However, RTX is the better choice if you are looking for a card with more raw performance.
The more powerful a card is, the more heat it will generate. This is something to keep in mind when choosing between GTX and RTX.
9. RTX has a higher temperature than GTX
This means it will run hotter and require more cooling to keep it at safe operating temperatures. If you are looking for a cooler card, GTX is a better option. However, RTX is the way to go if you are looking for better performance.
The temperature difference between GTX and RTX is about 10 degrees Celsius. This means that RTX will run about 10 degrees hotter than GTX. Keep this in mind if you want to buy either card.
Related: Are Gaming Laptops Worth It?
10. RTX supports 4K resolution
4K resolution is a high-definition video standard that offers four times the resolution of 1080p. RTX graphics cards support this resolution, making them perfect for gamers who want the best visual experience. GTX graphics cards do not offer 4K resolution support.
When it comes to gaming performance, RTX is the clear winner. GTX cards can no longer keep up with the latest games, which require more powerful graphics hardware.
RTX graphics cards are designed for the latest games and offer significantly better performance.
Which is Better Between GTX vs RTX?
When it comes to choosing between GTX and RTX, there are a few things to consider:
- If you are interested in ray tracing, choose an RTX card. This is because GTX cards are not ray tracing enabled.
- RTX is the better option if you are looking for a better card for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. It has more memory and cores than GTX and supports AI-enhanced graphics.
- RTX is the better option if you are looking for a future-proof card. This is because it has more memory than GTX, which will be useful for future games and applications.
- RTX is the better option if you are looking for a card that supports G-Sync. This is important because G-Sync can help reduce screen tearing and stuttering, leading to a smoother gaming experience.
- If you are on a budget, GTX is better than RTX. This is because GTX cards are generally cheaper than RTX cards.
- If you are not interested in ray tracing, GTX is a good option. However, if you want to take advantage of the ray-tracing features available in RTX, you must choose a ray-tracing-enabled card.
- If you want the best gaming experience, choose an RTX card and a G-Sync monitor. This will give you the best possible gaming experience.
- If you are looking for a better card for general use, GTX is the better option. You require GTX for regular computer use like video streaming, internet browsing, or office work.
Which card you choose will come down to your own needs and preferences. RTX is the better option if you are looking for a better card for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable card that does not require much processing power, GTX is a better option.
How Do I Install RTX on Fortnite?
If you want to install RTX on Fortnite, you’ll need to enable RTX in your game settings. Doing so will allow you to use the card’s ray tracing and DLSS technology.
To enable RTX in Fortnite, follow these steps:
- Open Fortnite.
- Go to the “Settings” menu.
- Select the “Graphics” tab.
- Scroll down to the “RTX Settings” section.
- From there, you can enable or disable RTX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GeForce GT or GTX Better?
GeForce GT is better for normal usage, like web browsing and office work. But if you are looking for the best performance for gaming, you should go with the GeForce GTX. You might see a GTX card with the same name as a GT card, but the “GTX” will always be better.
If you’re unsure which card to get, go for the GTX. It will give you better performance in general.
What is the Difference Between GeForce GTX and RTX?
The main difference between GeForce GTX and RTX is that RTX cards have ray-tracing capabilities. This allows for more realistic lighting and shadows in games. RTX cards are a bit more expensive but perform better than GTX cards.
If you want the best gaming experience, go with an RTX card. You won’t be disappointed.
Can GTX Do Ray Tracing?
No, GTX cards cannot do ray tracing. Only RTX cards have that capability. GeForce GTX cards are built for speed and power efficiency, while RTX cards are designed for top-of-the-line performance, including ray tracing.
If you are looking for a card that can do ray tracing, you need to get an RTX card. However, if you want a more affordable card with great performance, you should get a GTX card.
Do I Need an RTX Card for 4K Gaming?
The short answer is no. While RTX cards can handle 4K gaming, they are unnecessary for everyone. GTX cards can still handle 4K gaming, albeit at lower frame rates and with some graphical compromises.
However, an RTX card is the way to go if you want the best gaming experience in 4K. They offer significantly better performance than GTX cards, and their ray tracing and DLSS technology can help improve your games’ graphical fidelity.
So, if you’re looking to game in 4K, an RTX card is the best way. But a GTX card will still get the job done if you’re on a tighter budget.
Is GTX a Graphics Card?
Yes, GTX is a graphics card. It’s a brand name that Nvidia uses to refer to its lower-end graphics cards. The GTX brand is used for less powerful cards than the company’s RTX cards and is typically more affordable.
How Do I Use RTX?
If you want to use RTX, you must purchase an RTX-compatible graphics card. Once your RTX card is installed, you must enable RTX in your game settings. Doing so will allow you to use the card’s ray tracing and DLSS technology.
How Do I Turn Off RTX?
If you want to turn off RTX, you’ll need to disable RTX in your game settings. Doing so will disable the card’s ray tracing and DLSS technology. You can also disable RTX in the Nvidia Control Panel.
What Games Can’t I Play with RTX?
Some games don’t support RTX, including Witcher 3, GTA V, and Rocket League. To see a list of all the games that don’t support RTX, visit the Nvidia website.
What is DLSS?
DLSS is a technology that Nvidia developed to improve the graphical fidelity of games. It uses deep learning to create smoother textures and images. DLSS is only available on RTX cards.
Conclusion
If you’re a gamer or content creator who wants the best, then the RTX series is the way to go. They’re faster and more powerful than the GTX series and offer real-time ray tracing technology for a more lifelike and immersive experience. However, be prepared to pay a premium for this level of performance and technology.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and want good performance, then the GTX series is a great option. They’re more affordable and still perform well for most games and applications.
In conclusion, it’s important to evaluate your needs and budget when choosing between the GTX and RTX series. Doing so can ensure you get the right graphics card for your specific needs and get the most out of your gaming and content creation experience.
