The world of graphics cards is always buzzing with excitement, and 2020 was no exception. NVIDIA’s RTX 20 series and AMD’s RX 5000 series have been making waves in the gaming community, offering unprecedented performance, power efficiency, and feature sets. Among these, the RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT have emerged as two of the most popular and sought-after GPUs. But which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of these two powerhouses, comparing their performance, features, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: The Heart of the Matter
When it comes to graphics cards, performance is the top priority. Both the RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT are designed to handle the most demanding games and applications, but they differ significantly in their architecture and capabilities.
Clock Speeds and CUDA Cores
The RTX 2070 Super is based on NVIDIA’s TU104 chip, featuring 2560 CUDA cores, 320 Tensor cores, and 40 RT cores. It has a base clock speed of 1605 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1800 MHz. In contrast, the RX 5700 XT is built around AMD’s Navi 10 GPU, boasting 2560 Stream processors, 160 Texture Units, and 64 ROPs. Its base clock speed is 1605 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1905 MHz.
Memory and Bandwidth
Both GPUs feature GDDR6 memory, but the RTX 2070 Super has 8 GB of it, while the RX 5700 XT has 8 GB or 16 GB options. The RTX 2070 Super has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s, whereas the RX 5700 XT has a bandwidth of 448 GB/s or 512 GB/s, depending on the memory configuration.
Real-World Performance
In terms of real-world performance, the RTX 2070 Super generally leads the RX 5700 XT in games that utilize NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies, such as ray tracing, DLSS (deep learning super sampling), and AI-enhanced graphics. However, the RX 5700 XT often closes the gap or even surpasses the RTX 2070 Super in games that don’t rely on these features.
In 1440p gaming, the RTX 2070 Super maintains a slight lead in titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands. However, the RX 5700 XT is hot on its heels, often delivering within 5-10% of the RTX 2070 Super’s performance.
At 4K resolutions, the gap narrows even further, with the RX 5700 XT sometimes edging out the RTX 2070 Super in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Final Fantasy XV. However, the RTX 2070 Super still holds a slight advantage in more demanding titles.
Features: What Sets Them Apart
While performance is crucial, features can make or break a graphics card. The RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT have distinct sets of features that cater to different needs and preferences.
NVIDIA’s Exclusive Technologies
The RTX 2070 Super is part of NVIDIA’s RTX family, which means it supports a range of innovative technologies, including:
- Ray tracing: Enables accurate, realistic lighting and reflections
- DLSS: Uses AI to improve image quality while reducing performance impact
- AI-enhanced graphics: Enhances visual fidelity through machine learning
- Variable Rate Shading (VRS): Optimizes performance by dynamically adjusting shading rates
- NVIDIA ShadowWorks: Enhances shadow quality and performance
AMD’s Countermeasures
The RX 5700 XT, on the other hand, focuses on traditional rasterization and AMD’s proprietary technologies, such as:
- Radeon Image Sharpening: Improves image quality and detail
- Radeon Anti-Lag: Reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience
- Radeon Overlay: Provides in-game monitoring and customization options
- Multi-Threading: Enhances performance in applications that utilize multiple threads
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The RTX 2070 Super has a TDP of 215W, while the RX 5700 XT has a TDP of 225W (255W for the 16 GB variant). However, the RX 5700 XT is generally more power-efficient, with AMD’s Navi 10 GPU offering better performance-per-watt than NVIDIA’s TU104 chip.
Value: Which One Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
When making a purchasing decision, value is a critical consideration. The RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT have distinct price points, but which one offers the best bang for your buck?
Pricing and Availability
The RTX 2070 Super typically retails between $499 and $599, depending on the model and availability. The RX 5700 XT, on the other hand, is priced between $399 and $499, with the 16 GB variant usually hovering around $499.
Performance-Per-Dollar
When we calculate the performance-per-dollar, the RX 5700 XT often emerges as the better value. Its lower price point combined with its performance capabilities make it an attractive option for those on a budget.
However, if you’re looking to tap into NVIDIA’s exclusive technologies, such as ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 2070 Super might be worth the premium. These features can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially in supported titles.
Conclusion: Which GPU Should You Choose?
The choice between the RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a gamer who values NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies, wants the best performance in RTX-enabled games, and is willing to pay a premium, the RTX 2070 Super is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, prioritize traditional rasterization, and want a power-efficient GPU with great performance-per-dollar, the RX 5700 XT is an excellent option.
Before making a final decision, consider the following:
- What types of games do you play most often? If they’re RTX-enabled, the RTX 2070 Super might be the better choice.
- Are you willing to invest in NVIDIA’s ecosystem, including their proprietary technologies and software?
- What’s your budget? If you’re looking for the best value, the RX 5700 XT is often the more affordable option.
By weighing these factors and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each GPU, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and choose the perfect graphics card for your gaming needs.
What are the main differences between the RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT?
The main differences between the RTX 2070 Super and RX 5700 XT lie in their architecture, performance, and features. The RTX 2070 Super is a more powerful GPU, built on the TU104 die and based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture. It has 2560 CUDA cores, 320 Tensor cores, and 40 RT cores. On the other hand, the RX 5700 XT is built on the Navi 10 die and based on AMD’s Radeon RDNA architecture. It has 2560 stream processors and 160 texture units.
In terms of performance, the RTX 2070 Super has a higher boost clock speed and more memory bandwidth, making it better suited for 4K gaming and compute-intensive tasks. The RX 5700 XT, on the other hand, is more power-efficient and has a lower TDP. It also has a more affordable price tag, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Which GPU is better for 4K gaming?
The RTX 2070 Super is the clear winner when it comes to 4K gaming. Its higher boost clock speed, more memory bandwidth, and additional CUDA cores make it better equipped to handle the demands of 4K resolutions. It can maintain high frame rates in most modern games at 4K, and it also supports NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which can further improve performance in supported games.
In contrast, the RX 5700 XT struggles to maintain high frame rates at 4K, and it may require compromises on graphics settings to achieve smooth performance. However, it’s still a powerful GPU that can handle 1440p and 1080p gaming with ease.
Does the RTX 2070 Super support ray tracing?
Yes, the RTX 2070 Super supports real-time ray tracing, which is a key feature of NVIDIA’s Turing architecture. Ray tracing allows for more accurate and detailed lighting and reflections in games that support the technology. The RTX 2070 Super has 40 RT cores, which are dedicated to handling ray tracing tasks and provide a significant performance boost in supported games.
However, it’s worth noting that ray tracing is still a relatively new technology, and not all games support it. Additionally, enabling ray tracing can come at a significant performance cost, even on powerful GPUs like the RTX 2070 Super.
Is the RX 5700 XT overclockable?
Yes, the RX 5700 XT is overclockable, and AMD provides a range of tools and software to help users push their GPUs to the limit. The RX 5700 XT has a high boost clock speed out of the box, but overclocking can further improve its performance in games and compute-intensive tasks.
However, overclocking can also increase the GPU’s power consumption and heat generation, so it’s essential to monitor temperatures and voltages carefully to avoid damaging the GPU. Additionally, overclocking may void the warranty, so users should proceed with caution.
Which GPU has better power efficiency?
The RX 5700 XT has better power efficiency than the RTX 2070 Super. It has a lower TDP of 225W, compared to the RTX 2070 Super’s 260W. This makes it a more attractive option for users who are building systems with limited power supplies or who are concerned about energy efficiency.
However, it’s worth noting that the RTX 2070 Super’s higher power consumption is partially due to its more complex architecture and additional features, such as ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
Can I use the RTX 2070 Super for cryptocurrency mining?
Yes, the RTX 2070 Super can be used for cryptocurrency mining, although its performance in this area is not as high as some other GPUs on the market. The RTX 2070 Super has a high number of CUDA cores and a large amount of memory, which makes it well-suited for certain types of mining.
However, the RTX 2070 Super’s high price tag and limited availability may make it less attractive to miners, who often prioritize GPUs with high hashrates and low costs. Additionally, the RTX 2070 Super’s power consumption and heat generation may be concerns for miners who operate large-scale mining rigs.
Which GPU is better for content creation?
The RTX 2070 Super is a better choice for content creation, thanks to its additional features and capabilities. Its Tensor cores provide a significant boost to AI-enhanced applications, such as video editing and 3D modeling. The RTX 2070 Super also supports NVIDIA’s Studio drivers, which provide optimized performance and features for creative applications.
The RX 5700 XT is not as well-suited for content creation, although it can still handle tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. However, it lacks the RTX 2070 Super’s advanced features and capabilities, making it a less attractive option for professional content creators.