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Why would you even…? - Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Review

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips3.8M viewsJan 7, 20199:17
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Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! The first 500 of our subscribers to use this link: skl.sh will get a 2 month free trial. Use code LINUS and get 25% off GlassWire at lmg.gg The lowest-priced RTX-capable graphics card has finally arrived, but should you upgrade, or is your money better spent elsewhere? Buy an RTX 2060: On Amazon: Not yet available On Newegg: Not yet available Buy an RTX 2070: On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: lmg.gg Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Get Private Internet Access today at geni.us Linus Tech Tips merchandise at lttstore.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com

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The RTX 2060 review begins with a playful setup about 4K gaming and an introduction of the card as a more affordable option in Nvidia’s lineup, highlighting key hardware changes over the GTX 1060 and the new RTX features. The host walks through the card’s design and power connectors, noting that the Founders Edition retains the new RTX cooler styling but uses a shorter PCB and an 8-pin PCIe power connector, which has practical implications for smaller form factors and board partners. Performance discussion centers on RTX features in practice: enabling ray tracing and DLSS delivers a noticeable FPS reduction, with RTX on often dropping from playable 4K/medium settings down to 1080p in some titles, while DLSS can improve frame rates when supported but is locked to 4K in tested scenarios. In traditional gaming workloads the 2060 outperforms the GTX 1070 by a solid margin and shows a meaningful uplift in DirectX 12 asynchronous compute, reflecting the architectural benefits of the Turing-generation cards. The reviewer also highlights that for productivity and light workstation tasks, the 2060 can compete with or surpass the GTX 1070 in several tests, suggesting a compelling value for mixed-use builds despite higher power and thermal output. The overall conclusion weighs the 2060’s strengths in gaming and entry-level professional use against the premium for RTX features, ultimately framing the decision around future-proofing with a rumored lower-priced variant and the variability of memory configurations across models. The video closes with practical buying considerations, noting three memory configurations and encouraging viewers to consider the right version while leveraging the sponsor and affiliate links in the description. Overall, the RTX 2060 lands as a balanced but not revolutionary upgrade: it speeds past the GTX 1070 in most traditional gaming tasks and introduces RTX capabilities that can help certain titles and workloads, yet the FPS hit from enabling ray tracing and DLSS means it may not always deliver a flagship experience at 4K. For gamers prioritizing 1080p or 1440p with higher frame rates, the 2060 represents a solid value, but enthusiasts aiming for 4K Ultra with RTX features may want to wait for a lower-cost option or a faster alternative. In professional contexts, its performance in many workloads suggests a budget-friendly entry point for light workstation tasks and AI-oriented features, but power and thermals remain important considerations when assessing cooling and noise. The reviewer’s nuanced stance emphasizes buying the version that matches your goals and highlights the upcoming model rumors as a factor in decision-making, rather than as a guaranteed upgrade path.

Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · reviews

Questions answered

What is the RTX 2060's performance like when RTX features are turned on in 4K games?
Enabling RTX features typically halves the frame rate, reducing playable 4K/medium settings to lower resolutions like 1080p in some titles.
Is the RTX 2060 a good value for gamers who want 4K gaming with RTX features?
The card struggles to maintain high frame rates at 4K with RTX on, so it may not be ideal for true 4K RTX gaming unless the titles are optimized or the user is comfortable with reduced settings.
How does the RTX 2060 perform for productivity and light workstation tasks?
In productivity benchmarks it outperforms the GTX 1070 in several tests, suggesting a solid budget workstation option for tasks beyond gaming.
What should a buyer consider about memory configurations and future-proofing?
There are multiple memory configurations across models, so mileage may vary; choosing the right version is important for balancing price, performance, and future-proofing.