The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super was released as an enhancement to the original RTX 2060, aiming to provide superior performance for gamers and enthusiasts alike. This GPU is part of NVIDIA's Turing architecture and boasts several significant upgrades including expanded VRAM, better performance metrics, and improved ray tracing capabilities, making it a popular choice for both gamers and content creators. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from specifications to its standing in the gaming landscape. We'll also delve into related questions regarding its performance, comparisons with other cards, system requirements, and general recommendations for users considering this graphics card.

Specifications of the RTX 2060 Super

The RTX 2060 Super is built on the 12nm manufacturing process and utilizes the Turing architecture. It features:

• CUDA Cores: 2176
• Base Clock: 1470 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1650 MHz
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
• TDP: 175W
• Ray Tracing: Yes
• DLSS Support: Yes

These specifications give the RTX 2060 Super a significant edge over its predecessor in terms of both raw power and gaming features. The increased memory, combined with Turing enhancements, allows this GPU to handle modern games at high settings with ease.

Performance Analysis in Gaming

The real-world gaming performance of the RTX 2060 Super is one of its most appealing characteristics. It excels particularly in 1080p and 1440p gaming, with many contemporary titles comfortably running at high settings with smooth frame rates. Let’s look at the performance metrics across some popular games:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: At 1080p with high settings, users can expect frame rates around 100 FPS. Switching to 1440p, the frame rates dip slightly but remain playable at around 70-80 FPS.
• The Witcher 3: This classic RPG performs excellently with the RTX 2060 Super, often exceeding 60 FPS at ultra settings in 1080p and maintaining around 50-60 FPS at 1440p.
• Apex Legends: This battle royale title runs exceptionally well, allowing players to push graphics settings to high and achieve over 100 FPS in 1080p.
• Cyberpunk 2077: A demanding title, but with ray tracing enabled, users can expect playable frame rates on 1080p with a mixture of low and medium settings.

In summary, the RTX 2060 Super empowers gamers to experience visually stunning graphics across various demanding titles, making it a noteworthy contender in the mid-range graphics card market.

Comparison with Other GPUs

The market for GPUs is competitive, and potential buyers often want to see how the RTX 2060 Super stacks up against its peers. Two notable comparisons are with the AMD Radeon RX 5700 and the NVIDIA RTX 3060.

RTX 2060 Super vs. AMD Radeon RX 5700

Both cards cater to similar price brackets but differ in their architectural designs. The RX 5700 is built on AMD's RDNA architecture, offering excellent rasterization performance but lacking in ray tracing capabilities. In benchmarks, the RTX 2060 Super often outperforms the RX 5700 in gaming scenarios that utilize ray tracing technology. However, when it comes to pure rasterized performance, the RX 5700 can score higher in traditional frame rate benchmarks.

RTX 2060 Super vs. RTX 3060

The RTX 3060 represents an advancement over the 2060 Super in terms of performance metrics, VRAM, and efficiency—largely attributed to its new Ampere architecture. The 3060 features 12GB of GDDR6 memory, which allows for better future-proofing against more demanding titles. In terms of benchmarks, the RTX 3060 generally outperforms the 2060 Super by 15-25% across various gaming scenarios.

For gamers looking at the RTX 2060 Super primarily for ray tracing, the 3060 is a better option, while those focused on rasterization may find the price difference less justifiable given the performance gap.

System Requirements and Compatibility

When considering the RTX 2060 Super, it's essential to ensure that your system can support it. Here are the key requirements:

• Power Supply: 175-Watt TDP requires a solid power supply unit (PSU). A PSU rated around 600W or more is recommended with at least one 8-pin or a combination of 6 and 8-pin PCIe power connectors.
• CPU Compatibility: To avoid bottlenecking, a mid to high-end CPU is recommended. CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 series or Intel i5 or better will pair nicely with this GPU.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Most modern motherboards with a PCIe x16 slot are compatible. Ensure that the motherboard firmware (BIOS) is up-to-date for optimal compatibility.
• Cooling Solutions: Adequate cooling is essential, considering the 2060 Super generates heat under load. Ensure your case has good airflow and consider aftermarket cooling if necessary.

Overall, the RTX 2060 Super provides an exceptional balance of price and performance, suitable for a wide range of gaming setups, offered that the system is relatively up to date.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The GeForce RTX 2060 Super remains a solid choice for gamers looking to enjoy a wide range of titles at high settings without breaking the bank. While newer options have emerged since its release, the 2060 Super continues to provide excellent performance for both casual and competitive gaming.

It is advisable for those considering the upgrade or initial build to weigh the price-to-performance ratio against their specific needs. For 1080p or 1440p gaming, the 2060 Super offers great value. If ray tracing or higher resolutions become a priority, it may be worthwhile to look into the RTX 30 series or equivalent alternatives from AMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the expected lifespan of the RTX 2060 Super for gaming?

The RTX 2060 Super, with its architecture and capabilities, provides substantial longevity for gaming. Its 8GB VRAM is ample for current titles, and while newer games continue to demand more from hardware, it will likely be able to perform satisfactorily for several more years. Players gaming at 1080p and moderate settings will likely find the card capable of keeping up for at least another 2-3 years without needing upgrades. As gaming technology evolves, optimization for existing hardware often extends the usability of cards like the 2060 Super due to their base capabilities.

2. Is ray tracing performance worthwhile on the RTX 2060 Super?

Ray tracing on the RTX 2060 Super provides a glimpse into the next generation of visuals in gaming; however, performance can vary significantly depending on the game and the settings used. While ray tracing can enhance the realism of lighting and shadows, enabling it often comes at a performance cost. Players may need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. Thus, while ray tracing is functional on the 2060 Super, those looking for an optimal experience might consider higher-tier options like the RTX 3060 or 3070, which handle ray tracing more effectively, especially when coupled with NVIDIA’s DLSS technology.

3. How does the cooling solution affect the performance of the RTX 2060 Super?

A cooling solution is critical for maintaining the performance of the RTX 2060 Super during extended gaming sessions. GPUs can throttle performance if temperatures exceed safe limits. Therefore, using a case with good airflow or investing in a higher-quality aftermarket cooling solution can help maintain lower temperatures, enhancing performance, extending the lifespan of the card, and allowing overclocking potential. Users should regularly monitor temperatures and ensure the GPU isn’t subjected to thermal restrictions for a fully optimized gaming experience.

4. What is the ideal monitor setup for the RTX 2060 Super?

The ideal monitor setup depends on the resolutions and refresh rates preferred by the gamer. For users content with 1080p gaming, a monitor with a higher refresh rate (144Hz or more) enhances the overall gaming experience and takes advantage of the GPU's performance. For 1440p gaming, a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor should suffice but ensure that it adapts well to input lag for a visually responsive experience. In cases where the user prefers to dabble in ray tracing or high settings, looking at displays with variable refresh rates (VRR) can also be advantageous to prevent tearing and deliver seamless gameplay.

Ultimately, the NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super represents a well-rounded choice for mid-range gaming, blending performance, future-proofing, and value for both newcomers and seasoned gamers looking for a balance.