Is the Budget RTX Worth It? Zotac RTX 2060 Review

Is the Budget RTX Worth It? Zotac RTX 2060 Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the ZOTAC RTX 2060
3. Specifications and Design
4. Performance Benchmarks
5. Synthetic Benchmarks
6. Gaming Benchmarks
7. Ray Tracing Capabilities
8. Should You Upgrade?
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the ZOTAC RTX 2060, a new graphics card that aims to provide high-performance gaming at an affordable price. We will discuss the specifications, design, and performance benchmarks of the RTX 2060, as well as its ray tracing capabilities. Additionally, we will address the question of whether or not it is worth upgrading to this new graphics card. So, let's dive in and see what the ZOTAC RTX 2060 has to offer!

Unboxing the ZOTAC RTX 2060

Before we delve into the details of the ZOTAC RTX 2060, let's start with the unboxing experience. Upon receiving the graphics card, I was impressed with its sleek and compact design. The black and silver color aesthetic, combined with the wraparound backplate, adds a touch of elegance to the card. However, it is worth noting that there are no LED lights or RGB features on this particular model. While some may prefer a more subtle design, others might miss the flashy lighting options available on other cards.

Specifications and Design

The ZOTAC RTX 2060 features a compact two-fan design with a cooler shroud that allows for easy installation in most PC cases. It comes with three DisplayPort 1.4 connections and one HDMI 2.0b port for easy connectivity. The card requires a single 8-Pin power connector and has a TDP of 160 watts, which is fairly standard for a card of this caliber. It should be noted that this version of the RTX 2060 does not come overclocked, but we will discuss its performance in benchmarks later in this article.

Performance Benchmarks

Now let's move on to the performance benchmarks of the ZOTAC RTX 2060. To accurately assess its capabilities, I compared it to my current graphics card, the EVGA GTX 1070 SC. I conducted the benchmarks primarily at 1080p resolution, as this is the most common resolution for gaming. I also held off on testing at higher resolutions and overclocked results, as I plan to cover those in a separate video.

Starting with synthetic benchmarks, the performance gains of the RTX 2060 compared to the GTX 1070 were not substantial. On average, there was only a 10.18% increase in scores across the board. While this improvement is notable, it may not be enough to justify upgrading from a GTX 1070, especially considering their similarities in performance.

Gaming Benchmarks

Moving on to gaming benchmarks, the results were consistent with the synthetic benchmarks. While there were some improvements in average FPS across various games, the overall gains were minimal. Most games showed only a marginal increase in average FPS, with Ghost Recon being the only outlier, showing a significant improvement. Battlefield 5 also showcased a notable increase in performance.

Ray Tracing Capabilities

One of the key features of the RTX series is its ray tracing capabilities. Ray tracing allows for more realistic lighting effects in games, resulting in enhanced visuals and immersive gameplay. To test this feature, I played Battlefield 5, a game known for its impressive ray tracing implementation.

Enabling ray tracing in Battlefield 5 showcased the true potential of the RTX 2060. The reflections in the Game became more accurate and added depth to the overall visual experience. However, it's important to note that enabling ray tracing does come with a performance cost. At 1080p resolution with all settings on Ultra, the RTX 2060 managed around 46 frames per Second, which is playable but might require tweaking of settings to achieve a better balance between performance and visuals.

Should You Upgrade?

Now, let's address the burning question: should you upgrade to the ZOTAC RTX 2060? As with any new product release, the answer largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are currently in the market for a new PC and have an unlimited budget, the RTX 2060 is a solid choice. It offers better performance and the advantage of ray tracing capabilities. However, if you are on a budget and looking for the best value for your gaming experience, there are alternative options to consider.

For example, if you do some research, you can find a GTX 1070 or even a GTX 1080 for a lower price compared to the RTX 2060. At 1080p resolution, these older-generation cards still offer excellent performance and can be considered a more cost-effective option. Additionally, the release of the upcoming GTX 1660 might provide even more affordable alternatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZOTAC RTX 2060 is a capable graphics card that delivers solid performance and ray tracing capabilities. It offers a compact design and ease of installation, making it suitable for most PC setups. However, whether or not it is worth upgrading to the RTX 2060 depends on your specific circumstances. If you are on a tight budget, you might find better value in older-generation cards such as the GTX 1070 or GTX 1080. However, if you have the budget and want to experience the latest technology and ray tracing, the RTX 2060 is worth considering.

Highlights

• Unboxing the ZOTAC RTX 2060: A sleek and compact graphics card with a black and silver color aesthetic.
• Specifications and Design: The RTX 2060 features a two-fan design, three DisplayPort connections, and one HDMI port.
• Performance Benchmarks: The RTX 2060 offers a modest improvement in synthetic benchmarks and gaming performance compared to the GTX 1070.
• Ray Tracing Capabilities: Enabling ray tracing in games like Battlefield 5 enhances the visual experience but requires a balance between performance and visuals.
• Should You Upgrade? The answer depends on your budget and needs; consider alternative options such as the GTX 1070 or GTX 1080 for better value.

FAQ

Q: Does the ZOTAC RTX 2060 support ray tracing? A: Yes, the RTX 2060 supports ray tracing, allowing for more realistic lighting effects in games.

Q: Is the RTX 2060 a worthy upgrade from the GTX 1070? A: The performance gains of the RTX 2060 compared to the GTX 1070 are minimal. Consider factors such as budget and specific needs before deciding to upgrade.

Q: Are there any alternative options to the RTX 2060? A: Yes, alternative options include older-generation cards like the GTX 1070 or GTX 1080, which can provide better value for those on a budget.

Resources:

• ZOTAC
• NVIDIA