GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB comes out ahead: well ahead on speed, about 27% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1070.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1070: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1070
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is significantly faster, around 27% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1070. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1070 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB packs 2,176 CUDA cores versus 1,920 on the GeForce GTX 1070.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1070 is the gentler choice at 150W versus 184W. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 184W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
VRAM favors the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB at 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce GTX 1070 — that extra 4GB matters most at 4K, with high-res texture packs, and for content-creation/local-AI work. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's memory is also faster — 336 GB/s versus 256 GB/s (192-bit vs 256-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1070 (Turing vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is the faster card by about 27%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB better than the GeForce GTX 1070?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1070 or the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,920 | 2,176✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz✓ | 1,470 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,683 MHz✓ | 1,650 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 256 GB/s | 336 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 150 W✓ | 184 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jun 2016 | Dec 2021 |