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GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB

Quick Verdict

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is slightly ahead — leading the GeForce GTX 1080 by roughly 8% in our performance index.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 1080
Price
€224✓
Performance
13/100
VRAM
8 GB GDDR5X
Key Specs Advantage
+33% Memory Bus (256-bit vs 192-bit)
+18% CUDA Cores (2,560 vs 2,176)
+5% Boost Clock (1,733 MHz vs 1,650 MHz)
€305Gigabyte, GeForce GTX 1080 Founders Edition GV-N1080D5X-8GD-B Graphics Card
€224Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FE Founders Edition GDDR5X Video Graphics Card (Refurbished)
Used
NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 2060 12GB
Price
Reference GPU
Performance
14/100✓
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6✓
Key Specs Advantage
+5% Bandwidth (336 GB/s vs 320 GB/s)
Reference GPUNo Listing Available
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GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1080: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1080

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is marginally faster, around 8% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1080 is better matched to entry-level 1080p.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

With 12GB against 8GB, the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce GTX 1080's 8GB can fall short.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1080 (Turing vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is the faster card. 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 1080?

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is marginally faster, roughly 8% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 or the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Does the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 12GB (vs 8GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is the faster card. 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.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
ArchitecturePascalTuring
Process NodeTSMC 16nmTSMC 12nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,560✓2,176

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
Base Clock1,607 MHz✓1,470 MHz
Boost Clock1,733 MHz✓1,650 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
VRAM Capacity8 GB12 GB✓
Memory TypeGDDR5XGDDR6
Memory Bus256-bit✓192-bit
Memory Speed10 Gbps14 Gbps✓
Bandwidth320 GB/s336 GB/s✓

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP180 W✓184 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedMay 2016Dec 2021