- Meaning
- Architecture
- Cores
- Performance
- Power
- Thermal Management
- Compatibility
- Uses
- Availability
- Cost
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are important for visualization and data processing purposes. The GTX and RTX are two series of graphics cards from Nvidia that deliver exceptional performance in both graphics and visual processing. That said, there is an important consideration between these two graphics cards, making them best suited for their respective applications. The following blog will discuss the differences between RTX and GTX graphics cards, and highlight their application in enterprises.
What’s the Difference Between RTX and GTX Graphics Cards?
The major differences between NVIDIA RTX and GTX come down to two important factors, cores and architecture. Moreover, other significant differences such as VRAM and DLSS are also important factors in both graphic card series. The following section will highlight the differences between RTX and GTX cards briefly.
Nvidia RTX vs. GTX: Meaning and History
GTX stands for Giga Texel Shader eXtreme, and RTX refers to Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme both are designed for graphics-oriented applications. The first GTX graphics card was released in 2008, while RTX was announced a decade later in 2018, offering more advanced card architecture and features.
Nvidia RTX vs. GTX: Architecture
All Nvidia GTX 10 series graphics cards are built on Pascal architecture, while the GTX 16 series utilizes Turing architecture. In contrast, the Nvidia RTX 20 series features advance Turing and ampere architecture. The advanced architecture in RTX cards gives way to further improvement in graphic processing and AI.
Nvidia RTX vs. GTX: Cores
A key distinction between GTX and RTX cards is the presence of Tensor and Ray Tracing (RT) cores, which are exclusive to RTX graphics cards. RTX Tensor cores are designed to handle complex calculations of all different data types, while Ray Tracing (RT) cores enhance the lighting visuals. On the other hand, both GTX and RTX cards have shader cores, whose primary purpose is to process graphical information. Therefore, RTX graphics cards are more suited for AI and heavy lighting applications due to their additional cores.
Nvidia RTX vs. GTX: Performance
RTX beats GTX cards on performance benchmarks due to their advanced architecture and additional cores. Here are some important performance metrics to consider in GPUs.
- DLSS: DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is also exclusive to RTX cards which use AI for image reconstruction to improve resolution and frame rates.
- Directx: Both RTX and GTX have Directx 12 support for an enhanced gaming experience. But RTX cards have Ultimate Directx 12 which includes more features and application support than the GTX.
- VRAM: RTX and some higher models of GTX have VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), enhancing data processing.
- Ray Tracing: It is only exclusive to RTX cards, allowing it to better visualize shadows, reflections and follow light rays movements.
Nvidia’s RTX GPUs have an upper hand in performance due to DLSS, Ultimate Directx, VRAM, and Ray tracing technology.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Power Efficiency
Nvidia GTX graphics cards are more power efficient than the RTX. RTX cards have additional cores and higher performance thresholds, requiring higher energy drain. In contrast, the GTX doesn’t have additional cores, making it less power hungry.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Thermal Management
Graphics cards require an additional air or liquid cooling system for better thermal management. Both RTX and GTX cards generate excessive heat during graphical processing, requiring high-quality heat sink and cooling fans for temperature control. Side Note: GTX graphics cards generate less heat than RTX, which may decrease overall electric costs.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Compatibility
The compatibility differences between RTX vs. GTX vary with respect to application type. RTX is more adept in handling AI and data science applications, while GTX aligns more toward 3D designs, video, and graphics editing. It’s important to note that the GTX is Nvidia’s older GPU series, making it less compatible with newer applications and software. Therefore, considering the system requirements of the workload is important before selecting an RTX or GTX GPU.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Uses
Enterprises and enthusiasts find GTX and RTX cards used in diverse applications, let’s look into some below.
- Virtual Reality: Both cards have wide uses in virtual reality applications in entertainment and business applications.
- Gaming: GTX cards can run mid-end games easily, while RTX cards have a more immersive gaming experience due to Ray Tracing features.
- Data Science: Both cards are used in data science applications, but due to GTX driver limitations, RTX cards are preferred.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Availability
The GTX 16 series has been discontinued in the first quarter of 2024. Nvidia has completely shifted its rebranding towards RTX graphics cards. Therefore, newer GTX model availability will reduce as the stock reduces, but still won’t be a problem for another 5 years (estimated). On the other hand, RTX GPUs 20, 30, and 40 series are readily available over the market, allowing businesses to buy video cards in bulk easily.
Nvidia GTX vs. RTX: Cost
The price of GTX cards varies between $50 to $4000, while RTX cards start from $350 and reach up to $7,999 and more. Enterprises with a tight budget opt for GTX cards to avail better performance-to-price ratio. The prices of cards may vary depending on cooling bundles, model and capacity. Computing Worlds offers the best new, used, and refurbished graphics and video cards for sale at competitive prices. RTX Graphics Cards for Sale
GTX Graphics Cards for Sale
You can also request a free bulk quote for the required graphics cards.
Nvidia Geforce GTX vs. RTX: Which One Should I Consider?
Consider GTX GPUs if you value the price-to-performance ratio. In contrast, RTX GPUs offer powerful performance, however, with a considerable price tag. Moreover, GTX lower power consumption gives small enterprises an edge over electricity costs. That said, businesses that want to future-proof themselves for the next decade should consider opting for RTX graphics cards over GTX.
Nvidia Geforce GTX vs. RTX: Pros and Cons
The following section will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of RTX vs. GTX cards.
|
RTX |
Pros | Cons |
| High Performance | Expensive | |
| Ray Tracing Technology | Confusing Series Arrangement | |
| Wide Collection | Power Hungry | |
|
GTX |
Affordable | Lower Performance |
| Adaptive Shading Technology | No Ray Tracing Technology | |
| Lower VRAM Capacity | No DLSS |
FAQs
Is RTX replacing GTX?
Yes, Nvidia has stopped GTX card production, shifting their production towards RTX cards only.
Which RAM is the best for RTX or GTX Graphic Cards?
You can explore the best DDR4 RAM sticks for both GTX or RTX cards. However, understand the video card RAM compatibility between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM generations to avoid any CPU problems.
Does RTX or GTX have GDDR6 or GDDR 6x?
GDDR6 and GDDR 6x are a special type of VRAM. Both RTX and GTX have GDDR6, while GDDR6x is exclusive to 40 series RTX cards.
This marks the end of RTX vs. GTX cards. Enterprises also opt for the best AMD CPU processors with GTX cards to have power-efficient systems. Or combine best intel CPU processors with RTX cards for resource-intensive performance. Another important fact is to evaluate your requirements before selecting the best DDR5 RAM sticks. However, if you are confused between DDR4 or DDR5 RAMs, understand their differences as the wrong selection can cause the GPU and CPU to underclock.
Stay connected with the Computing Worlds blog for more information about graphics cards.
