Table of Contents
Introduction
Choosing between the RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070 can feel tricky at first. Both are from the same Nvidia generation, and even in 2026, you can still find them in the used market.
At first glance, they look similar, but in real gaming, there are some clear differences. The RTX 2060 is great for smooth 1080p gaming, while the RTX 2070 is more powerful and better for higher settings or 1440p.
If you’re building a PC on a budget, the main question is simple: is the extra money for the RTX 2070 really worth it?
In this RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070 guide, we’ll keep things simple and look at performance, VRAM, gaming, and value so you can easily pick the right card.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | RTX 2060 | RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | January 15, 2019 (announced Jan 7) | October 17, 2018 |
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| GPU Chip | TU106 | TU106 |
| CUDA Cores | 1,920 | 2,304 |
| Base Clock | 1365 MHz | 1410 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1680 MHz | 1620 MHz |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| Tensor Cores | 240 | 288 |
| TDP | 160W | 175W |
Both cards are from the same Turing family, so it’s not about different tech. The difference is in how much power and memory each one has.
The RTX 2070 has more CUDA cores, extra VRAM, and a wider memory bus. This means it can handle heavier games better, especially on high settings or 1440p. That extra 2GB of VRAM helps in games with big textures.
In short: RTX 2060 is great for 1080p gaming. RTX 2070 gives a bit more FPS and will stay useful longer.
Gaming Performance Comparison
Let’s get to the part most people care about: gaming.
When it comes to RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070, at 1080p both cards still perform really well, even in 2026. If your main goal is smooth gaming at high settings, both cards can still do the job comfortably.
At 1080p, both RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 still run games smoothly. The 2070 is faster in every game, but in simple games like CS:GO, the difference isn’t huge, both feel very smooth.
In heavier games like GTA V, PUBG, or Fortnite, the RTX 2070 gives higher FPS, which makes gameplay smoother during busy scenes or fights.
The RTX 2060 is still a solid choice for 1080p. If you want extra FPS and more room for future games, the RTX 2070 is better.
RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070 – Power and Temperature
Here’s how the two cards compare in power use and heat:
| GPU | Idle Power | Max Power | Idle Temp | Max Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 2060 | 10.6W | 165W | 34°C | 72°C |
| RTX 2070 | 11.6W | 190W | 30°C | 74°C |
The RTX 2070 uses a little more power than the 2060 when gaming, but both stay pretty cool. 72 – 74°C at full load is safe.
At idle, both cards use very little power, so your PC won’t get hot when you’re not gaming.
In short: You don’t need fancy cooling. The 2070 uses more power, but it gives more performance.
RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070 – Price and Availability
Price is one of the biggest things to look at when choosing between the RTX 2060 vs RTX 2070, especially because both cards are now mostly available in the used market.
When the RTX 2060 first launched, its price was $349. The RTX 2070 was more expensive, with the standard model starting at $499, while the Founders Edition was priced even higher at $599.
Here’s a simple price comparison:
| Price Type | RTX 2060 | RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | $349 | $499 |
| Founders Edition Price | $349 | $599 |
| Current Used Price (Approx.) | $150 – $200 | $185 – $210 |
Today, both cards are mostly found on Amazon, eBay, or local marketplaces.
The RTX 2060 usually sells for $150–$200, and the RTX 2070 goes for $185–$210. The price gap is much smaller than it was at launch, so the 2070 can be a great deal if you find it at the lower end.
Note: Prices change all the time, so check Amazon and eBay before buying.
Detailed Reviews
Want to see more details? Check our full reviews for each card:
Other Cards to Consider
| Card | VRAM | Base / Boost Clock | Compared To RTX 2060 / 2070 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 2070 Super | 8GB GDDR6 | 1605 / 1770 MHz | Faster than RTX 2070, much faster than 2060 |
| GeForce GTX 1070 | 8GB GDDR5 | 1506 / 1683 MHz | Similar to RTX 2060, slower than 2070 |
| GeForce GTX 1070 Ti | 8GB GDDR5 | 1607 / 1683 MHz | Slightly faster than RTX 2060, slower than 2070 |
| GeForce GTX 1080 Ti | 11GB GDDR5X | 1480 / 1582 MHz | Much faster than both 2060 & 2070 |
| GeForce RTX 3060 | 12GB GDDR6 | 1320 / 1777 MHz | Faster than RTX 2060, slightly slower than 2070 |
| Radeon RX 6600 | 8GB GDDR6 | 1626 / 2491 MHz | Slightly slower than RTX 2060, much slower than 2070 |
| Radeon RX 6600 XT | 8GB GDDR6 | 1968 / 2589 MHz | Faster than 2060, slower than 2070 |
| Intel Arc A770 | 16GB GDDR6 | 2000 / 2450 MHz | Faster than 2060, around 2070 level |
| GeForce GTX 1660 Super | 6GB GDDR6 | 1530 / 1785 MHz | Slower than 2060, much slower than 2070 |
Which One Should You Buy?
If your budget is tight or you mostly play at 1080p, the RTX 2060 is a solid choice. It runs games smoothly, gives high FPS in competitive games, and costs less.
If you can spend a bit more or want extra performance, the RTX 2070 is the better pick. It gives higher FPS in heavier games, runs 1440p better, and will stay useful for longer.
Bottom line: Both cards are good. It just depends on how much you want to spend and what games you play.
