Differences Between GTX 1070 Mobile and RTX 2060 Mobile: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to laptop graphics cards, two notable models often come to mind - the GTX 1070 Mobile and the RTX 2060 Mobile. Both are designed for laptops but belong to different generations and architectures, leading to various key differences in performance, features, and power consumption. This article will delve into these differences and provide a comprehensive guide for potential buyers.

Architecture

The GTX 1070 Mobile is based on the Pascal architecture, which was released in 2016. This legacy architecture laid the foundation for advanced gaming and graphical performance in laptops of that era. In contrast, the RTX 2060 Mobile is based on the Turing architecture, which was introduced in 2018. The Turing architecture introduced significant advancements, such as real-time ray tracing and AI-based features, making it a more powerful and future-proof choice for gaming and graphics-intensive applications.

Performance

In terms of performance, the GTX 1070 Mobile generally offers solid performance at 1080p, particularly excelling in less demanding titles. However, it falls short when it comes to advanced features. On the other hand, the RTX 2060 Mobile typically provides better performance in many scenarios, especially in games that utilize real-time ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). DLSS is a technology that enhances performance while maintaining high graphical quality, making the RTX 2060 Mobile a more versatile choice for modern gaming.

Ray Tracing and DLSS

The most notable difference between the two GPUs is their support for real-time ray tracing and DLSS. The GTX 1070 Mobile does not support real-time ray tracing or DLSS, which limits its ability to produce photo-realistic graphics. In contrast, the RTX 2060 Mobile not only supports real-time ray tracing but also DLSS, providing enhanced graphics and improved performance in supported games. This makes the RTX 2060 Mobile a more appealing option for gamers who prioritize the best visual experiences.

Power Consumption

When it comes to power consumption, the RTX 2060 Mobile has a thermal design power (TDP) of around 80-90W, which is significantly lower than the 115W TDP of the GTX 1070 Mobile. This makes the RTX 2060 Mobile more power-efficient, resulting in better cooling and extended battery life. This efficiency often translates to better performance for the same level of CPU and RAM, making the RTX 2060 Mobile a more cost-effective choice.

Memory

In terms of memory, the GTX 1070 Mobile typically comes with 8GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a good balance between bandwidth and power consumption. On the other hand, the RTX 2060 Mobile comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, offering higher bandwidth and efficiency. While the GTX 1070 Mobile has more total memory, the GDDR6 memory in the RTX 2060 Mobile provides more efficient data transfer, which can lead to better performance in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

While the GTX 1070 Mobile was a powerful card in its time, the RTX 2060 Mobile generally offers better performance, efficiency, and modern features like ray tracing and DLSS, making it a more future-proof choice. Its TDP efficiency and support for advanced features make it a stronger contender for modern gaming and graphics-intensive applications. It is important to consider the exact laptop model and its thermal capabilities, as these can significantly impact the performance of both GPUs.