The RTX 2060 is the cheapest option available in the RTX range of GPUs and with a wide range of brands – it’s not easy to know which is the best RTX 2060 available.
The most powerful of the latest Nvidia cards are the RTX 2080 Ti range, however they are some of the most expensive available (see our best 2080 Ti guide to view the latest prices).
When comparing cost and performance, these cards offers the best value out of all of the options that are available. Even giving some of the top RTX 2070 graphics cards a run for their money.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the best 2060 cards, complete with in-depth overviews of each one.
Is a RTX 2060 a Good Graphics Card?
ASUS ROG Strix Geforce RTX 2060 Overclocked
First up is the ASUS ROG Strix Geforce RTX 2060 Overclocked.
ASUS is hailed as one of the best manufacturers of graphics cards, so it stands to reason that their card is a top contender.
While it’s a bit pricier than other options, if you can afford to stretch your budget a bit, it’s definitely worth the extra expense.
Key Features
- A base clock speed of 1365 MHz
- A boost clock speed of 1830 MHz
- Patented wing-blade 0db fans, complete with Fan Connect II, which offers maximum cooling capability via three axial fans that have the ability to deliver up to 105 percent more air pressure
- Outputs:
- 2x HDMI 2.0
- 2x DisplayPort 1.4
This graphics card is outfitted with RGB lights that can be controlled via Asus Aura Sync software. It also has the capability to create six different lighting effects using millions of different colors, to offer you a virtually limitless array of options.
In terms of performance, the ASUS ROG Strix was right on track with the EVGA graphics card. However, it operated at a much cooler level, so in reality, it stands ahead.
In terms of outputs, there are two HDMI 2.0b and 2 display port 1.4 connections. So you can easily have a multi-screen setup.
Related: Best HDMI switches – for multi-monitor setups
It should be noted that in regard to size, this graphics card is pretty large; it’s 11.81 inches long and takes up more than 2 slots.
However, despite the large size, if you can accommodate it, ASUS ROG Strix is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Gigabyte RTX 2060 Gaming OC
Next up is the Gigabyte Gaming OC. If you’re not looking to invest a whole lot but you don’t want to sacrifice performance, then this is definitely an option worth considering.
It’s more affordably priced than the ASUS ROG Strix, but its capabilities are comparable.
Key Features
- A base clock speed of 1680 MHz
- A boost clock speed of 1830 MHz
- A Windforce 3x cooling system, complete with alternate spinning fans to keep things running cool
- Outputs:
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 3x DisplayPort 1.4
This model offers an impressive boost clock rate and a highly effective cooling system at a price that is definitely affordable. Especially when compared to other options.
It also boasts intuitive controls with the AORUS engine and even with the advanced three fan cooling system, it can barely be heard.
It measures 11 inches long, so it’s nearly a full inch shorter than the ASUS. But, it does still take up a good bit of space, so do be advised.
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Twin Fan
An even more affordable option, the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce is definitely a top contender.
It costs about $350, so it’s more affordable than the previously mentioned options; however, it does need to be noted that it the clock rate isn’t as high.
Key Features
- A 1680 MHz boost clock speed
- Ice Storm 2.0 cooling system, the strongest cooling system offered by ZOTAC
- Outputs:
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 3x DisplayPort 1.4
Though you will be sacrificing some of the boost clock speed, it really doesn’t make that huge of a difference in the long run.
And, measuring at just 8.3 inches, this card is extremely compact and fits up to 99 percent of all gaming systems, making it incredible versatile.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming Z
Another affordable GPU, the MSI Gaming GeForce Gaming Z.
It is also compact in size, measuring just 8.9 inches, so most PC case sizes can easily accommodate it.
Considering the small size, it offers a pretty impressive amount of power. In fact, it offers the same boost clock speed as the Gigabyte and the ASUS ROG Strix above, but it’s more affordably priced.
Key Features
- A boost clock speed of 1830 MHz
- A 192-bit memory interface
- A 6GB GDDR6 video memory
- Outputs:
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 3x DisplayPort 1.4
It also features MSI twin frozr thermal design, which provides exceptional cooling capabilities. As a result, it delivers reliable performance and whisper quiet operation.
Therefore, you can maximize your MSI graphics card while enjoying an endless array of customization options.
EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 XC Black Edition
If you’re on the market for a super compact video card, then the EVGA GeForce Black Edition is definitely an option worth considering.
Measuring in at just 6.3 inches long, it’s the most compact GPU on our list.
But, as expected, because it is smaller in size, the clock speed is also lacking when compared to the longer card options that are featured on this list.
Additionally, it only features a single fan cooling system; but, considering, the cooling capabilities are pretty impressive and in terms of sound, it’s virtually unnoticeable.
Key Features
- A boost clock speed of 1680 MHz
- 6144 MB GDDR5 memory
- Real-time Ray tracing in games
- A single fan cooling system
- Outputs:
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 1x DL-DVI-D
This card delivers advanced graphics while only taking up a fraction of the space allowing you to create a more compact gaming rig.
Gigabyte RTX 2060 Mini ITX OC
Last up is another card from Gigabyte . This graphics card is ideal for mini systems, as it measures just 6.7 inches long.
While it’s slightly larger than the EVGA XC Black Edition above, it is still small enough to fit in a Mini ITX case.
However, the small size definitely does not mean that the performance is lacking. In fact, this compact graphics card is quite impressive, as far as performance goes. It’s plug-and-play compatible with NVIDIA VR Works headsets for the most realistic experience possible.
Key Features:
- A 1695 MHz boost clock speed
- Next-generation GDDR6 memory
- NVIDIA Turing architectures and real time Ray Tracing
- Intuitive controls
- 0 x 16 PCI Express
- 1 HDMI 2.0 and 3 1.4 DisplayPort outputs
Because of the small size of this unit, it only contains a single fan cooling system. Nonetheless, it does deliver impressive capabilities and the db is so low that you’ll hardly even hear it spinning.
RTX 2060 FAQs
Can it run 4k?
Yes, and the card runs around the same level as the 1070TI and 1080. These cards are all entry-level 4K cards out-of-the-box. If you opt to overclock one, you can reach near RTX 2070 performance which will improve 4K gaming.
But you will not be able to run most games on 4K at max settings.
When playing multiplayer games on 4K, the frame rate will be sporadic and not offer the best performance possible.
Which is better: RTX 2060 or GTX 1070?
The two cards are comparable in price, but the 1070 is an older card. When you compare benchmarks from users, you’ll find that the 2060 is slightly faster at around an 8% to 10% increase in performance.
When playing top games, you’ll find that the 2060 provides 10%+ better frames per second.
Which Model is the Fastest out of the box?
A lot of manufacturers are offering these GPUs, but which one runs the fastest? Overclocked (OC) models are often best, and in terms of speed, we’re going to consider the highest boost clock speed to determine which model is the fastest.
Gigabyte’s Aorus Xtreme has a boost of 1845 MHz. GeForce and Asus have models with an 1830 MHz boost, so they’re very similar in terms of speed.
But that’s the “base” cards that come with 6GB of memory. The new ‘Super’ version comes with 8GB of memory and offer better overall performance.
How many teraflops do they have?
These cards have 6.5 FP32 teraflops. In the past, teraflops were often overlooked by a lot of gamers because it wasn’t really important. But teraflops refer to how many floating-point operations the card can handle per second.
Teraflops are an indicator of power, and they will allow for more processes to take place. A lot of consumers view teraflops as more of a marketing trend to present consumers with “big” numbers.
When will their price drop?
Waiting for the price to drop on the 2060 will continue to be a long wait. The 1070, which offers similar performance, is still more expensive, and the card came out years ago. NVIDIA, which is introducing Super versions of this card, has plans to keep their pricing around the $349 mark.
Checking out the price history on Honey for MSI’s unit, we found that prices have stayed exactly the same over the past 120 days.
Amazon’s Prime Day sales did have some models coming in at under $300, but we expect non-sale prices to remain the same for the foreseeable future.
What power supply do I need?
This model needs more power than the 1070, but it’s faster and offers better overall performance. Each manufacturer will list their minimum PSU requirements which you should consider when adding a new card to your system.
But the good news is that newer graphics cards are more energy efficient than in the past.
A 500 W power supply will be enough, but you may want to upgrade to a slightly better PSU to ensure that there’s enough power for all of your components. MSI recommends a minimum power supply of 500W when running the 2060.
Conclusion
With so many different cards on the market, trying to choose the best one to suit your needs can seem a bit daunting.
Essentially, there are three key factors that should be taken into consideration:
- The boost clock speed; the higher the MHz, the better performance the graphics card is going to offer.
- The size of your case and the card. Obviously, you need to make sure that you select a card that can fit into your case; otherwise you aren’t going to be able to use it.
- Your budget. The going rate for these cards lies between the $350 and the $400 range (give or take).
When selecting an GPU for your system, you’ll definitely want to keep these three factors in mind.
However, no matter what size your system is and what your budget may be, you can have confidence knowing that all of the options that are mentioned on this list deliver exceptional performance and will certainly take your PC gaming experience to the next level so you can enjoy the ultimate experience.
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