Which GPU Should I Get for 1080p Gaming as a Teenager?

As a teenager, you're looking to get your first dedicated GPU for 1080p gaming. You've narrowed down your options to a used GTX 1080 or a new RTX 2060. This article will help you make an informed decision based on your budget and future gaming needs.

Comparing the GTX 1080 and RTX 2060

Both the GTX 1080 and RTX 2060 are powerful GPUs that can handle 1080p gaming smoothly. The RTX 2060 has some added features, such as dedicated Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). However, the benefits of these features can vary depending on your game and your goals.

Performance Compared

On paper, the RTX 2060 has slightly better raw performance than the GTX 1080, but in practice, this difference is minimal for 1080p gaming. The GTX 1080 has somewhat better performance in certain games, but for 1080p, the RTX 2060 can still deliver a good gaming experience.

Features and Future Compatibility

The RTX 2060's DLSS is not particularly useful at 1080p. Ray tracing, while a neat feature, is less impactful at this resolution. Therefore, if you can get the two GPUs for the same price, the GTX 1080 might be the better choice for 1080p gaming, as it still provides solid performance without the less-effective features.

Alternatives to Consider

Depending on the prices in your area, you might want to consider other GPUs, such as the AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. This card is about 30% faster than the RTX 2060 and GTX 1080. It also has the advantage of running on the same architecture as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, making it a good choice for upcoming games.

When to Choose the RX 6600 XT

If the RX 6600 XT is around 20 dollars cheaper than the RTX 2060 and GTX 1080, it would be a smart choice. This card offers good value and has strong hardware capabilities, especially for next-gen games.

When to Stick with the GTX 1080

However, if the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1080 are at similar prices, the GTX 1080 might still be the better option due to its extra VRAM. The extra VRAM is quite useful for VRAM-heavy games like DOOM Eternal and Resident Evil VII, and can be beneficial in upcoming titles as well.

General GPU Recommendations for Teenage Gamers

Your CPU and RAM are likely already sufficient for all current and near-future games, so there's no need to rush into upgrading those components just yet. However, it's a good idea to plan for the future by choosing a GPU that can handle more demanding settings.

Low Graphics Settings (1080p)

The GTX 950Ti, GTX 770, or GTX 860 are all suitable choices. They are budget-friendly and can run most games at low to medium settings, providing around 90 FPS at 1080p.

Medium-High Settings (1080p)

To better future-proof your system, consider the GTX 1050Ti, GTX 870, or GTX 960. These cards offer better performance and can handle medium to high settings, providing around 150 FPS.

Ultra Settings (1080p)

The GTX 1060 6GB, GTX 970, or GTX 980Ti are the best options for handling ultra-settings at 1080p. They provide around 270 FPS and can handle most of the newest games at higher settings.

For 4K and Up

If you plan to move to 4K gaming, the GTX 1070 or GTX 1080 are more than sufficient. They can handle 4K with all the newest games, providing around 389 to 530 FPS.

Overkill - GTX 1080Ti

The GTX 1080Ti is an expensive option that you likely don't need for 1080p or even 4K gaming. It's usually too much power for most gamers.

Future-Proofing Your GPU

If your motherboard can handle it, you might consider choosing a lower-end GPU now and purchasing another of the same model in a year or two, then connecting them via a SLI bridge. This can save you money and ensure your system remains future-proof.

Additional Resources

To determine if your GPU is compatible with your current system, you can use Pick Parts Build Your PC Compare and Share site. This site offers detailed specifications of your components and can help you make an informed decision.

Enjoy your gaming journey! Whether you choose the GTX 1080, RTX 2060, or the RX 6600 XT, your GPU selection will set the foundation for many gaming sessions to come.