5 Best RTX 2060 Graphics Cards For Mid-Range PCs
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 is a mid-range performance-focused graphics card by Nvidia which was launched back in January 2019 as a part of the RTX 2000 series. The RTX 2060 is built on the 12nm manufacturing process and is based on the TU106 GPU in its TU106-200A-KA-A1 variant. At its core, the card holds the GPU itself which is a large chip with a die area of 445 mm2 and has 10,800 million total transistors.
This transistor count is a big jump over the outgoing -60 series graphics card, the GeForce GTX 1060, which was based on the Pascal architecture. These numbers help rocket the RTX 2060 way past the GTX 1060 in terms of performance, which is to be expected in a generational improvement.
The RTX 2060 is, however, a fairly tame card in terms of power usage. Most of its variants (including the Founder’s Edition card) are dual-slot cards that ensure a wide range of compatibility with various PC cases. The card itself draws a maximum of 160 W under load, which is provided through its 1×8-pin power connector in the Founder’s Edition card.
Being a fairly modest contender in terms of power draw (and subsequently thermals), one does not need the biggest and most expensive variants on the market to get the best out of this GPU. Even fairly mediocre heatsinks with 2 fans should be able to get the job done comfortably, so this is one area where the potential buyer should consider saving some money.
Our Picks For The Best RTX 2060
However, if you are in the search of the best of the best, here are the 5 Best Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 variants that are ideal for mid-range gaming PCs.
# | PREVIEW | NAME | Description | DETAILS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2060 | The ROG Strix RTX 2060 is one of the most expensive variants on the market, but for good reason. It runs cool and quiet while looking awesome but requires a hefty price premium. | Check Price | |
2 | MSI Gaming Z RTX 2060 | The MSI Gaming Z RTX 2060 is another high-end variant, but it does not go quite as over-the-top as the ROG Strix variant. Still, it delivers on all grounds and has some aggressive design cues. | Check Price | |
3 | EVGA RTX 2060 SC Ultra | One of the best value picks for the RTX 2060 has to be the EVGA RTX 2060 SC Ultra Black. It might not be the highest performing variant in any category, but it covers enough bases to be a potent candidate. | Check Price | |
4 | Gigabyte RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0 | Gigabyte’s GeForce RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0 is a basic option that is aimed at or near MSRP pricing. That makes it an excellent bargain choice. | Check Price | |
5 | EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming | The 2060 KO Ultra Gaming variant from EVGA came long after the initial release of the RTX 2060 and used a slightly different GPU, but it was priced cheaper. This is a really attractive budget option. | Check Price |
# | 1 |
PREVIEW | |
NAME | ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2060 |
Description | The ROG Strix RTX 2060 is one of the most expensive variants on the market, but for good reason. It runs cool and quiet while looking awesome but requires a hefty price premium. |
DETAILS | Check Price |
# | 2 |
PREVIEW | |
NAME | MSI Gaming Z RTX 2060 |
Description | The MSI Gaming Z RTX 2060 is another high-end variant, but it does not go quite as over-the-top as the ROG Strix variant. Still, it delivers on all grounds and has some aggressive design cues. |
DETAILS | Check Price |
# | 3 |
PREVIEW | |
NAME | EVGA RTX 2060 SC Ultra |
Description | One of the best value picks for the RTX 2060 has to be the EVGA RTX 2060 SC Ultra Black. It might not be the highest performing variant in any category, but it covers enough bases to be a potent candidate. |
DETAILS | Check Price |
# | 4 |
PREVIEW | |
NAME | Gigabyte RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0 |
Description | Gigabyte’s GeForce RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0 is a basic option that is aimed at or near MSRP pricing. That makes it an excellent bargain choice. |
DETAILS | Check Price |
# | 5 |
PREVIEW | |
NAME | EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming |
Description | The 2060 KO Ultra Gaming variant from EVGA came long after the initial release of the RTX 2060 and used a slightly different GPU, but it was priced cheaper. This is a really attractive budget option. |
DETAILS | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-07-11 at 19:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 2060 Advanced OC
Premium Variant of a Midrange GPU
Pros
- Massive Heatsink
- Quiet AxialTech Fans
- Impressive Aesthetics
- High Boost Clocks
Cons
- Quite Expensive
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Base/Boost Clocks: 1365/1710 MHz | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin, 1x PCIe 6-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort
Inside the ROG Strix, we find a hefty cooling solution with a massive heatsink design interleaved with several nickel-plated copper heat pipes. The ROG Strix features a triple-slot design that is quite overkill for a card such as the RTX 2060 with a rated TDP of 160 W, but cooling overhead is something that is always welcome.
The heat-generating components such as the GPU itself, the VRM components, and the memory modules make direct contact with a large copper base plate to ensure maximum heat dissipation. Thermal pads aid the transfer of heat from the VRM components and the memory chips on the PCB itself.
The ROG Strix delivers excellent acoustic performance as well, as one might expect from such a high-end variant. The active cooling element features 3 fans with ASUS’s impressive Axial Tech design which is optimized to provide direct airflow over the heatsink in order to dissipate heat rapidly from the shroud of the card.
ASUS also claims a 105% increase in static pressure over traditional GPU fans which can help in pushing the air through the heatsink more efficiently. The card also features the 0dB technology which allows the fans to stop spinning when the GPU is idle or under a relatively light load, thus improving acoustic performance.
Considering this is a high-end variant of 2060, it is best paired with a processor like the Ryzen 5 5600X for great gaming performance. Check out our selection of the best motherboards for the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Aesthetically, the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 2060 is one of the best-looking graphics cards on the market. It features a slightly aggressive industrial design that is not quite over-the-top with “gamer-centric” design language but still looks quite attractive installed in a case. The RGB lighting is very beautiful with thin slivers of lighting along the sides of the fans when it comes to the fan shroud, and additional lighting on the side of the card as well.
The ROG Strix RTX 2060 is a really well-built card with premium components and an attractive design that would be ideal for a moderately high-end gaming PC. While the card itself is great, the pricing situation is not quite the best for a mid-range GPU such as the RTX 2060. Therefore, in our opinion, the Strix is only suitable if you can get one for a stellar deal on the new or the used market.
On the contrary, If you want more GPU power and have a beefy wallet to buy that amount of power, check out our guide on the Best RTX 2080 Ti
MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Gaming Z
Another High-End Option
Pros
- Impressive Cooling Performance
- Aggressive Looks
- Beautiful RGB Implementation
- Very High Factory OC
Cons
- Pricy
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Base/Boost Clocks: 1365/1830 MHz | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort
This particular variant of the RTX 2060 also features an extensive, triple-slot design when it comes to the heatsink assembly. However, the card is not quite as long as the ROG Strix variant due to the fact that MSI has opted to go for a dual-fan configuration in the Gaming Z, which will make it much easier to find a compatible case for this graphics card.
Still, the cooling performance from the heatsink itself is excellent, as it is well-crafted with several heatpipes which take the heat away from the large copper base plate towards the unique curved fin design of the heatsink itself for dissipation.
Related Read: Best RTX 3070 Graphics Cards.
The two fans are excellent as well in terms of acoustic performance, and they look quite nice as well. The fans use MSI’s Twin Frozr design, which is prevalent in almost all of MSI’s premium lineup at this point. The acoustic levels of the cards are comfortably low even on full load, and the fans turn off under light loads to lower noise levels and to increase the longevity of the fans themselves. Realistically, one would not have any noise issues with this card in a case with decent airflow.
In terms of looks, the MSI Gaming Z features a very aggressive design language with sharp angular lines and excess of RGB lighting. Still, in a gaming PC, this design language is more than acceptable and the card does look quite attractive installed in a case. Many enthusiasts opt for a vertical mount with this graphics card to show off those beautiful fans and that accent RGB lighting on the shroud itself.
If you want to build a capable gaming PC with the RTX 2060, you might want to pair it with something like the 13600K. Check out our selection of the best Z690 motherboards to get the best gaming experience.
All in all, the MSI Gaming Z RTX 2060 is another high-end variant of the RTX 2060. The card features excellent build quality, impressive thermals, and a modern design that would suit any modern gaming build. The price of the Gaming Z variant is higher than most basic variants, but it is often quite a bit lower than some of the most expensive options such as the ROG Strix. Potential buyers should check the value proposition of the cards beforehand.
EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 SC Ultra Black
Decent All-Rounder
Pros
- Stealthy Aesthetics
- Decent Thermal Performance
- Impressive Acoustics
Cons
- Lack of Lighting
- Low Boost Clocks
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Base/Boost Clocks: 1365/1680 MHz | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
The 2060 SC Ultra is a card that also happens to work well for compact builds. Check out our selection of the best microATX cases to find a good fit.
In terms of thermal performance, the EVGA SC Ultra Black performs quite decently. While it may not provide the lowest raw numbers in this category, its cooling solution is more than capable to handle the GPU of the RTX 2060, along with the VRM components and the memory modules. EVGA has opted for a 2-fan design with this one as well, and that makes quite a lot of sense considering the price point and the thermal requirements of the card. Both thermally and acoustically, the RTX 2060 SC Ultra Black from EVGA does not disappoint.
Related Read: Best RTX 3080 & RTX 3090 Graphics Cards.
When one is looking for the variant that offers the most value, looks are often not on the top of the list of priorities. The EVGA 2060 SC Ultra Black offers nothing special in this department. It offers a completely plain, and quite understated look that might be preferred by those enthusiasts that do not like the showmanship of RGB lighting. The 2060 SC Ultra Black might also perfectly suit blackout builds, since it lacks any RGB lighting and is mostly black in appearance.
While yes, the EVGA RTX 2060 SC Ultra Black is not the most powerful variant in terms of raw numbers, nor the most attractive, it is definitely one that covers all the bases quite efficiently. This is the candidate that flies under the radar of most people, but gamers looking for the utmost value should definitely give this variant a look.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0
Back To Basics
Pros
- Acceptable Thermal Performance
- Budget Friendly
- Impressive Boost Clocks
Cons
- Slightly Loud Fans
- Lack of Lighting
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Base/Boost Clocks: 1365/1770 MHz | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort
Ridiculous name aside, the WindForce OC is a genuinely well-rounded variant of the RTX 2060. This is a no-frills, back-to-basics type of option that offers little more than what you absolutely require from your graphics card. The thermal performance is satisfactory, as one can expect from a value-oriented variant. The two fans of the WindForce cooler can get a bit noisy under full load, but it is not something that is a deal-breaker if you are looking for a card of this profile.
Aesthetically, the Gigabyte RTX 2060 WindForce OC Rev 2.0 is as barebones as they come. The shroud is quite simple and mostly black just like the aforementioned EVGA offering, and there is no lighting to be seen anywhere on the card. This is completely normal for a graphics card in this category as the product is trying to be as price-competitive as possible without compromising too heavily on the important factors.
Related Read: Best RTX 2070 & RTX 2070 Super Graphics Cards.
Overall, the Gigabyte WindForce variant is another value-oriented option that potential buyers should definitely consider if they are in the market for an RTX 2060. Since the RTX 2060 is a mid-range graphics card, this option makes a lot of sense for that particular price point.
EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
An Interesting Budget Offering
Pros
- Quite Cheap
- Uses Cut-Down RTX 2080 Die
Cons
- Slightly Lower Performance Than Other RTX 2060s
- No Lighting
- Satisfactory Thermal Performance
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Base/Boost Clocks: 1365/1680 MHz | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
Furthermore, RTX 2060 KO is also unique in its internal component configuration. Instead of using the TU106 graphics core which was meant specifically for the RTX 2060 itself, the KO edition used a cut-down version of the TU104 GPU which was used in more powerful cards such as the RTX 2080. This was basically a way to get rid of all the excess TU104 GPUs that could not make it into the more powerful graphics cards due to binning issues. At the end of the day, the 2060 KO performs more or less like any other RTX 2060 but is quite a bit cheaper.
Related Read: Best RTX 2080 Super Graphics Cards.
The RTX 2060 KO offers nothing special in terms of appearance, however. EVGA is using one of its most basic coolers and fan shrouds in this card, but its enough for a GPU such as this. There are no extra frills in this offering, but that was basically the point of the RTX 2060 KO in the first place. The main attraction for this particular variant is that it offers almost the same RTX 2060 performance in a cheaper package, which makes it an excellent value.
While the RTX 2060 KO provides excellent overall value, your expectations should be in-line with performance. You’re not going to get great 4K performance here like you would from a brand new RTX 4090, but the 2060 KO is an interesting upgrade compared to the original 2060. It’s also a GPU that pairs well with something like a mid-range 12600K CPU/motherboard combo.
All in all, the RTX 2060 KO is an interesting and unique offering from EVGA which is, in fact, an excellent value purchase. While it may not be the most powerful or the coolest RTX 2060 variant by any means, it certainly delivers on the value front.
RTX 2060 - FAQs
Any RTX 2060 variant that provides decent thermal and acoustic performance without breaking the bank is enough for most gamers. One does not need to get the most premium variant to enjoy a quality experience.
Yes, the RTX 2060 is a great mid-range option. The card can still handle most eSports and competitive games at 1440p, while heavier AAA titles have no problems running at 1080p.
The RTX 2060 can definitely run some games at 4K, however, those are going to be limited to lighter eSports titles such as Rocket League and CSGO.
The RTX 2060 is quite well-suited to 1080p gaming when it comes to AAA titles such as Assassin’s Creed or Cyberpunk 2077. However, with some lighter titles, the card is more than capable to run them at 1440p.
Yes, the RTX 2060 does offer a significant performance bump over the GTX 1660Ti. Other than that, it also offers entry-level Raytracing capabilities and access to technologies such as DLSS 2.0.