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GeForce GTX vs RTX: What's the Real Difference for Gamers in 2025?

What is the difference between the GeForce GTX and RTX, and which one should you choose for your gaming device? Both Nvidia graphics cards are a demand in the market and target slightly distinct purposes. The GTX and RTX differentiate in terms of pricing, features as well and performance.
This guide consists of the difference between the two and what they have in store for Gamers, therefore aiding you with the necessary information needed to purchase either the GTX or RTX for your system.
Are you looking to buy a new graphic, or do you want to upgrade it to the latest? This blog post will walk you through until you find the right one, suited to your needs.

GTX vs RTX in Gaming

In Gaming, the GeForce GTX has been the go-to option for Gamers for a long time. The graphics cards are a great pick for gamers who are looking for a top-notch game experience while saving money. The cards are reputable and offer both performance and affordability. One example is the
GeForce GTX 1650
⁠
, which runs 99% of games in 1080p resolution.
In comparison, NVIDIA's RTX graphics are the latest of its GPU technology. The RTX series consists of real-time ray tracing as well as enhancements based on Artificial Intelligence. For the highest graphics performance, the RTX series is the preferred pick if you are also looking for ray tracing support.

GTX vs RTX | Further Specifications

In terms of gaming performance, there are some specifications to look out for in order to run your gaming PC with the best performance output. This, too, without compromising on budget.
The details are highlighted below:

Performance

GTX graphics cards


GTX cards such as GeForce GTX 1650 are excellent when it comes to 1080p or 1440 gaming.
As compared to RTX, they are more affordable.
For older, less demanding games, GTX is the preferred option.

RTX Graphic Cards

If you are looking for an upgraded option, then RTX cards serve the purpose.
RTX cards include real-world ray tracing, which provides gamers with a more immersive gaming experience.
DLSS support uses AI to increase frame rates while keeping visual quality. You get uninterrupted gameplay at higher resolutions as well.
RTX cards include more horsepower, better processing cores, VRAM, and the latest gaming technology support.

Both graphics cards have their strengths. Depending on what you prioritize in gaming, that is what you need to go for when picking a GPU based on performance. In terms of raw performance, RTX performs better with ray tracing and DLSS support, while GTX is a good option for 1080p gaming.

Features

GeForce GTX is based on the old Pascal architecture, which means it gives a slightly lesser output as compared with the RTX.
RTX has superior features that make it better than the GeForce GTX 1650.
RTX is based on the latest Tuning or Ampere architecture when it comes to graphics cards.
While both give great gaming performance, better visual quality, and AI enhancement features, RTX is the better option in modern gaming.

Price

Cost-wise, GTX cards are often less expensive than RTX cards. Due to this, they are a worthy choice for gamers looking for budget-friendly options. They are suitable for gamers who are not seeking an upgrade at the moment. Despite their high costs, RTX cards provide increased future-proofing because of their higher performance and enhanced capabilities.

GTX vs RTX | Comparison

The table shows how a GTX graphics card compares with an RTX graphics card to help you further make a choice.
Specification
GTX 1660 Ti
RTX 3060
Architecture
Turing Architecture
Ampere Architecture
CUDA Cores
1536 Cuda Cores
3584 Cuda Cores
Base Clock Speed
1500 MHz
1320 MHz
Boost Clock Speed
1770 Mhz
1780 MHz
Memory
6 GB GDDR6
12 GB GDDR6
Memory Speed
12 Fbps
15 Gbps
Ray Tracing cores
None
28
Tensor Cores
None
112
DLSS Support
No
Yes
TDP
120 W
170 W
Price
$279
$329
There are no rows in this table
⁠

​Gaming Performance in 2025

The table consists of mid-range and higher gaming titles, as well as how each game performs per frame rate in 2025.
Game Title
GTX 1660 (Ultra, 1080p)
RTX 4060 (Ultra, 1080p, DLSS ON)
Cyberpunk 2077
35 to 45 FPS
90 to 100 FPS
Elden Ring
55 to 65 FPS
100 and above FPS
Starfield
30 to 40 FPS
80 to 95 FPS
Fortnite (Performance Mode)
120 FPS
200 and above FPS
There are no rows in this table
⁠
As noted, RTX cards deliver smoother, higher frame rates, specifically in modern games that support DLSS. With DLSS 3.5 now offering better frame generation, RTX GPUs feel comparatively more responsive and stable, especially in open-world or highly demanding gaming. When it comes to newer gaming titles, GTX cards suffer, not because they are terrible, but because they are not developed for the graphically intensive gaming titles of 2025.

In Summary, Choose

GTX if:

You play mainly competitive esports titles such as CS2, Valorant, and Dota 2.
You are building an affordable 1080p gaming rig.
You’re alright with playing older or less demanding games.
You already have a GTX (likely GeForce GTX 1650) card and are not looking to upgrade in the meantime.

RTX if:

You want to play AAA titles with maximum settings.
You care about ray tracing plus smoother frame rates.
You plan to game at 1440p or 4K resolution.
You are building a future-compatible gaming PC.

Conclusion

In the year 2025, choosing between GTX and RTX relies upon your priorities as a gamer. GTX graphics cards are budget-friendly and still capable of running stable performance in a variety of games, specifically at 1080p resolution.
On the contrary, RTX cards offer a significant jump in technology, with ray tracing, DLSS, and higher overall performance that caters towards modern and future game titles.
If you are building a system for casual or esports gaming, GTX may take the spot. However, for a more immersive, high-fidelity experience and long-term value, RTX proves to be the smarter investment, particularly for gamers looking to upgrade under evolving game demands.
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