GTX 1070 vs RTX 2060

PascalvsTuringUpdated 35 days ago

The RTX 2060 emerges as the superior choice for most cloud GPU use cases due to its 336 GB/s bandwidth, GDDR6 memory up to 12 GB, and availability at $0.02 per hour. While FP16 and FP32 match at 6.5 TFLOPS, the three-year architectural advantage and pricing make it preferable over the unavailable GTX 1070.

Specifications Compared

SpecGTX-1070RTX-2060
TDP150W160W
VRAM8 GB6-12 GB
CUDA Cores1,9201,920
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR6
ArchitecturePascalTuring
Form FactorsPCIePCIe
Interconnect
FP16 Performance6.5 TFLOPS6.5 TFLOPS
FP32 Performance6.5 TFLOPS6.5 TFLOPS
Memory Bandwidth256 GB/s336 GB/s

Performance Analysis

FP16 and FP32 performance remains identical at 6.5 TFLOPS on both GPUs, ensuring comparable speeds for deep learning training and inference in models optimized for single-precision or half-precision computations. This parity means neither excels inherently in raw tensor operations, but real-world throughput varies with memory constraints.

The RTX 2060's 336 GB/s bandwidth surpasses the GTX 1070's 256 GB/s by 31 percent, allowing larger batch sizes in training without stalling on data transfers. GDDR6 memory on the RTX 2060 provides higher efficiency over GDDR5, reducing latency in memory-bound workloads like large language model inference. TDP stands at 160W for the RTX 2060 versus 150W for the GTX 1070, a minor 6.7 percent increase that supports sustained performance without significant power overhead.

Live Cloud Pricing

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When to Choose the GTX 1070

The GTX 1070 suits scenarios with strict 150W power budgets, such as edge deployments or older servers incompatible with 160W TDP. Its fixed 8 GB GDDR5 VRAM fits workloads under 6 GB without variability risks present in the RTX 2060's 6 to 12 GB range. Legacy Pascal-optimized software performs reliably here, avoiding Turing-specific updates.

When to Choose the RTX 2060

The RTX 2060 excels in modern cloud environments with pricing from $0.02 per hour and average $0.04 per hour across two offers. Its 336 GB/s bandwidth and GDDR6 memory support larger datasets and batch sizes compared to the GTX 1070's 256 GB/s. Turing architecture enables ray tracing and tensor core acceleration for graphics and AI tasks beyond Pascal capabilities.

Use Cases

LLM Training
RTX 2060

The RTX 2060's 336 GB/s bandwidth supports larger batch sizes than the GTX 1070's 256 GB/s during training. GDDR6 memory handles extensive datasets more efficiently.

LLM Inference
Either

Both GPUs deliver 6.5 TFLOPS in FP16 and FP32, suiting inference equally. Choice depends on VRAM needs: 8 GB fixed on GTX 1070 or 6 to 12 GB on RTX 2060.

Fine-tuning
RTX 2060

Higher 336 GB/s bandwidth on RTX 2060 accelerates fine-tuning with bigger batches versus GTX 1070's 256 GB/s. Turing architecture aids optimized tensor operations.

Stable Diffusion
RTX 2060

RTX 2060's Turing features and up to 12 GB GDDR6 outperform GTX 1070's 8 GB GDDR5 for image generation. Bandwidth of 336 GB/s reduces bottlenecks in diffusion models.

Scientific Computing
Either

Identical 6.5 TFLOPS FP32 performance serves simulations on both. RTX 2060 offers better scalability with 336 GB/s bandwidth for complex datasets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GPU has higher memory bandwidth?

The RTX 2060 provides 336 GB/s, exceeding the GTX 1070's 256 GB/s by 31 percent. This advantage benefits data-heavy workloads like machine learning training.

How much VRAM do these GPUs have?

GTX 1070 features fixed 8 GB GDDR5 VRAM. RTX 2060 offers 6 to 12 GB GDDR6, providing flexibility for varying model sizes.

What are the power requirements?

GTX 1070 has a 150W TDP, while RTX 2060 requires 160W. The difference is minimal at 6.7 percent higher for RTX 2060.

Is cloud pricing available for these GPUs?

RTX 2060 has live offers from $0.02 per hour, averaging $0.04 per hour across two providers. GTX 1070 currently has no live cloud offers.

Do they have the same compute performance?

Both achieve 6.5 TFLOPS in FP16 and FP32. Performance parity holds for standard training and inference tasks.

Which architecture is newer?

RTX 2060 uses Turing from 2019, three years after GTX 1070's Pascal in 2016. Turing includes advancements like tensor cores.

Which is cheaper to rent, the GTX 1070 or the RTX 2060?

Cloud rental prices for both the GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 vary by provider, configuration, and availability. This page shows live pricing from 25+ providers updated every 60 seconds. Scroll to the Live Cloud Pricing section to compare current rates.

How much VRAM does the GTX 1070 have compared to the RTX 2060?

The GTX 1070 has 8 GB of GDDR5 memory. The RTX 2060 has 6 to 12 GB of GDDR6 memory.

Can I find GTX 1070 and RTX 2060 GPUs available to rent right now?

Yes. This page shows real-time availability across 25+ cloud GPU providers. The Live Cloud Pricing section displays only in-stock offers with current pricing.

What is the main difference between the GTX 1070 and the RTX 2060?

The GTX 1070 uses the Pascal architecture (2016) while the RTX 2060 uses Turing (2019). The RTX 2060 delivers 1.0x the FP16 throughput and 1.3x the memory bandwidth of the GTX 1070.