I've heard that in some cases, older graphics cards, like those from the 10 series, can actually perform better than newer 20 series cards. Is there a specific point where the 10 series starts to fall behind the 20 series?
5 Answers
For a quick answer, just look up benchmark comparisons online. You'll find detailed data that shows how different models stand against each other in various performance metrics.
It's important to consider what you're looking for in a card. For instance, while a 3070 beats a 2070, the 2070 outshines a 3060. Each new generation tends to offer improvements in performance and features like frame generation or DLSS.
The performance really varies with each generation. A good bet is to check out reviews and benchmarks for the specific models you're interested in. The differences can be quite small depending on what you're comparing.
When comparing the GTX 10 series to the RTX 20 series, the newer cards generally offer better features like DLSS, which enhances performance in supported games. Unless you can snag an older card for free, I'd recommend going for the RTX 20 series today.
The 20 series didn't have a huge leap in raw performance over the 10 series. For instance, a 1070 was better than a 2070 in some respects, but overall gains were modest—usually around 5% or so. The real selling points of the 20 series were ray tracing and DLSS, which changed the game technologically.

Exactly! It's more about the features than raw power sometimes.