Picture by Nvidia
Nvidia Shifts Focus from GTX to RTX Series
Recent reports suggest that Nvidia has officially stopped producing GTX graphics cards, with the last GTX 16-series cards being manufactured. This move comes seven years after the company transitioned from the successful GTX 10-series to the newly branded RTX series. How has this change impacted the PC gaming world? Has ray tracing technology met the expectations set by Nvidia? PCWorld’s Keith May delves into these questions in his latest video essay on our YouTube channel.
The Transformation to RTX Series And Its Influence
The transition to the RTX 20-series and subsequent models is notable for two key factors. Firstly, Nvidia’s commitment to integrating real-time ray tracing and advanced lighting into gaming standards. Secondly, the significant increase in prices of graphics cards, with the market still recuperating from the steep rise during the early release of RTX cards and the subsequent shortage caused by cryptocurrency mining.
According to Keith, a more understated technology has had a greater impact. Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), an enhanced version of software-driven upscaling, initially faced criticism. The first iteration of DLSS delivered subpar results with a blurry output, leading to a lack of support from gamers in trying to implement ray tracing without a drastic performance hit. However, subsequent versions like DLSS 2.0 and 3.0 have made significant improvements, making ray tracing accessible on a broader range of hardware.
Influence on Competitors And Continued Development
Rival companies such as AMD and Intel have been compelled to develop their own versions of high-powered upscaling, with technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and XeSS. Yet, they currently lag behind Nvidia in most aspects. The lack of immediate DLSS support for Bethesda’s “Starfield” sparked backlash, solidifying Keith’s argument that advanced upscaling has been the true game-changer in the industry.
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Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer
Michael is an experienced graphic designer with a passion for building and optimizing desktop computers. His interests range from folk music to football, along with science fiction and salsa verde.
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