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QOTW: Does your next GPU need to support ray tracing?

by Parm Mann on 19 July 2019, 16:31

Tags: AMD (NYSE:AMD), NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaebyf

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We've seen enough tech demos to know that real-time ray tracing, when done right, can add some genuine wow factor to 3D-rendered visuals. Shadows, reflections and lighting can be brought to life like never before, and such changes ultimately enhance the overall feeling of immersion.

That's the theory, but in practice real-time ray tracing is still in its infancy. Game support is currently limited, though the list of compatible titles is slowly growing, and those who have dabbled with the tech have come to realise that, despite the superior visuals, the performance penalty can be significant.

In the current graphics landscape, it is interesting to note that Nvidia has embraced hardware-based ray tracing in its recent round of GeForce graphics cards, while AMD has opted against such tech in the latest Radeon GPUs. Indeed, the likes of GeForce RTX 2060 Super and Radeon RX 5700 XT are so closely matched in terms of performance, that support for up-and-coming graphics enhancements could be viewed as key to the buying decision.

It's always fascinating to hear real-world opinions, and we're intrigued to know how you feel about ray tracing as things stand. Do you have high hopes for the tech, is it something you've had a chance to try, or do you view it as a gimmick that's unlikely to really catch on? Either way, we want to know your thoughts so let us ask; does your next GPU need to support ray tracing?



HEXUS Forums :: 68 Comments

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You ask such things on a forum like this?

Yes, of course my GPU must support RTX, along with 64k resolution and 8,000fps at a million Hz on a 50" display, with all the (optional) RGB decorations you could want… silly question.

But… The important part is that RTX, and whatever hyper-bole I just typed, is implemented properly.
At the moment, everything in RTX games is shiny as heck, to show it off and prove it's RTXed. It's like 3D where everything is in Comin' At Ya full on, in-your-face 3D, presumably so you feel you're getting your money's worth.

Once it's grown up, moved out, gotten a girlfriend and maybe settled down to being a quiet background effect, then it will be of real interest… and possibly even affordable.
Ttaskmaster
You ask such things on a forum like this?

Yes, of course my GPU must support RTX, along with 64k resolution and 8,000fps at a million Hz on a 50" display, with all the (optional) RGB decorations you could want… silly question.

But… The important part is that RTX, and whatever hyper-bole I just typed, is implemented properly.
At the moment, everything in RTX games is shiny as heck, to show it off and prove it's RTXed. It's like 3D where everything is in Comin' At Ya full on, in-your-face 3D, presumably so you feel you're getting your money's worth.

Once it's grown up, moved out, gotten a girlfriend and maybe settled down to being a quiet background effect, then it will be of real interest… and possibly even affordable.

It's not lived till it gets it's girlfriend pregnant, has to decide if marriage is the right option and then be skint….
No. I'm not interested in ray tracing but if I get a GPU that supports it, I'm okay with it. I'd rather have raw performance to drive my high refresh rate monitor.
Not from Nvidia at those prices
No. The majority of people wanted to be able to push higher framerates for VR and 4K gaming and Nvidia delivered reflections and a slight performance gain for twice the price of the previous gen cards.