List of Ray Tracing Supported GPUs from Nvidia and Upcoming AMD GPU

Are you excited about the new Ray Tracing Supported GPUs from Nvidia? The concept of ray tracing has been there for quite long enough. But, the recent announcement of new-age graphic cards by Nvidia that employ ray tracing technology has been one reason why we hear more about it. With the current range of video games offering high-quality performance regarding texture, resolution, light effects, and visual effects, it has been utterly essential to go with advancements in video technology. What exactly is Ray tracing, and how is it expected to change how we worked with our videos rendering is what we would attempt to understand.

What is Ray Tracing Technology?

Simply put, ray tracing is a rendering technology. It excels with the true-to-life imagery with the realistic rendering of shadows and lights. It will offer you completely realistic objects. It accurately simulates how the light interacts with the objects and simulates everything as if it is happening in the real world, including reflection, refraction, and light absorption.

Using it in real-life situations for your games may not be practical. A game running within the compact device may not indeed be capable of handling this kind of high-level rendering. That was the case so far. Now, Microsoft, Nvidia, and AMD have made announcements that indicate the possibility of getting the real-time ray tracing functionality into games. This should be great news for the gamers out there. The implementation of immersive gaming and exciting graphics effects would make it a great option to make the games more lively and enticing. Once implemented, you can expect a lot of reflections in the gameplay throughout the maps.

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that can be capable of producing realistic light effects. The ray-tracing technology makes use of an algorithm that would trace the light path and then use it to simulate the exact way that the light would interact with real-world objects. Ray tracing technology is more about how light interacts with the surroundings rather than about the light itself.

It is more like the real-life interaction of light, emphasizing lifelike shadows, reflections, refractions, and absorption of light. It follows how the human eye processes the light. Ray Tracing makes use of the enormous computational power and the technologies available at the standards of technology. The images produced would be completely equivalent to what you would be witnessing in real life.

How does it Differ on Video Games and other Media?

The Raytracing technology has been widely used in the development of computer imagery for movies and TV shows. That would be entirely possible for the studios as they can have the power of server farms or cloud computing to implement the ray-tracing technology. Replicating the same technique on a gaming device may not be as easy as it may appear to be.

Video games will thus make use of a process called rasterization. Rasterization is a process that makes it a speedier method for rendering your computer graphics. The rasterization process converts the 3D images into 2D so that they can be displayed on your screen. The process then uses the shaders to transform any 2D images to depict lifelike images with the proper shadows and lights.

What are the Developments Currently on in Ray Tracing?

One of the big players in the realm of Ray tracing is Microsoft. It has already announced DXR or DirectX Raytracing as part of the DirectX 12. You will be able to compute and create rays, and thus developers can take it forward to experiment with what they can provide with their video games. Microsoft has been working with several players in the genre of video games. Electronic Arts and Unreal Engine are a couple of developers working with Microsoft.

Given that ray tracing depends on a massive amount of GPU power, you can expect the graphics card manufacturers are jumping into the Ray Tracing bandwagon. Nvidia is leading the pack of GPU developers and has already developed the technology based on the Ray Tracing specifications. Dubbed as RTX, the technology is being used in its new range of workstations and consumer-oriented graphics cards. They have also been working with Microsoft with the help of their DXR technology.

Then, there is AMD. They have not yet made any announcement as yet like Microsoft or Nvidia but have nonetheless made their intentions of implementing ray tracing clear. They will be applying the ray tracing technology through their ProRender rendering engine and Radeon GPU Profiler 1.2. However, they do not appear to be focussing on the games as such.

Ray Tracing Supported GPUs List:

Well, as things stand as of now, only Nvidia has announced new graphics cards that would work with Ray tracing technology. They have recently announced the launch of RTX 5000, RTX 6000, and RTX 8000 GPUs for their professional lineup. These will be RT cores – meant explicitly for Ray Tracing – along with the CUDA cores used for computing and Tensor cores which are used AI rendering.

Nvidia claims that the Ray Tracing support will improve the rendering by 25 percent. The Nvidia RTX 5000, RTX 6000, and RTX 8000 Graphics cards will be made available by the end of the year. These processors form part of the workstation-class and have been announced in August 2018. We would expect the launch of consumer-level graphic cards with ray tracing technology quite soon.

List of consumer-focused GPUs supporting Ray Tracing:

1. Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 Ti (4352 Cuda Cores, 78T RTX OP/s, up to 11 GB GDDR6 @ 250 Watts )
2. Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 (2944 Cuda Cores, 60T RTX OP/s, up to 8 GB GDDR6 @ 215 Watts )
3. Nvidia Geforce RTX 2070 (2304 Cuda Cores, 45T RTX OP/s, up to 8 GB GDDR6 @ 175 Watts )

MSI	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super	Check on Amazon
ASUS	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti	Check on Amazon
ZOTAC	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super	Check on Amazon
EVGA	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super	Check on Amazon

MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super

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Packed with more cores and higher clock speed, the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 is an excellent option for perfect hardcore gaming. The stylish design will also be one of the features that would enhance your experience further. The sturdy backplate is one of the most decisive factors that improve protection and durability. The easy overclocking capability is one of the best features you would find rather impressive.

The fresh new fan design is one of the prime features we observed. The premium neutral fan color fits any build relatively easily. The direct contact heat pipes can be one of the thoughtful options. The graphics card can handle all the ray tracing while maintaining the frame rate consistently. It can also be a good option for operating an efficient 4K resolution as well.

ASUS NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti

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If you are looking for the best possible experience regarding an elite ray tracing performance, the ASUS NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti lives up to the expectation. A monster graphics card, it can handle ray tracing relatively easily and amazingly. It can be one of the right choices for elite graphics card efficacy.

The cutting-edge colling solution offered by the graphics card is one of the thoughtful options. The overclocking through super binning can further provide you access to a greater degree of performance enhancement. The white shroud, backplate, frame, and fans are a few of the prime features that we found quite effective and exciting in every respect. The limited-edition graphics card should be something you would want to rely upon.

ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super

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If you are a gamer looking ahead to an enhanced performance standard, the ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super is something you would find quite rewarding and efficient. It can provide you access to an improved and enhanced raytracing for gaming at 1440p. It can even provide you with a decent degree of performance in 4K gaming.

The graphic card provides you access to three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI 2.0 output. It is not only for the gamers but gives you access to a considerable degree of efficacy for the intensive programs and applications. The IceStorm 2.0 cooling is yet another powerful option we found rather impressive and practical. The Spectra lighting system can be one of the prime options for focussing on the best standards in terms of how your graphics card looks.

EVGA NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super

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The EVGA NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super can be your best option for the enhanced performance for mid-range applications. Of course, it is a little less powerful when you compare it to the 2070 Super, but the affordable pricing makes it one of the thoughtful options you would find rather impressive.

A solid build and outstanding options for building a gaming laptop can double up as one of the prime options you would want to go with. The preinstalled all-metal backplate can help you achieve better standards in getting access to an enhanced performance standard. The graphic card also comes with dual HDB fans that provide higher performance. This will ensure better cooling and quieter performance.

Ray Tracing is one of the unique concepts in the graphics card arena’s realm and has been the huge selling point for Nvidia and its wide range of graphics cards supporting the new technology. However, AMD seems to be planning to take on its beta noire, focusing on ray tracing technology. Of course, there is an official announcement about the new range of AMD GPUs with the ray tracing technology, but AMD has been thinking differently, along with the lines of Nvidia, which is evident from a few ideas shared by the team.

AMD and Ray tracing – An Overview

AMD has understood the importance of ray tracing and its effects on what will power the graphics cards in the days to come. That should ideally explain its attempt to enhance Radeon Rays’ support, which is a GPU accelerated ray tracing development software.

The Nvidia lineup of graphics cards has been getting serious competition if the news reports from AMD hold. AMD is planning to use the 7nm GPU architecture for taking head-on the Nvidia GeForce cards and planning to bring ray tracing with it.

AMD Ray Tracking Options: RDNA2 RX 6000 Video Card Series:

Sr. No.	Image	Product Name	Manufacturer	Buy Now
1		ASUS TUF AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT	Asus	Check on Amazon
2		ASUS TUF AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT	Asus	Check on Amazon
3		MSI Radeon RX 6800	MSI Computer	Check on Amazon
4		PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT	PowerColor	Check on Amazon

4. PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT:

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The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT video card provides powerhouse performance for 1440p gaming. It supports ultra-high frame rates suitable for high-end gaming performance. You will benefit from the advanced levels of gaming performance by implementing the AMD Smart Access Memory technology. This is made possible when you pair this video card with any of the AMD Ryzen 5000 Series desktop processors. With the Devil Zone RGB software, you are independent to pick up your desired RGB effect.

For preventing PCB bending, it is necessary to reinforce the card. Therefore, this video card is equipped with a reinforced metal backplate. Furthermore, the hollow region enables efficient heat dissipation for improved airflow.

While plugging in the output, there is no need for a flashlight. This is because the LED illuminated ports provide you the desired result. The GPU is in direct contact with the nickel-plated copper base. Consequently, it improves heat transfer and heat dissipation from the VRAM. Therefore, the card attains optimum cooling. Due to the advanced cooling fan design, there is a boost in airflow—the same results in excellent thermal performance. The heat dissipation is improved even more with the array of aluminum fins arranged vertically.

Features:

• The video memory is 12GB GDDR6.
• The memory clock speed is 16 Gbps.
• There are 40 compute units dedicated to offering high performance.
• Just with the turn of a switch, you can select OC mode. It enables you to deal with high-end games by enhancing performance and power.
• The silent mode offers a quiet gaming experience.
• The game clock speed is 2514 MHz (OC mode) / 2433MHz (Silent mode).
• The boost clock speed is 2633 MHz (OC mode)/ 2615MHz (Silent mode).
• The entire performance is reliable with the supercapacitors and digital controller.
• A 10+2 phase VRM provides improved stability and overclocking.

3. MSI Radeon RX 6800:

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Enhance your gaming experience and performance with the Radeon RRX 6800 video card. It is equipped with cutting-edge AMD RDNA 2 architecture. Therefore, you can play games in 4K with an ultra-smooth frame rate. Enjoy high refresh rate gaming without compromising on resolution. The exclusive Dragon Center software from MSI enables you to supervise, tweak and finally optimize the MSI products in real-time. Use the include RGB mystic light to gain complete control of the RGB lighting. As a result, you can control this lighting for the MSI devices and the compatible RGB products.

For efficient heat dissipation, there is the implementation of TRI FROZR 2 thermal design. The fan blades of the TORX Fan 4.0 operate in pairs to provide outstanding air pressure in specific directions. Moreover, the heat pipes are precisely designed to guarantee maximum contact to the GPU unit. They dissipate heat across the entire heatsink. Airflow Control directs the air precisely where it is needed.

Features:

• The maximum Boost Clock speed is 2285 MHz
• The maximum memory speed is 16 Gbps.
• The built-in video memory is 16 GB GDDR6.
• There are 4608 cores and a 256-bit memory bus.
• Digital max resolution is 7680 x 4320 pixels.
• AMD Smart Access Memory
  provides flawless communication between the Radeon graphics cards and Ryzen processors.
• The graphics card interface is PCI Express 4.0.
• Power consumption is 300W, and recommended PSU is 750W.
• There is the inclusion of two 8-pin power connectors.
• Connectivity ports include two DisplayPort (v1.4), an HDMI (supports 4K @ 120 Hz), and a USB Type-C port.

2. ASUS TUF AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT:

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Powered with the AMD RDNA 2 architecture, the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT video card offers a 4K resolution gaming experience. It features 16GB of GDDR6 memory and 128 MB of AMD Infinity Cache. Also, there are 72 compute units. All these aspects let this video card provide ultra-high frame rates. The combination of this AMD Radeon RX graphics card and the AMD Ryzen processors offers efficient gaming performance.

There are multiple fan blades and advanced rotation schemes in the axial-tech fan design. This, along with the efficient dual-ball fan bearings, leads to enhanced airflow. For effective thermal transfer, there is a MaxContact heat spreader. This spreader showcases a flat surface for the dissipation of heat. The durability of this video card is excellent due to the sturdy frame and aluminum shroud.

The vented backplate facilitates warm air to discharge towards the chassis exhaust fans. It is discharged there instead of getting recycled back inside the GPU cooler. There is a GPU bracket to ensure stability at the connection points between the heat spreader and die.

Features:

• The maximum memory speed is 40000 MHz
• The built-in graphics RAM is 16 GB GDDR6.
• The graphics card interface is PCI-Express x16.
• When this card is paired with an AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series desktop processor, the AMD Smart Access Memory offers efficient gaming performance.
• This video card has passed 144 hours of the validation program. This program includes a series of rigorous tests to guarantee compatibility with cutting-edge games.
• To dissipate heat over the die and inside the heatsink array, there is the implementation of MaxContact technology.
• The mentioned technology polishes the heat spreader’s surface. Therefore, the contact with the die is increased for efficient heat transfer.
• There is the inclusion of an I/O port bracket (made of stainless steel) and dual BIOS.

1. ASUS TUF AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT:

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Packing in a powerhouse performance, the Radeon RX 6900 XT provides serious 4K visuals. It lets the game be played at ultra-high frame rates. Obtain magnificent gaming experiences through advanced compute units, advanced AMD Infinity Cache, and ample graphics memory.

GPU Tweak II offers performance adjustment, system monitoring, and thermal controls.
Due to the inclusion of a vented backplate, the hot air will not recirculate across the cooling array. Durability is excellent because of the aluminum frame and metal backplate.

The Axial-tech fan design leads to more number blades on all the 3 fans. This fan design is improved with multiple fan blades and the latest rotation scheme. Moreover, on the side fans, the barrier rings are organized downwards to provide improved airflow across the cooling array. Overall heat dissipation is further enhanced with the MaxContact heat spreader. Compared to sleeve-bearing designs, the dual ball fan bearings last almost double.

Features:

• The built-in graphics RAM is 16 GB GDDR6.
• There is support for DirectX 12 Ultimate.
• DirectX Raytracing (DXR), AMD FidelityFX, and variable rate shading (VRS) are key features. They provide realistic shadows, lighting, and reflections.
• The heat spreader takes in heat inside the heat pipes. Now the heat is conveyed through a fin stack which occupies a 2.9-slot footprint of the card.
• AMD Smart Access Memory technology combines with an AMD Ryzen 5000 Series desktop processor to offer advanced gaming performance.
• Passed with the 144 hours of validation program, this video card is compatible with the latest game titles.

What’s the View of AMD on Ray Tracing?

AMD has always maintained that Ray tracing technology is not a big deal. When the technology was launched with the GeForce RTX series by Nvidia, AMD claimed that the ecosystem is not yet ready for it, and it may be too early to launch the technology.

The fact remains that there are a limited number of titles available that support ray tracing. Even Nvidia had to wait until Microsoft launched the October 2018 update to Windows 10 before extending the support for DirectX. As AMD CEO Lisa Su aptly puts it, “ …we’re working very closely with the ecosystem on both hardware and software solutions and expect that ray tracing will be an important element especially as it gets more into the mainstream, frankly, of the market.”.

Radeon Rays 2.0  – A step towards Ray Tracing

The recent announcement for the widened support for Radeon Rays should ideally indicate a positive development in AMD towards achieving the ray tracing compatibility on its newer range of GPUs. Radeon Rays are specifically targeted for content developers looking to make use of the high-performance ray-tracing capabilities with the AMD range of GPUs, CPUs, and APUs.

Unlike the ray tracing mechanism that relies on the DirectX ray tracing API from Microsoft, Radeon Rays are designed to work as an open-source functionality. That would ideally make it one of the best options to work with even the non-AMD hardware.

AMD will provide the dev-kit and thus has more robust capabilities of its implementation. However, there are also plans to introduce real-time GPU acceleration with ray tracing with its ProRender release, which has been included and built into the Vulkan 1.1 API.

The Radeon Rays 2.0 is designed to bring the following enhancements to the AMD (or non-AMD) hardware –

• It brings in the performance improvements on FATBVH for fast BVH
• Enhanced support for geometry and ray masks.
• Support for ray-filtering

What does the future hold for AMD ray tracing?

AMD believes that Ray tracing is a computing problem. From that perspective, Radeon Rays technology capably handles the task. It helps you accelerate the BVH ray tracing functionality.

Of course, it does not reach the level of the performance offered by the hardware dedicated ray tracing. However, the plans set ahead by AMD indicate doubling the compute power and bringing in more efficiency to the ray-tracing capabilities on the AMD GPUs.

There are no announcements about the new range of GPUs with support for Ray tracing as of now, but the options are bright. With the multi GPU technique and the new Navi architecture being launched later in 2019, we can expect graphics cards with advanced ray-tracing capabilities.

We consider the technique from AMD quite practical. Now that only Nvidia has been showcased the ray tracing technology and does not own it. The functionality runs on the third-party API, in this case, Microsoft’s DXR. If AMD can keep its ProRender engine developed enough for the professionals out there, they can develop a capable performance with its graphic cards with ray tracing technology for the next generations of the ray tracing technology.

Radeon ProRender – An Sneak peek

That brings us to the development of the AMD Radeon ProRender engine. The powerful engine is built on the Radeon Rays technology and focuses on the creation of photorealistic images.

The engine is equipped with complete and scalable ray-tracing technology and offers it open source. The technology is aimed at harnessing the power of your GPU and CPU for swift and impressive results. We would expect to be the driving force in making the AMD GPUs and CPUs and making it one of the excellent choices when AMD is ready to launch its ray-tracing GPUs in the future.

AMD is not sharing any information directly with us. Still, we are sure it understands the importance that ray tracing technology carries in high-end gaming and would like to believe that they are into the back-end development and come up with their game plan by the time ray tracing enters its second generation of product development.

To Summarize

Well, if you are looking for a new range of AMD GPUs with ray-tracing compatibility, you may need to wait till AMD decides to provide us with the best options concerning the ray-tracing GPUs. As things stand as of now, there are no GPUs with explicit support for Ray tracing technology.

However, the back-end development of the ProRender engine and the focus on Radeon Rays 2.0 as an open-source option can herald the arrival of the new range of GPUs with the ray-tracing capability built into the hardware soon. Till that time, you may need to be dependent upon the developers who will offer compatibility on their titles, thanks to the efficiency provided by Radeon Rays technology which is one of the prominent open-source ray-tracing engines from AMD.

Let us wait for further development and update you here as soon as the new ray-tracing GPUs are made available from AMD.

The Concluding Thoughts

That was what we have concerning the Ray Tracing technology for now. From the discussion we had so far, it should be evident that technology will erase the fine line between the virtual world and the real one from the gaming point of view.

The technology is still developing. However, with the support of big players like Microsoft, AAMD, and Nvidia, we would foresee a good deal of development of the technology in the days ahead.