How to Enable RTX on Nvidia GPU: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Enabling RTX on an NVIDIA GPU unlocks the full potential of graphics performance, especially for gaming and creative applications. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX series GPUs are equipped with dedicated ray tracing and tensor cores that provide enhanced realism through advanced lighting techniques and AI-driven processes. The RTX feature set harnesses the power of these cores to deliver a significantly improved visual experience.

To activate RTX capabilities, it’s essential to ensure that our NVIDIA GPU drivers are up-to-date and that the corresponding settings are configured in the NVIDIA Control Panel. This can include adjusting 3D settings and specifying the preferred graphics processor as the high-performance NVIDIA option. Proper configuration plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of games and applications that support ray tracing and other RTX technologies.

We also need to verify that our system meets the requirements to run RTX-enabled software effectively. This involves checking for compatibility with our hardware configuration and the software or games we intend to use. By paying attention to these factors, we set the stage for experiencing the best performance and visual fidelity that our NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU can offer.

Understanding RTX Technology

In this section, we will demystify NVIDIA’s RTX platform, focusing on its components like real-time ray tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS, and brief comparisons across RTX series.

What is RTX?

RTX stands for Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme and is NVIDIA’s cutting-edge platform, designed to bring realistic lighting and shadows to games and professional graphic applications through real-time ray tracing. Technologies like AI and the proprietary DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) come together under the RTX umbrella to enhance performance and image quality.

The Role of Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores

Ray tracing mimics the physical behavior of light, creating realistic in-game visuals. RTX GPUs are equipped with dedicated ray tracing (RT) Cores which accelerate the ray tracing process, allowing for real-time rendering.

RTX Series Comparison

NVIDIA’s RTX series started with the 20-series and progressed with enhanced capabilities in the 30 series. Built on the Ampere architecture, the RTX 30-series GPUs provide significant improvements in performance and efficiency. Below is a simple table comparing key features:

By understanding RTX technology, we are better informed to tap into the high-fidelity experiences that current gaming and professional visualization demand.

Preparation and System Requirements

To leverage the full potential of an RTX Nvidia GPU, it’s critical we ensure our system meets the necessary requirements and is primed for the upgrade. Let’s navigate through the steps to prepare our system accordingly.

Checking Compatibility

Before we proceed with enabling RTX technology, we must confirm that our system is indeed compatible. Not all systems can support RTX GPUs; compatibility hinges on both hardware and software. For starters, let’s review the system requirements as stipulated by Nvidia:

Updating to the Latest Drivers

Once compatibility is out of the way, our next move is to ensure the drivers are up to snuff. Nvidia’s RTX GPUs require the latest driver updates to function optimally. We can use the Nvidia GeForce Experience software to automate the process of searching for and installing the latest drivers. Here’s a quick list of what to do:

Benchmarking Your System

Benchmarking is crucial to see where our system stands performance-wise, pre and post RTX installation. We conduct benchmarks to ensure that the GPU is functioning properly and to gauge the performance uplift we can expect from RTX features like ray tracing and DLSS. Various tools are available for benchmarking, but here’s how we can proceed with it:

1. Select a benchmarking tool (e.g., 3DMark, UserBenchmark, Heaven Benchmark).
2. Install and run the software.
3. Perform a baseline benchmark run before enabling RTX features.
4. Record the results for future comparison.

By following these steps, we can get set up correctly to embark on the journey of next-generation gaming and content creation with Nvidia RTX technology.

Enabling RTX Features on Nvidia GPU

We can enhance our visual and audio experience on Nvidia GPUs by utilizing the full potential of RTX features. From improving graphics settings to reducing background noise, each step ensures our system is optimized for performance and quality.

Navigating Nvidia Control Panel

Firstly, accessing the Nvidia Control Panel is essential. We right-click on the desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel from the menu. Within the panel, we find a variety of options to tweak our GPU settings.

Adjusting Graphics Settings for RTX

Next, we adjust the graphics settings specifically for RTX. Under the Manage 3D settings section on the left, we proceed to the Global Settings tab. Here, we ensure that RTX features like ray tracing are enabled.

Activating DLSS

For games that support it, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) can be a game-changer. This AI-driven technology increases frame rates without compromising image quality. If available, we activate it within the same Manage 3D settings area.

Utilizing RTX Voice for Noise Suppression

Lastly, we tackle audio improvements with RTX Voice. This involves selecting the RTX Voice as our input device to enable real-time noise suppression. Options for microphone settings are adjusted to minimize unwanted background noise effectively.

Optimizing Games and Creative Applications

In this section, we’ll explore how you can leverage NVIDIA’s RTX technology to enhance gaming experiences and streamline creative workflows within rendering and design applications. Our focus is on the practical application of RTX settings and the performance benefits these provide across various use cases.

Game-Specific RTX Settings

Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield V, Metro Exodus, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider have specific RTX settings available. These settings enhance lighting and shadows for a more immersive gaming experience. For best results, toggle ‘Ray Tracing’ within the game’s graphics settings and adjust the level of detail to match your system’s capabilities.

Enhancing Performance with RTX

To enhance performance while using RTX, NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software is your ally. With a click, it can optimize game settings to balance between aesthetics and frame rates. This tool simplifies the tweaking process, helping ensure games run smoothly with RTX features enabled.

RTX in Professional Rendering and Design

In the professional sphere, RTX technology accelerates 3D rendering applications, whether it’s through Autodesk products or game development engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. By selecting a GPU as the render device, you can significantly reduce render times and improve iteration speeds. Additionally, enabling RTX ray tracing features in these applications can result in more accurate lighting and reflections, allowing creators to produce higher-quality visuals.