How to Choose a Gaming PC for Ray Tracing

What ray tracing needs from a gaming PC

Ray tracing simulates how light behaves in a scene, producing realistic shadows, reflections, and global illumination. This is computationally heavy, so the graphics card does most of the work. A GPU with dedicated ray tracing cores is designed to handle these calculations efficiently. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50 Series, for example, includes fourth-generation ray tracing cores, which are built for this task.

The CPU also matters, but less than the GPU. A modern processor with enough cores can keep up with the game logic and feeding the GPU data, but the ray tracing workload itself falls on the graphics card. For a prebuilt gaming PC, focus on the GPU first, then ensure the CPU is a current-generation model that won't bottleneck it. See how to choose a gaming PC for ray tracing for more.

GPU ray tracing cores and what they do

Ray tracing cores are specialized hardware on the GPU that accelerate the math for tracing light paths. Without them, the GPU would use general-purpose cores, which is far less efficient. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50 Series cards have fourth-generation ray tracing cores, while older RTX 40 Series cards have third-generation cores. The generation number indicates the architecture, with newer generations offering improved efficiency.

When comparing prebuilt PCs, check the GPU model and its ray tracing core generation. A card with dedicated ray tracing cores is essential for good ray tracing performance. The RTX 50 Series lineup includes models from the RTX 5060 to the RTX 5090, each with different numbers of ray tracing cores, so higher-tier cards handle more complex scenes. For a guide on picking a prebuilt, see best prebuilt gaming PC.

DLSS and ray tracing: a performance pairing

Ray tracing is demanding, so maintaining a high frame rate can be challenging. NVIDIA's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images, reducing the load on the GPU while keeping visuals sharp. The RTX 50 Series supports DLSS 5, which includes features like 3D-Guided Neural Rendering and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, designed to boost performance in ray-traced scenes.

When choosing a prebuilt, look for a GPU that supports DLSS, as it makes ray tracing more playable. The RTX 50 Series cards all support DLSS 5, including Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction, which help maintain image quality. This is especially useful at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, where ray tracing is more taxing. For more on DLSS, see what to check in a gaming PC for DLSS.

Matching the GPU to your resolution and refresh rate

The resolution you play at determines how much graphics memory and processing power you need. For 1080p gaming, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of GDDR7 memory can handle ray tracing, but for 1440p, consider an RTX 5070 with 12GB or an RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB. At 4K, an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 with 16GB or 32GB is better suited for ray tracing at high settings.

Your monitor's refresh rate also matters. If you have a 144Hz or 240Hz display, you'll want a GPU that can keep up with ray tracing enabled. DLSS helps here, but a higher-tier GPU will provide more headroom. For a prebuilt, check the GPU's memory and core count to ensure it matches your display's capabilities. See best 1440p gaming PCs and best 4K gaming PCs for options.

What to check in a prebuilt gaming PC

When selecting a prebuilt for ray tracing, verify the exact GPU model. A PC listed with an RTX 5070, for example, will have different ray tracing performance than one with an RTX 5060. Also, ensure the system has enough RAM and a capable CPU to support the GPU. Windows 11 is recommended for gaming, as it includes features like Auto HDR and optimizations for windowed games.

Check the power supply and cooling, but avoid opening the case. Instead, look at the specifications provided by the manufacturer. A prebuilt with a high-end GPU should have a power supply that meets the GPU's requirements, though the exact wattage is not always listed. Focus on the GPU and CPU, as they are the primary drivers of ray tracing performance. For a checklist, see what to check before buying a prebuilt gaming PC.

Ray tracing while streaming

Streaming while playing with ray tracing adds another layer of demand. The GPU must render the game and encode the video stream. NVIDIA's NVENC encoder is a dedicated section of the GPU that handles video encoding, freeing the CPU for other tasks. The RTX 50 Series includes a ninth-generation NVENC encoder with AV1 support, which improves stream quality and efficiency.

If you plan to stream, choose a prebuilt with an RTX 50 Series GPU. The NVENC encoder reduces the performance impact of streaming, allowing you to maintain higher frame rates with ray tracing enabled. This is especially useful for single-PC streaming setups, where the same system handles both gaming and broadcasting. See best gaming PCs for streaming for recommendations.

Future-proofing for ray tracing

Ray tracing technology is evolving, with more games adopting it and new features like path tracing. To future-proof your gaming PC, choose a GPU with the latest architecture and enough graphics memory. The RTX 50 Series, with its fourth-generation ray tracing cores and DLSS 5 support, is well-positioned for upcoming titles.

Consider the resolution you plan to play at in the future. If you might upgrade to a 4K monitor, a GPU with 16GB or more of memory is a safer choice. For 1440p, 12GB to 16GB is adequate. The goal is to avoid needing a new PC soon after purchase, so invest in a GPU that exceeds your current needs slightly. For more on future-proofing, see what to check in a gaming PC for future-proofing.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Do I need a special GPU for ray tracing?

Yes, ray tracing requires a GPU with dedicated ray tracing cores. NVIDIA GeForce RTX cards, such as the RTX 50 Series, have these cores. Older GTX cards do not support ray tracing.

What is DLSS and why is it important for ray tracing?

DLSS is NVIDIA's AI-powered upscaling technology that boosts performance by rendering at a lower resolution and upscaling. It helps maintain high frame rates when ray tracing is enabled, especially at higher resolutions.

How much graphics memory do I need for ray tracing?

The amount depends on your resolution. For 1080p, 8GB is a starting point, but 12GB or more is better for 1440p. For 4K, 16GB or more is recommended to handle ray tracing effects.

Can a prebuilt gaming PC handle ray tracing?

Yes, if it has a GPU with ray tracing cores, such as an RTX 50 Series card. Check the GPU model and ensure the rest of the system, like the CPU and RAM, supports it.

Is ray tracing worth it for competitive gaming?

Ray tracing can reduce frame rates, so competitive players may prefer to disable it for higher performance. However, with DLSS and a powerful GPU, you can enjoy ray tracing without sacrificing too much speed.