The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 was once a powerhouse of a graphics card, released in 2016 as part of the Pascal generation. It was a mid-range GPU that offered impressive performance for its time, making it a popular choice among gamers and content creators. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the release of newer, more powerful graphics cards, the question on everyone’s mind is: is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 still relevant, or is it outdated?
Understanding the GTX 1060’s Specifications
Before we dive into whether the GTX 1060 is still worth it, let’s take a look at its specifications. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is based on the GP106 GPU, which is a Pascal-based architecture. It features 1280 CUDA cores, 80 texture units, and 48 ROPs (render outputs). The GPU has a base clock speed of 1506 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz. It also comes with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, which has a bandwidth of 192 GB/s.
In terms of power consumption, the GTX 1060 has a TDP (thermal design power) of 120W, making it a relatively power-efficient GPU. It also supports Direct X 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL 4.5, making it compatible with a wide range of games and applications.
Performance in Modern Games
So, how does the GTX 1060 perform in modern games? The answer is: it’s complicated. While the GTX 1060 was once capable of handling 1080p (1920×1080) resolutions with ease, it struggles to keep up with modern games at higher resolutions.
For example, in Fortnite, a popular battle royale game, the GTX 1060 can manage around 60 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings. However, at 1440p (2560×1440) resolution, the FPS drops to around 30-40, making it difficult to play smoothly.
In more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the GTX 1060 struggles to reach 30 FPS at 1080p resolution with high graphics settings. At 1440p resolution, the FPS drops to around 20-25, making it virtually unplayable.
However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 1060 still performs well in less demanding games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch. In these games, the GTX 1060 can easily handle 1080p resolution with high graphics settings and frame rates above 60 FPS.
Ray Tracing and Artificial Intelligence
One area where the GTX 1060 falls short is in ray tracing and artificial intelligence (AI) acceleration. The GTX 1060 does not support real-time ray tracing, a feature that’s become increasingly popular in modern games. It also lacks dedicated hardware for AI acceleration, which is becoming more prominent in games that use AI-powered features like deep learning super sampling (DLSS).
Comparing the GTX 1060 to Newer Graphics Cards
So, how does the GTX 1060 compare to newer graphics cards? Let’s take a look at some of the more recent mid-range GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD.
| GPU | CUDA Cores/Stream Processors | Memory | Memory Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | 1280 CUDA Cores | 6 GB GDDR5 | 192 GB/s |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 | 1408 CUDA Cores | 6 GB GDDR6 | 336 GB/s |
| AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT | 2304 Stream Processors | 6 GB GDDR6 | 320 GB/s |
As you can see, the GTX 1060 is significantly outperformed by newer mid-range GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 and the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT. The GTX 1660, for example, has a higher number of CUDA cores, faster memory, and a higher memory bandwidth. The RX 5600 XT, on the other hand, has a higher number of stream processors and faster memory.
Price and Value
In terms of price, the GTX 1060 is still relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $200 to $300 depending on the region and retailer. However, considering its performance, it’s difficult to recommend the GTX 1060 over newer GPUs that offer better performance at similar price points.
Should You Still Buy a GTX 1060?
So, is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 still worth it? The answer is: it depends. If you’re a casual gamer who plays less demanding games like League of Legends, Dota 2, or Overwatch, the GTX 1060 might still be a good option. It’s also a good choice for content creators who need a GPU for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or graphic design.
However, if you’re a serious gamer who wants to play modern games at high resolutions and frame rates, the GTX 1060 is not the best option. In this case, it’s better to consider newer GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, or even the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060.
Upgrade Options
If you already own a GTX 1060, it’s worth considering upgrading to a newer GPU. However, before you do, make sure you check the following:
- Your system’s power supply can handle the power requirements of the new GPU.
- Your motherboard is compatible with the new GPU.
- You have enough space in your case for the new GPU.
It’s also important to note that upgrading your GPU might not be the only upgrade you need to make. You might also need to upgrade your system’s CPU, RAM, or storage to take full advantage of the new GPU’s performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 was once a powerful graphics card, it’s now showing its age. Its performance in modern games is lacking, and it lacks features like real-time ray tracing and AI acceleration. While it’s still a good option for casual gamers and content creators, serious gamers should consider newer GPUs that offer better performance and features.
If you’re in the market for a new GPU, it’s worth considering the following:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660: A mid-range GPU that offers better performance than the GTX 1060.
- AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT: A mid-range GPU that offers competitive performance to the GTX 1660.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060: A higher-end GPU that offers real-time ray tracing, AI acceleration, and better performance than the GTX 1060.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a GTX 1060 or upgrade to a newer GPU depends on your specific needs and budget.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 still a good graphics card for gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 was once a top-of-the-line graphics card, but it’s now an older model. While it’s still capable of handling modern games at lower to medium settings, it may not be the best choice for 4K gaming or high-refresh-rate displays. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for casual gaming or esports titles, the GTX 1060 can still provide a smooth gaming experience.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1060 is roughly equivalent to the newer GTX 1660 Super, but at a lower price point. This makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, the GTX 1060 is still widely supported by most modern games, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 compare to newer graphics cards?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is an older graphics card, and newer models have surpassed it in terms of performance. The GTX 1660 Super, for example, offers around 20-30% better performance than the GTX 1060, while the RTX 3060 is around 50-60% faster. However, the GTX 1060 is still a viable option for those on a tight budget or who don’t need the latest and greatest in graphics technology.
If you’re looking for a more modern graphics card with newer features like ray tracing, DLSS, and AI-enhanced graphics, then the GTX 1060 may not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for 1080p or 1440p gaming, the GTX 1060 is still a solid choice.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 compatible with modern games?
Yes, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is still compatible with most modern games. While it may not be able to handle the highest graphics settings at 4K resolutions, it can still provide a smooth gaming experience at lower to medium settings. Many modern games still support the GTX 1060, and it’s widely regarded as a minimum or recommended specification for many popular titles.
However, some newer games that are highly demanding may not run smoothly on the GTX 1060, especially at higher resolutions. Additionally, some games may not support the GTX 1060’s older architecture, so you may need to check the system requirements before purchasing.
Can I upgrade to a newer graphics card in the future?
Yes, if you decide to upgrade to a newer graphics card in the future, you can easily swap out the GTX 1060 for a newer model. The GTX 1060 uses a standard PCIe interface, which is widely supported by most modern motherboards. This makes it easy to upgrade to a newer graphics card when you’re ready.
Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your power supply and motherboard to support newer graphics cards, especially if you’re moving to a more power-hungry model. Additionally, you may need to reinstall your graphics drivers and adjust your game settings to take advantage of the new hardware.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 still available for purchase?
Yes, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is still available for purchase from many online retailers, although availability may vary depending on your region and country. You can find new or used GTX 1060 models from third-party sellers on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, or from specialty graphics card retailers.
Keep in mind that prices for the GTX 1060 may vary widely depending on the seller, condition, and warranty. Be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Should I buy a used or refurbished NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060?
Buying a used or refurbished NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 can be a cost-effective way to get your hands on this graphics card. However, be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable sellers who offer a warranty or return policy. Used or refurbished graphics cards can be risky, as they may have been previously overclocked or damaged, which can affect their performance and lifespan.
If you do decide to go for a used or refurbished GTX 1060, make sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews, and look for any certifications or warranties. Additionally, be prepared to possibly void the warranty if you try to overclock the card or use it with unsupported hardware.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 still supported by NVIDIA?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is an older graphics card, and as such, it’s no longer considered a “current” product by NVIDIA. This means that it may not receive the same level of support or updates as newer graphics cards. However, NVIDIA still provides basic support for the GTX 1060, including driver updates and bug fixes.
While NVIDIA may not provide the same level of support for the GTX 1060, the graphics card is still widely supported by the gaming community and many online forums. You can often find answers to common issues and troubleshooting tips from other users who have experience with the GTX 1060.