GeForce GTX 1060: strength test. Tests in popular games 2022

After announcing the GTX 1080 and GTX 1070, presented as high-end graphics cards with the world's most "Advanced Pascal architecture", nVidia, as usual, a little later introduced budget variants of the 1060, 1050 graphics cards, as well as its new flagship 1080 Ti.

Initially, the GTX 1080, according to Nvidia itself, is 2 times more powerful than the previous generation. The GTX 1060 itself was released in conjunction with AMD's release of the mid-range Radeon RX 480 graphics card.

The GTX 1060 is approximately equal in power to the GTX 970 and twice as powerful as the 960, it all depends on the game, tasks, factory overclocking of the memory and core of the video card and its drivers, as well as optimization of programs and games that work with it..

Despite the large number of modifications from various manufacturers (ASUS, MSI, ZOTAC, GIGABYTE and others), the main characteristics of the chip will not change; only the frequency characteristics, cooling, dimensions, quality of batteries and other highly used elements of the video card will be subject to changes. And practice shows that not all people overclock; it’s easier for some to buy an already overclocked video card and not worry about overclocking. And in general, it shows that overclocking gives a performance gain of 10% - 15% (at best, if you are lucky with the device). And we should not forget that overclocking has an advantage in high-class video cards, where performance is really a little lacking, for example, at high resolutions (4k, 2k).

Official technical specifications of the GeForce GTX 1060 video card:

As can be seen from the specification, the device is initially available in two versions: a 6 GB version and a 3 GB version, the number of cores differs, but the frequencies remain the same. The only difference in memory is its volume, everything else is the same.

It should be noted that, unlike the GTX 960, which does not support virtual reality, the line of “thousandth video cards” starting from the GTX 1060 can already be used in virtual reality.

For comparison: the closest competitor of the “1060th” is the AMD Radeon RX 480 video card:

Manufacturers

ASUS products

Presented in 11 models: 8 six-gigabyte and 3 three-gigabyte.

All versions of GTX 1060 6Gb from ASUS

3 gig versions:

1. Compact PH
2. Regular Dual
3. Overclocked Dual

3 Gb versions of GTX 1060 from ASUS

MSI Products

Presented by 22 models:

Gigabyte products

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 5G Windforce OC

At the end of 2022, rumors appeared online about a GTX 1060 with 5 GB of video memory from Gigabyte. The rumors were confirmed by the appearance of this card on the official Chinese website of Gigabyte. The video card is overclocked from the factory to 1556 MHz in standard mode and 1771 MHz in Boost mode. There is an alternative overclocking mode, in which the frequency increases to 1582 MHz, and in boost - up to 1797 MHz.

Gigabyte GTX 1060 5G Windforce OC

The video card is dual-slot, the dimensions of the GeForce 1060 5Gb are as follows:

• length: 223 mm.
• width: 121 mm.
• thickness: 39 mm.

Connection interfaces:

• DVI-D - 2 pcs.
• HDMI 2.0b — 1 pc.
• DisplayPort 1.4 - 1 pc.

Windforce cooling is represented by a copper composite radiator and two 90 mm fans rotating towards each other. The manufacturer claims that this provides less noise and 23% better airflow compared to convection.

Zotac products

There are five available models:

Palit Company

Palit, in turn, is represented by only 8 video card models:

Inno3d company

Briefly about competitors

The following video cards took part in comparative testing:

• NVidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB VRAM, MSI GTX 1050 Ti Gaming X 4G model.
• AMD Radeon RX 570 4 GB VRAM, MSI RX 570 Gaming X 4G model.
• AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB VRAM manufactured by PowerColor.
• NVidia GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB.
• NVidia GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB.

Video cards are in approximately the same price range, and with an amount of about 20,000 rubles, you can become the owner of a GTX 1060 with a full 6 GB video memory. The younger GTX 1050 Ti and Radeon RX 570, prices for which start at about 12,000 rubles. - direct competitors in terms of cost, but whether they are the same competitors in terms of performance - this remains to be seen.

Brief characteristics of video cards:

The following configuration was used as a test bench:

• Processor – Intel Core i9-9900K, overclocked to 5 GHz.
• Memory – 32 GB DDR4-3200.
• Driver for AMD - Adrenalin 2022 Edition 19.1.1.
• Driver for NVidia - Game Ready 417.35 WHQL.

Tests were carried out in FullHD (1920x1080) and Ultra HD (2560x1440) resolutions. There is no big point in testing at higher resolutions, since for these video cards this is already too much of a load.

Testing the GTX 1060 video card

Since the video card is of a middle class and does not pretend to have resolutions greater than FullHD (1920×1080), we will test all games in this resolution.

Let's take the latest games, which can really show the load on the video card. Let us remember that The Witcher 3 was released in 2015, but even nVidia’s flagship could very hardly show the cherished and beloved “Sixty frames per second”. Yes, the new generation is already running smoothly (with the possible exception of the 1050), unlike the Maxwell generation (900 series).

In general, tests show that compared to the GeForce GTX 960, the tenth series of the sixty is 30-50% more productive.

GeForce GTX 1060: strength test. Tests in popular games 2022

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB is the most popular video card in the world according to Steam and the most popular card in Russia according to Yandex.
Market. There are several reasons for this. Stable 60 fps in Full HD, affordable price combined with the advantages of GeForce video cards in general. Traditionally, green video cards are quieter and cooler. Drivers are released on the day the expected games are released, and additional GeForce Experience features come as a nice free bonus: from automatically detecting settings in games to streaming gameplay and automatically capturing the best moments in games. GeForce means not only consistently high fps, but also gaming with comfort. At the end of 2022, we decided to test how well the GeForce GTX 1060 maintains its position as the optimal video card for Full HD for the most popular games of the outgoing year. The video card was tested in 11 games, including both the best representatives of modern competitive online games and the latest gaming innovations.

The third oldest GPU in the Pascal family is designed as half of the GP104. At least that's true for the GPU front-end, which includes two of the four GPCs (designs in recent NVIDIA architectures that contain most of the compute and graphics pipeline) present in the GP104, leaving the GTX 1060 and a half on the number of CUDA cores and texture mapping units that the GTX 1080 has.

However, if the GM206 (GeForce GTX 960) was in almost all respects half of the GM104 (GeForce GTX 980), then the GP106 in terms of back-end composition returns to the positions of the GK106 from the Kepler line, since the new chip is equipped with 192-bit, not 128-bit bit memory bus. Indeed, in terms of theoretical performance of shader ALUs, the new product is not that much different from the GeForce GTX 980, hence the increased requirements for memory bandwidth (BMB). NVIDIA could solve this problem using GDDR5X memory, but the latter is still far from widespread use, so the GP106 relies on a relatively wide RAM bus for NVIDIA GPUs in this class, and the more efficient delta color compression implemented in Pascal is negated residual difference between memory bandwidth in GTX 1060 and GTX 980.

Since each 32-bit memory controller in the NVIDIA architecture is associated with 8 ROP blocks and a L2 cache segment, the GP106 is also 75% of the GP104 in these parameters: 48 ROP and 1,536 MB L2. Functionally, the GP106 is equivalent to the older gaming GPU of the Pascal family: the new architecture brings specific optimizations for the VR environment and the uncore section of the chip, which contains an updated set of image output interfaces and an H.265 video encoding/decoding unit.

The GPU in the GeForce GTX 1060 operates at a base frequency of 1506 MHz - similar to the GeForce GTX 1070 - with the difference that the GTX 1060 has a higher Boost Clock, it is located in the interval between the corresponding characteristics of the GTX 1070 and GTX 1080. The video card is equipped with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory SDRAM operating at 8 Gbit/s per pin. The GeForce GTX 1060 is designed for a 120 W thermal package - this is 30 W less than the TDP that the Radeon RX 480 (150 W) has. GEFOR

According to Steam hardware statistics, the GEFORCE GTX 1060 video card takes an honorable first place among all players on this platform. The total share of users who own this video card model is an impressive 14.6%, which indicates the impressive popularity of GEFORCE GTX 1060 among users of this gaming platform. Next, we will move directly to the test part and figure out what this video card can provide in modern popular projects. CE GTX 1060 6GSyyyysyss

All video cards were tested at maximum graphics quality using the Action! program. The purpose of the test is to determine how video cards from different manufacturers behave under the same conditions. The video card was tested at resolutions of 1920x1080 and 2560x1600 at maximum graphics quality settings, with some changes that will be described below. The opponent was the RX 580 video card, which is in the same price category.

1920×1080

2560×1440

World of Tanks

In this case, the World of Tanks enCore gaming benchmark was used, since, unlike the game, it is able to show the maximum capabilities of the video card. At a resolution of 1920x1080, with the maximum level of graphics quality, FPS exceeds a hundred, and at 2560x1440 the user will receive stable 60+ frames in the game.

WarThunder

For WarThunder, the Eastern Front gaming benchmark was used. All settings except SSAA were turned up to the absolute maximum. And as we can see, even in 2K the FPS resolution exceeds well over 100...

Fortnite

In Fortnite, all settings were turned up to the absolute maximum. Both in FullHD and 2560x1440 the user will receive the coveted 60 FPS.

PUBG

PUBG is, of course, a very difficult game, but despite this, in FullHD we have a stable 60 FPS, and in 2K it does not drop below 40 frames, and this is at maximum quality settings!

For Honor

For Honor is not an easy game for graphics cards, but the GEFORCE GTX 1060, even in 2K at maximum graphics settings, will show an average of 60 frames per second.

Overwatch

Overwatch is one of the most popular competitive games. And with maximum graphics quality settings, we have quite adequate frame rates for both 1920x1080 and 2560x1440.

Rainbow Six Siege

There is nothing to say about Rainbow Six Siege; at maximum settings, the FPS is simply excellent for the selected resolutions.

Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is still very popular among users. In this case, the maximum graphics quality was selected, with the exception of MSAA. The frame rate is at a quite satisfactory level.

AC Odyssey

AC Odyssey was set to maximum settings with anti-aliasing disabled and Volumetric Clouds quality switched to High . The frame rate in the old case is quite good, and even in 2K it is noticeably superior to the console one.

Far Cry 5

FarCry 5 used maximum graphics quality settings. The frame rate at 1920x1080 does not drop below 60 frames. At 2560x1440, the GEFORCE GTX 1060 copes just as well, considering the average positioning of the video card.

Final Fantasy XV

In Final Fantasy XV, almost all GameWorks technologies were turned off, except for Turf Effects. Otherwise, the graphics quality is maximum. The frame rate in this case is quite at the level - at 1920x1080 the average is 54, and at 2560x1440 it is 38 frames.

Based on the above comparison of the GTX 1060 6G and RX 580, it is clear that in most cases the advantage is on the side of NVIDIA, especially in FullHD, where this card is most in demand among buyers.

Well, based on this article, the GEFORCE GTX 1060 6G is one of the most popular solutions among gamers. In all competitive online games, this video card shows excellent results even at a resolution of 2560x1440, allowing its owners to get the most out of the game at an affordable price. And even in the most difficult gaming titles, the GEFORCE GTX 1060 shows an acceptable frame rate when using maximum graphics settings.

In addition to the fact that the GTX 1060's performance is sufficient for comfortable gaming at 60+ FPS in “Top 10” games at the most common 1080p resolution, the popularity of the GTX 1060 is also justified by the ease of upgrading to this card.

Simplicity means low requirements for the PC power supply; the stated power consumption of the card is 120 Watts according to NVIDIA, the recommended system power requirements are 400 Watts. Therefore, you can switch to the GTX 1060 even with a relatively weak power supply, simply by replacing the old card with a new one. Whereas when upgrading to an RX 580 with a power consumption of 185 W, owners of weak power supplies will have to think about switching to the recommended 500 W. PSU, you will also have to reconnect all power cables and replace the PSU. As they say, there is something to think about.

At the moment, the cryptocurrency boom is over and you can purchase a new GEFORCE GTX 1060 6 GB starting at an average of $300, which makes it one of the most profitable purchases for a gamer today.

Which processor will open 1060

Any 4-core processor with a frequency of 3.5 Mhz is quite sufficient for this video card, the more the better. In theory, a Core i3 may be enough, but it is still recommended to take, for example, a Core i5 6400 (Skylake), and in principle, the Haswell generation will be able to perform well.

If we talk about exceptions, then, for example, GTA V may not fully load the video card, since it largely uses the processor for physics. For this video card, the frequency is more important, so it is better to overclock the same 6400 on the bus.

Intel Pentium G5400

A good dual-core CPU that operates at a clock frequency of 3.7 GHz. This is the cheapest of the devices we are considering today; it is quite suitable for this particular video card. Although 4 cores are recommended for modern games, the four threads of this device will cope with the task.

Of course, this is not the best possible option, but it’s also quite good. This model is worth getting if you want enough performance, but don't expect to spend too much money on the purchase. Cheap and cheerful.

MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Gaming (GF_GTX_1060_GAMING_6G)

Ultra settings in 4K, complete immersion in an alternative world, including virtual reality - this is what one of the best models released under the MSI brand can offer. Effective cooling of the video adapter without unnecessary noise, video memory reserves and the ability to use professional software for working with video are the key qualities of the budget model, thanks to which it received a place in the top selection.

Main characteristics:

1. Suitable for multi-monitor configuration: the card “sees” 4 monitors connected at the same time.
2. There is a backlight: using a proprietary utility, the user can control each LED individually.
3. You can choose the optimal settings to adjust performance indicators through the program in one click.
4. Thanks to Dragon Eye, a gamer can easily watch online videos without interrupting the game - an indispensable thing for streaming.

Useful: TOP 5 best HDDs for 2 TB – Rating of internal hard drives for 2000 GB

MSI GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5 Armor

It is recommended to choose a budget video card for a modern system unit for gaming and professional purposes. Online broadcasts, working with video, excellent FPS indicators - all this makes it the best option for games and graphics. Under heavy loads, the card will not “boil” or hum. The absence of noise is a guarantee of a comfortable pastime, and moderate heating is a plus for stable operation and durability.

Why in the top of the best:

• NVIDIA VRWorks support provides the ability to experience what's happening. No need to spend a lot of time setting up. Virtual devices are immediately ready for use after connecting via HDMI.
• At minimum loads, the coolers stop: “smart” fans will not make unnecessary noise, nor will they waste energy in vain.
• overclocking enthusiasts are provided with a wonderful tool from the manufacturer - Afterburner.

See also: Review of the Lenovo ThinkPad series: 9 series of laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice

All the models presented here are good. Any of them can be recommended as the best video adapter, either for work or for games. They are silent, do not heat up, are compatible with VR gadgets, and have all received a lot of pleasant reviews. So which one to buy is a personal matter.

Ryzen 5 2600 from AMD

Perhaps you prefer AMD to Intel and want to choose a suitable CPU from this brand. The modification in question has 6 cores that operate in 12 threads. The clock speed of 3.4 GHz in Turbo Boost mode increases to 3.9 GHz. Such a device can seriously compete with the previous version.

Its characteristics are even better, but it will cost less. However, I want to note that in games the performance will be approximately the same. The cooler here is better than the stock fan from Intel, as it cools the CPU better, but is a little less noisy.

ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5 DUAL (DUAL-GTX1060-3G)

Another option from the manufacturer Asus in the rating. “Snowflake” will decorate any gamer’s assembly. Three gigs of memory, good (and silent) cooling - these are just a couple of reasons that encourage you to buy this card.

Comfortable gameplay and the use of VR, performance - all these qualities also did their job: the video card was often recommended as an inexpensive option, whose quality makes it a worthy choice.

Interesting: PC or console: 7 arguments in favor of each option

What to look for when choosing?

When choosing this video card, you need to pay attention to the following:

• Productivity . It depends on the modification. GTX models with 6 GB and a full-fledged 1060 processor, GTX with 3 GB, in which only 9 out of 10 data processing threads are active, are available on the market. The first types are considered a better option.
• Supported resolution in digital image format . It’s good if this indicator is at the maximum level 7680x4320.
• Power supply compatible . Usually min. the indicator is at the level of 400 W.
• Additional technologies . It’s good if the video card has 3D Vision, GPU Boost, Game Stream, Surround, VR Ready, CUDA, Ansel, Shadow Works, DSR. They increase the functionality of the device and increase comfort during use.