The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB has been a popular mid-range graphics card since its release in 2016. With the rapid advancements in technology, many gamers and tech enthusiasts are wondering if this graphics card is still future-proof. In this article, we will delve into the details of the GTX 1060 6GB and analyze its performance, power consumption, and compatibility with modern games and applications.
Performance Analysis
The GTX 1060 6GB is based on the Pascal architecture, which was a significant improvement over the previous Maxwell architecture. It features 1280 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, and a memory bandwidth of 192 GB/s. At the time of its release, the GTX 1060 6GB was capable of delivering smooth performance in 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
However, with the increasing demands of modern games and applications, the GTX 1060 6GB may struggle to keep up. Many modern games require more powerful graphics cards to run at high frame rates and resolutions. For example, games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and The Witcher 3 require at least a GTX 1660 or RTX 2060 to run at 1080p with high graphics settings.
Benchmarking Results
To give you a better idea of the GTX 1060 6GB’s performance, we have compiled some benchmarking results from various sources. These results are based on the graphics card’s performance in popular games and applications.
| Game/Application | Resolution | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 60-80 FPS |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | 1080p | 50-70 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | 80-100 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | 40-60 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | 30-50 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p | 20-40 FPS |
As you can see, the GTX 1060 6GB is still capable of delivering smooth performance in popular games like Fortnite and Overwatch. However, it may struggle to keep up with more demanding games like The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Power Consumption
The GTX 1060 6GB has a relatively low power consumption compared to other graphics cards in its class. It has a TDP of 120W, which is significantly lower than the GTX 1660’s TDP of 125W and the RTX 2060’s TDP of 160W.
However, the GTX 1060 6GB’s power consumption may still be a concern for those who are looking to build a power-efficient gaming PC. The graphics card requires a 6-pin power connector, which may not be available on all power supplies.
Power Consumption Comparison
To give you a better idea of the GTX 1060 6GB’s power consumption, we have compiled a comparison table with other popular graphics cards.
| Graphics Card | TDP | Power Connector |
| — | — | — |
| GTX 1060 6GB | 120W | 6-pin |
| GTX 1660 | 125W | 6-pin |
| RTX 2060 | 160W | 8-pin |
| RX 5600 XT | 120W | 6-pin |
| RX 6700 XT | 230W | 8-pin |
As you can see, the GTX 1060 6GB has a relatively low power consumption compared to other graphics cards in its class. However, it may still require a power supply with a 6-pin power connector.
Compatibility with Modern Games and Applications
The GTX 1060 6GB is compatible with most modern games and applications. However, it may not support some of the latest features and technologies like ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and variable rate shading.
DXR and Ray Tracing Support
The GTX 1060 6GB does not support DirectX Raytracing (DXR) or real-time ray tracing. This means that it may not be able to take advantage of some of the latest graphics technologies.
However, the GTX 1060 6GB does support some of the older graphics technologies like DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL. This means that it can still deliver smooth performance in games and applications that use these technologies.
Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Support
The GTX 1060 6GB does not support some of the latest artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies like NVIDIA’s Tensor Cores. This means that it may not be able to take advantage of some of the latest AI-enhanced features in games and applications.
However, the GTX 1060 6GB does support some of the older AI technologies like NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). This means that it can still deliver smooth performance in games and applications that use these technologies.
Conclusion
The GTX 1060 6GB is still a capable graphics card, but it may not be future-proof. Its performance may not keep up with the increasing demands of modern games and applications, and it may not support some of the latest features and technologies.
However, the GTX 1060 6GB is still a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly graphics card. It is widely available and can be found at a relatively low price.
If you are looking for a future-proof graphics card, you may want to consider some of the newer options like the RTX 3060 or the RX 6700 XT. These graphics cards offer better performance, lower power consumption, and support for the latest features and technologies.
Recommendation
Based on our analysis, we recommend the GTX 1060 6GB for:
- Budget-conscious gamers who are looking for a affordable graphics card
- Those who are looking for a graphics card for 1080p gaming
- Those who are looking for a graphics card for general computing and office work
However, we do not recommend the GTX 1060 6GB for:
- Gamers who are looking for a future-proof graphics card
- Those who are looking for a graphics card for 1440p or 4K gaming
- Those who are looking for a graphics card with support for the latest features and technologies
Is the GTX 1060 6GB still a good graphics card for gaming?
The GTX 1060 6GB is still a viable option for gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the games you play and the resolution you prefer. For 1080p gaming, the GTX 1060 6GB can still deliver smooth frame rates in many modern games, especially if you’re willing to adjust graphics settings. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, the card may struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially in demanding games.
That being said, the GTX 1060 6GB is still a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers who want to play games at 1080p or lower resolutions. Additionally, the card’s power consumption is relatively low, making it a good option for those who want to build a compact gaming PC or a gaming laptop. Overall, while the GTX 1060 6GB may not be the most powerful graphics card on the market, it’s still a good option for those who want to play games without breaking the bank.
How does the GTX 1060 6GB compare to newer graphics cards?
The GTX 1060 6GB is significantly outperformed by newer graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or the AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. These newer cards offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features like ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading. If you’re looking for a graphics card that can handle demanding games at high resolutions, a newer card may be a better option.
However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 1060 6GB is still a popular choice for those who want to upgrade from an older graphics card or build a budget gaming PC. Additionally, the card’s price has dropped significantly since its release, making it a more affordable option for those who want to play games without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1060 6GB and a newer graphics card depends on your specific needs and budget.
Can the GTX 1060 6GB handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 1060 6GB is not well-suited for 4K gaming, as it lacks the necessary processing power and memory to handle the demands of 4K resolutions. While the card can technically handle 4K resolutions, you’ll likely need to reduce graphics settings significantly to achieve smooth frame rates. Even then, the card may struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially in demanding games.
If you want to play games at 4K resolutions, you’ll likely need a more powerful graphics card, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. These cards offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, making them better suited for 4K gaming. However, if you’re willing to reduce graphics settings or play less demanding games, the GTX 1060 6GB may still be a viable option for 4K gaming.
Is the GTX 1060 6GB future-proof?
The GTX 1060 6GB is not future-proof, as it lacks the necessary features and processing power to handle the demands of future games. The card’s Pascal architecture is several generations old, and it lacks features like ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading, which are becoming increasingly common in modern games.
Additionally, the GTX 1060 6GB’s 6GB of GDDR5 memory may become a bottleneck in future games, which are increasingly demanding more memory and processing power. While the card may still be able to play games in the short term, it’s likely to become outdated in the next few years as games become more demanding. If you want a future-proof graphics card, you may want to consider a newer card with more advanced features and processing power.
Can the GTX 1060 6GB handle ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics?
The GTX 1060 6GB does not support ray tracing or AI-enhanced graphics, as these features require more advanced hardware and software capabilities. The card’s Pascal architecture is not designed to handle these features, and it lacks the necessary processing power and memory to support them.
If you want to play games with ray tracing or AI-enhanced graphics, you’ll need a more advanced graphics card, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. These cards offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features like ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading, making them better suited for games that use these technologies.
How long will the GTX 1060 6GB remain supported by NVIDIA?
NVIDIA typically supports its graphics cards for several years after their release, but the company has not announced a specific end-of-life date for the GTX 1060 6GB. However, it’s likely that the card will remain supported for at least a few more years, as NVIDIA continues to release driver updates and security patches for its older graphics cards.
That being said, the GTX 1060 6GB is no longer a priority for NVIDIA, and the company is focusing on its newer graphics cards and technologies. As a result, the card may not receive the same level of support or optimization as newer cards, and it may eventually become outdated as games become more demanding. If you’re concerned about support, you may want to consider a newer graphics card with more advanced features and processing power.
Is the GTX 1060 6GB a good option for esports gaming?
The GTX 1060 6GB is still a viable option for esports gaming, especially for games that don’t require extremely high frame rates or resolutions. The card’s 6GB of GDDR5 memory and 1280 CUDA cores provide enough processing power to handle most esports games at high frame rates, especially at 1080p or lower resolutions.
Additionally, the GTX 1060 6GB’s low power consumption and compact design make it a good option for gaming laptops or compact gaming PCs, which are popular among esports gamers. However, if you’re looking for a graphics card that can handle extremely high frame rates or resolutions, you may want to consider a more powerful card, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.