Introduction
The world of graphics cards is constantly evolving, with new models being released regularly. Two of the most popular cards on the market today are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 and the GTX 1060. Both cards offer excellent performance, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will compare the two cards in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Specs Comparison
The following table compares the key specs of the GTX 980 and GTX 1060:
| Feature | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | GM204 | GP106 |
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 1280 |
| Base Clock | 1126 MHz | 1506 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1216 MHz | 1708 MHz |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Clock | 7010 MHz | 8008 MHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| Power Consumption | 165W | 120W |
| Price | $549 | $299 |
Performance Comparison
The GTX 1060 is significantly faster than the GTX 980 in most games. This is due to the fact that the GTX 1060 has a higher clock speed, more CUDA cores, and faster memory. The following table shows the average frame rates for the two cards in a variety of popular games:
| Game | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto V | 60 FPS | 75 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 55 FPS | 68 FPS |
| Battlefield 1 | 60 FPS | 72 FPS |
| Overwatch | 100 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Rocket League | 144 FPS | 160 FPS |
As you can see, the GTX 1060 offers a significant performance advantage over the GTX 980 in most games. This makes it a better choice for gamers who want to play games at high frame rates.
Features
The GTX 980 and GTX 1060 both support a variety of features, including:
- NVIDIA GameWorks
- G-Sync
- Ansel
- ShadowPlay
However, the GTX 1060 also supports a few additional features, including:
- Fast Sync
- Simultaneous Multi-Projection
- VRWorks
These features can provide a number of benefits, such as smoother gameplay, reduced input lag, and improved VR performance.
Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation
The GTX 1060 is more power efficient than the GTX 980, consuming only 120W of power compared to 165W. This means that the GTX 1060 will generate less heat, which can be beneficial if you have a small or poorly ventilated case.
Price
The GTX 1060 is significantly cheaper than the GTX 980, with a price of $299 compared to $549. This makes the GTX 1060 a more affordable option for gamers who are on a budget.
Conclusion
Overall, the GTX 1060 is the better choice for gamers who want the best performance, features, and power efficiency for their money. However, the GTX 980 is still a good choice for gamers who are on a budget or who do not need the highest possible performance.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your GTX 980 or GTX 1060:
- Update your drivers regularly. NVIDIA releases regular driver updates that can improve performance and stability.
- Overclock your card. Overclocking can increase the performance of your card, but it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your card.
- Use a custom fan curve. A custom fan curve can help to reduce the noise and heat generated by your card.
- Monitor your card’s temperature. It is important to monitor your card’s temperature to ensure that it is not overheating.
FAQs
1. Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The GTX 1060 is the better choice for 1080p gaming, as it offers better performance and features than the GTX 980.
2. Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The GTX 1060 is also the better choice for 1440p gaming, but it may not be able to achieve high frame rates in all games at this resolution.
3. Which card is better for VR gaming?
The GTX 1060 is the better choice for VR gaming, as it supports VRWorks and has a lower price than the GTX 980.
4. Which card is more power efficient?
The GTX 1060 is more power efficient than the GTX 980, consuming only 120W of power compared to 165W.
5. Which card is cheaper?
The GTX 1060 is cheaper than the GTX 980, with a price of $299 compared to $549.
6. Which card should I buy?
The GTX 1060 is the better choice for most gamers, as it offers better performance, features, and power efficiency for the money. However, the GTX 980 is still a good choice for gamers who are on a budget or who do not need the highest possible performance.
