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For most buyers, the GTX 1060 6GB is the best overall choice when its used price is close to an RX 570. It usually delivers higher average 1080p frame rates while drawing less power. The RX 570 8GB becomes the better bargain when it is substantially cheaper, when the alternative is a GTX 1060 3GB, or when you value a larger memory buffer and FreeSync. The RX 570 4GB and GTX 1060 3GB are a close, compromise-heavy matchup. Neither card is a sensible new purchase in 2026 unless heavily discounted.
First, identify the exact card
“RX 570” and “GTX 1060” each describe several materially different products. Capacity and model must be confirmed before comparing prices or benchmarks.
| Model | What matters | Typical role in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| RX 570 4GB | 2,048 stream processors, 256-bit GDDR5 interface | Cheap 1080p, esports and older games |
| RX 570 8GB | Same GPU class as the 4GB card, with a larger framebuffer | Value option when clearly cheaper |
| GTX 1060 3GB | Distinct lower-tier model with 1,152 CUDA cores | Only attractive at a substantial discount |
| GTX 1060 6GB | 1,280 CUDA cores and 6GB GDDR5 | Best direct choice when prices are close |
Desktop, laptop and OEM cards can have different clocks, cooling, BIOS behavior and power limits. Factory-overclocked partner cards are also not representative of every card carrying the same name. The GTX 1060 5GB OEM model should not be treated as either the 3GB or 6GB version.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | RX 570 | GTX 1060 3GB | GTX 1060 6GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | AMD Polaris / GCN | NVIDIA Pascal | NVIDIA Pascal |
| Typical VRAM | 4GB or 8GB GDDR5 | 3GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | Up to 224GB/s | Approximately 192GB/s | Approximately 192GB/s |
| Shader/compute cores | 2,048 stream processors | 1,152 CUDA cores | 1,280 CUDA cores |
| Typical board power | About 150W | About 120W | About 120W |
| Best target | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p; some older or competitive 1440p use |
| Ray tracing or DLSS hardware | No | No | No |
AMD lists the RX 570 at 150W typical desktop board power and a 450W minimum PSU recommendation, while NVIDIA’s reference-class GTX 1060 target is about 120W. Partner designs can use different clocks, connectors and limits. See AMD’s RX 570 specifications and NVIDIA’s GTX 1060 user guide.
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- Chipset: AMD Radeon RX 570
- Video Memory: 8GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
- Output: DisplayPort x 2 / HDMIx 2 / DL-DVI-D
- Recommended PSU: 450W
Gaming performance: which is faster?
The GTX 1060 is usually faster, but no single percentage applies to every game or every variant. Historical testing found the GTX 1060 3GB ahead in some titles by roughly 8–9%, while other games favored the RX 570; later drivers and game updates changed several results. TechSpot’s comparisons from 2017–2019 remain useful for relative context, not as a fresh 2026 benchmark: RX 570 vs GTX 1060 3GB, updated 4GB vs 3GB testing, and comparative RX 570/GTX 1060 testing.
RX 570 4GB vs GTX 1060 3GB
The GTX 1060 3GB often produces higher average FPS, particularly in older DirectX 11 games. The RX 570 can match or exceed it in AMD-friendly or Vulkan workloads. Average FPS can hide the 3GB card’s weaknesses: games that exceed its framebuffer may force lower textures, cause asset-streaming problems or produce worse 1% lows. Four gigabytes does not make the RX 570’s GPU core faster, but it can make settings more practical.
Rank #2
- Chipset: AMD RX 570
- Memory: 8GB GDDR5. 2048 stream processors
- Dual bios - Gaming and cryptocurrency mining
- XFX double dissipation cooling design
- Minimum power supply requirement 500 watt
RX 570 8GB vs GTX 1060 6GB
The GTX 1060 6GB is normally faster and more efficient. The RX 570 8GB offers two additional gigabytes, useful only when a game can actually use them. Extra VRAM cannot compensate for lower shader performance, so do not pay a large premium for an RX 570 solely because it says “8GB.”
What to expect at 1080p
- Older games and esports titles can run well at high settings, subject to your CPU.
- Newer demanding games generally require low-to-medium settings and texture compromises.
- Neither card is a good high-refresh-rate solution for demanding current releases.
- Neither has dedicated ray-tracing hardware or RTX-era DLSS support.
VRAM is important, but it is not speed
Compare capacity to the specific competing model: RX 570 4GB has more memory than GTX 1060 3GB, while RX 570 8GB has more than GTX 1060 6GB. VRAM capacity can prevent stutter and texture restrictions, but it does not determine the GPU’s raw rendering rate. Used-card condition, memory temperatures, BIOS and cooling quality matter more than the number printed on the listing.
Rank #3
- The XFX RX 580 series graphics card feature the latest Polaris architecture which includes the 4th gen GCN graphics cores, a brand new display engine, new multimedia cores, all on the revolutionary next finfet 14 process technology for enhanced performance and efficiency
- Equipped with XFX double dissipation cooling technology for optimal cooling and performance. Minimum power requirement is 500 watts. Memory clock true: 8.0GHz, boost OC : 8.1GHz
- Multiple factory GPU overclocked settings - 1366 MHz true clock and 1386 MHz OC
- AMD VR ready premium - Experience the new generation of compelling virtual reality content with the Radeon RX GTS graphics card paired with the leading VR headsets. The Radeon RX GTS graphics card coupled with AMD LiquidVR technology delivers a virtually stutter-free, low latency experience, essential for remarkable virtual reality environments
Power, heat, noise and compatibility
The GTX 1060’s lower reference-class power target generally makes it easier to cool and better suited to compact or modest systems. RX 570 boards are more likely to run hot or loud in a poorly ventilated case, and many use an 8-pin connector while others use 6-pin or board-specific arrangements. Check the exact card.
- Verify a PCIe x16 slot and case length, height and thickness clearance.
- Check the card’s required PCIe power connector and PSU quality, not just wattage.
- Confirm display outputs and connect the monitor to the GPU.
- Make sure the CPU is adequate; at 1080p, a weak processor can erase the GPU difference.
Features and software
The RX 570 supports AMD FreeSync, which can be valuable with a compatible monitor; actual behavior depends on the display, connection and driver. The GTX 1060 may be preferable for CUDA-dependent applications, some NVIDIA-optimized games and certain older capture workflows. AMD can be attractive in particular Vulkan or AMD-optimized titles. Neither vendor has universally superior drivers across every game.
Rank #4
- 2 x HDMI; 1 x DVI-D; 2 x DP
- 256-bit Memory Bus. Compatible with OS Windows 10 and Windows 7
- Cooling Technology: Dual Fan
Support is operating-system and branch-specific. AMD’s RX 570 page lists Adrenalin 26.5.2 for Windows 10 and 11, released May 21, 2026, and a legacy Windows 7 path: AMD support. NVIDIA’s Linux 570.195.03 supported-products list includes both GTX 1060 variants: supported chips. A listed driver does not guarantee continuing game optimization, identical support on every operating system, or compliance with a game’s minimum requirements. NVIDIA also explains its legacy-driver policy here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Used-buying rules for 2026
| Situation | Best decision |
|---|---|
| GTX 1060 6GB and RX 570 are close in price and condition | Choose the GTX 1060 6GB |
| RX 570 8GB is meaningfully cheaper than GTX 1060 6GB | Choose the RX 570 8GB if tested and compatible |
| Only GTX 1060 3GB is affordable | Buy only at a substantial discount for older games or esports |
| RX 570 4GB is much cheaper and in better condition | Acceptable for older or lighter 1080p workloads |
| Either card costs near a newer used GPU | Skip both and investigate the newer card |
Do not use stale dollar prices: listings vary by region, seller, shipping, warranty, model and condition. A clean, tested RX 570 can be a better purchase than a faster GTX 1060 with worn fans or mining damage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Core Clock (MHz): 1255 in OC Mode and 1244 in Gaming Mode.6+1 power phases on the card make the MOSFET working at a lower temperature and provide more stable voltage output
- WINDFORCE 2X with Blade Fan Design
- RGB fusion – 16.8M customizable color lighting
- Stylish Metal Back Plate
- Intuitive AORUS Graphics Engine
Inspection checklist
- Ask for the exact model and VRAM capacity.
- Request a GPU-Z screenshot, stock-BIOS confirmation and a benchmark or stress-test result.
- Ask for GPU and hotspot temperatures, fan behavior and proof that every display output works.
- Reject “untested” cards priced like working hardware, stock photos, missing labels, corrosion, damaged screws, grinding fans and unexplained high clocks.
- Be cautious of implausibly cheap “brand-new” cards and listings that omit whether a GTX 1060 is 3GB or 6GB, or an RX 570 is 4GB or 8GB.
Installing a replacement card
- Optionally remove the previous vendor’s driver with a reputable display-driver cleanup procedure; it is troubleshooting, not mandatory for every swap.
- Shut down, install the card and connect its required PCIe power cable.
- Connect the monitor to the graphics card, not the motherboard.
- Install the current driver from AMD or NVIDIA’s official site and reboot.
- Verify the adapter in Device Manager or the equivalent system tool.
- Run a game or benchmark. If the system black-screens, reseat the card, check the power cable, try another output, reset BIOS display settings and verify PSU capacity.
Verdict by buyer type
- Best overall: GTX 1060 6GB at a similar used price.
- Best bargain: RX 570 8GB when clearly cheaper and fully tested.
- Lowest-power choice: GTX 1060, subject to the exact partner model.
- FreeSync owner: RX 570 if the monitor works correctly with it.
- Older-game or esports player: Either can work; favor price, condition and CPU balance.
- Newer-game player: Prefer the largest affordable VRAM buffer, but do not expect high settings or modern features.
- CUDA user: GTX 1060, after confirming your application’s supported driver and CUDA requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
