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In launch-era testing, the 6GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 was generally faster than AMD’s Radeon RX 480 in many 1080p games, while drawing less power and running cooler in the cited reference-card tests. It was not a universal win: some AMD-favored games and APIs let the RX 480 tie or pull ahead. For an older-PC upgrade, the GTX 1060 is a strong 1080p and entry-level 1440p option, but the specific card’s VRAM, condition, cooler, and price matter as much as its name.
GTX 1060 vs. RX 480 at 1080p: which is faster?
The original 6GB GTX 1060 usually led the RX 480 in the launch-era DirectX 11 game tests cited here, but the size of the lead depended on the game, API, driver, and board clocks. Ars Technica found the GTX 1060 roughly 15% faster on average across its test set; the RX 480 still performed well and won in Hitman and Ashes of the Singularity in that review. That average describes one selected suite, not a guaranteed advantage in every game. Ars Technica’s GTX 1060 review
GamersNexus likewise recorded wins and exceptions. The examples below are individual results under the named test conditions, not a general benchmark ranking.
| Game and setting | GTX 1060 Founders Edition | RX 480 |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p Ultra test | 82 FPS average; MSI Gaming X model: 86 FPS | 8GB: 74 FPS |
| Shadow of Mordor, 1080p Ultra | 87.7 FPS | 8GB: 78 FPS |
| Shadow of Mordor, 1440p | About 63 FPS | 8GB: about 58 FPS |
| Black Ops III, 1080p High | 122.7 FPS | RX 480 cards: 127 FPS and 132 FPS |
| Black Ops III, 1440p | 78 FPS | 8GB: 83 FPS |
These results come from GamersNexus’s launch review, which tested multiple boards and APIs. A particular game’s engine and API support can change the ordering, so use benchmarks for the games you actually play rather than treating one average as a promise. GamersNexus GTX 1060 review and benchmarks
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Power, temperatures, and cooling
Nvidia specified a 120W TDP for the GTX 1060 and a single 6-pin PCIe power connector on its launch board. In TechSpot’s system-level tests, the GTX 1060 system drew 197W at maximum in The Witcher 3—12% below its RX 480 system and 22% below the GTX 980 system. Its system draw was also 17% below RX 480 in Black Ops III and 22% lower in Just Cause 3. These are measured total-system figures in those specific workloads, not the graphics card’s standalone power consumption. TechSpot GTX 1060 review
TechSpot recorded a 66°C peak for the GTX 1060 Founders Edition at 21°C ambient, compared with 81°C for the reference RX 480. Board design, fan curve, case airflow, and room temperature all affect cooling; those readings do not describe every partner card. GamersNexus measured the factory-overclocked MSI Gaming X at 37.36°C under its own test conditions and observed that its fans stopped at idle—a board-specific behavior, not a property of all GTX 1060s. GamersNexus GTX 1060 review and benchmarks
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What the GTX 1060’s specifications mean
The GTX 1060 launched on July 19, 2016. Nvidia set a $249 starting price for partner cards; its Founders Edition was $299. Its GP106 GPU used a 16nm FinFET process and had 1,280 CUDA cores, 48 ROPs, and 6GB of GDDR5 memory running at 8Gbps. Nvidia listed a 1,506MHz base clock, 1,708MHz boost clock, 192GB/s memory bandwidth, 120W TDP, and one 6-pin PCIe connector. The Founders Edition’s launch specifications and pricing are from Nvidia’s announcement. Nvidia: GeForce GTX 1060 available now
Nvidia also claimed its card averaged 15% faster and was over 75% more power efficient than its closest competitor across a selected set of 1080p games. The company’s footnote identifies a controlled comparison: GTX 1060 used driver 368.64 and measured 120W TGP, while RX 480 used driver 16.6.2 and measured 185W TGP. Treat those figures as Nvidia’s result for that setup, not a universal efficiency or performance ratio. Nvidia newsroom launch announcement
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GTX 1060 3GB vs. 6GB: check the exact model
The original launch model and the principal RX 480 comparison were 6GB GTX 1060 cards. A later 3GB version has less VRAM and fewer shader cores, so it is not simply an identical card with half the memory. Ars Technica reported early performance about 5–10% below the 6GB model, with results varying by game: it could beat the RX 480 8GB in some titles and lose in others. The 6GB card is the better choice of the two for 1440p according to that review. Ars Technica’s GTX 1060 review
When comparing used or refurbished listings, verify the details rather than relying on “GTX 1060” in the title:
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Confirm whether it has 3GB or 6GB of VRAM.
- Check the exact board and cooler, display outputs, and card length against your case and monitor.
- Confirm the power connector required by that specific board and whether your power supply has it.
- Check seller condition, return terms, and warranty availability; legacy cards may be listed used or refurbished.
Is it suitable for 1440p, 4K, or VR?
The GTX 1060 was primarily a 1080p card, with entry-level 1440p and VR use within its intended range. The 1440p results above show playable averages in those particular older games, but they do not guarantee the same outcome in newer or more demanding titles. The 6GB model is preferable to the 3GB version when higher resolution or heavier memory use is involved.
Neither card is a strong 4K choice in the cited launch testing. GamersNexus measured the GTX 1060 at or below 30 FPS in one 4K High workload. VR suitability is likewise workload-dependent: the GTX 1060 was positioned as a capable entry point, but demanding games and settings can exceed what it handles comfortably. GamersNexus GTX 1060 review and benchmarks
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Which card makes more sense for an older PC?
If your priority is 1080p gaming and a lower-power upgrade, the 6GB GTX 1060 has the stronger launch-era case across many tested games. The RX 480 remains competitive in AMD-favored titles and APIs, and it was sold with 4GB and 8GB memory options. Neither card should be chosen solely by brand or average FPS: game-specific performance, memory capacity, board cooling, and the condition and price of the individual used card can change the practical value. Because both are legacy GPUs, compare the actual listing and warranty terms rather than assuming launch pricing reflects today’s value.
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