GTX 1060 vs 970: Which Graphics Card Should You Choose?
Nvidia’s GTX series has always been a leading choice for gaming and high-performance graphics. This blog post compares two popular models; the GTX 1060 vs 970. Our aim is to help you choose better between these two cards that are suitable for your needs. We will go over performance, power consumption, features and so on. Let’s get into it!
The GTX 1060 and the GTX 970 are high-end graphics processing units, though they target different markets and have varying requirements. The cards were released two years from each other, and this represents a huge leap in Nvidia technology. By reading through this comparison to the end, you will be better placed to understand each card’s merits and demerits.
Performance of GTX 1060 vs 970
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
The GTX 1060 is based on Nvidia’s Pascal architecture, which provides better performance and efficiency than its forerunners. It has 1280 CUDA cores and a base clock speed of 1506 MHz (boost clock up to 1708 MHz), resulting in smooth gameplay at both 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Key Performance Metrics:
- CUDA Cores: 1280
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1708 MHz
- Memory: 6GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 8 Gbps
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
The GeForce GTX970, which came out during the Maxwell architecture era, was a monster. It rocks 1664 CUDA cores, 1050 MHz base clock speed and a boost clock up to 1178 MHz as well as 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM. Nevertheless, it cannot deliver the same performance at high resolutions as it does on 1080p monitors.
Key Performance Metrics:
- CUDA Cores: 1664
- Base Clock Speed: 1050 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1178 MHz
- Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 7 Gbps
Power Consumption and Efficacy
For instance, a key upgrade in the GTX 1060 over the GTX 970 is its power efficiency. With regards to TDP (Thermal Design Power), the GTX 1060 consumes 120 watts as opposed to the 145 watts of the GTX 970. In other words, this aspect means that compared to the other, it runs cooler thus requiring less power for those who are concerned about energy utilization and heat issues while running.
Features
GTX 1060 Attributes.
VR Ready: GTX 1060 is designed to handle virtual reality applications with ease.
Nvidia Ansel: It’s a powerful in-game photography tool for capturing 360-degree images.
G-sync Support: That minimizes screen tearing and stuttering during gaming experiences.
Features
GTX 970 Attributes.
G-sync Support: Like the gtx 1060, it supports Nvidia’s G-sync technology.
SLI Support: Which allows linking of multiple GPUs for improved performance.
Price and Availability
When selecting a GPU, the price is always a critical element. For example, upon its release, GTX 1060 was initially more costly than GTX 970 because it was a newer card. Nevertheless, prices have changed with the introduction of other models.
- GTX 1060: Typically ranges from $200 to $300, depending on the variant and condition.
- GTX 970: Generally available for $150 to $250, often found used or refurbished.
Tabular Comparison GTX 1060 vs 970
| Feature | GTX 1060 | GTX 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Maxwell |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1664 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1506 MHz | 1050 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1708 MHz | 1178 MHz |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR5 | 4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 7 Gbps |
| TDP | 120 watts | 145 watts |
| VR Ready | Yes | No |
| G-Sync Support | Yes | Yes |
| SLI Support | No | Yes |
| Price Range | $200 – $300 | $150 – $250 |
Conclusion
The GTX 1060 and GTX 970 have their own merits, but the choice you make will depend on your specific requirements as well as budget. The GTX 1060 is more advanced regarding performance, power consumption and new technology making it a great selection for modern gaming and VR applications. Conversely, despite the fact that it has been outperformed in terms of resolution by other models it has still managed to keep up with them at average prices which makes GTX 970 an option for individuals who are not financially stable enough since it can be easily found at reasonably reduced prices.
For those interested in tweaking their GPUs, check out our guide on How to Disable GPU Overclocking Safely: Step-by-Step Guide. Additionally, you can read more about GPU advancements in this comprehensive TechRadar article.
FAQs
1. Is the GTX 1060 worth the extra cost over the GTX 970?
Yes, if you want a better performance, less power consumption and new features such as VR support, then it is worth paying more for the GTX 1060.
2. Can the GTX 970 handle modern games?
The GTX 970 is capable of running most modern games at good settings with a resolution of 1080p but may struggle to play newer and higher demanding titles with increased resolutions.
3. Which card is better for VR gaming?
By having a better performance and being VR-ready, GTZ 1060 is deemed a better card for virtual reality games.
These pointers will help you make an informed decision in line with your gaming needs and budget. Happy gaming!