The GTX 1060 vs RX 580 remains the case when looking for budget-friendly GPUs for a 1080p gaming GPU. Because of their warm reception since release, GPUs on both sides have been widely popular sources of excellent performance at affordable prices. The card though has some strengths and weaknesses that are not the same each card. So in this article we’re going to compare the GTX 1060 and RX 580 for their performance, how much power they use – how efficiently, right – so how much it costs, then what are the technical features that make them similar or different.
Overview of GTX 1060 vs RX 580
Announced in 2016 as of the Pascal era, the NVIDIA GTX 1060. It comes in two variants: Gaming will be covered with 6GB and 3GB of GDDR5 VRAM, with the 6GB taking the lead on most ends. However, the AMD RX 580 released in 2017 is based on AMD’s Polaris architecture and comes in variants with 8GB and 4GB however 8GB is preferred to play modern games.
| Specification | GTX 1060 | RX 580 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2017 |
| VRAM | 6GB/3GB GDDR5 | 8GB/4GB GDDR5 |
| Architecture | Pascal | Polaris |
| TDP (Power Usage) | 120W | 185W |
| Market Position | Mid-range GPU | Mid-range GPU |
These GPUs target the mid range market and are intended to play at smooth 1080p gaming. So let’s further understand their real world usability by understanding their performance and features.
Gaming Performance: GTX 1060 vs RX 580
The GTX 1060 and RX 580 are closely matched in gaming performance, but when it comes to which game and settings they outperform, it changes.
| Game | GTX 1060 (FPS Avg) | RX 580 (FPS Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | ~53 FPS | ~58 FPS |
| GTA V | ~70 FPS | ~68 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | ~60 FPS | ~65 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | ~42 FPS (low-medium) | ~45 FPS (low-medium) |
RX 580 is usually going to be faster in newer more demanding games than GTX 1060 because of the larger VRAM on RX 580. That advantage is shown by games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and The Witcher 3 where the RX 580 does just a hair higher in frame rate at ultra settings. That said, due to old or less VRAM hoggish games the performance gap is minimal.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
The GTX 1060 vs RX 580 comparison finds that the GPU is more power efficient in one entirely distinct location.
| Feature | GTX 1060 | RX 580 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP (Power Usage) | 120W | 185W |
| Recommended PSU | 400W | 500W |
| Thermal Output | Lower | Higher |
The GTX 1060’s 120W TDP, though, mean it is more power efficient (requires less wattage to power, can sit on a smaller power supply, and generate less heat). However, the RX 580 needs a 500W PSU, as well as more heat, which may mean you require better cooling solutions for your PC case.
Price and Availability
The GTX 1060 vs RX 580 debate hinges on price. The RX 580 was equally priced when it launched but second hand market dynamics tend to favour the RX 580 because there is more availability.
| Feature | GTX 1060 | RX 580 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP (New) | $249 (6GB) | $229 (8GB) |
| Used Market Price | ~$120-$180 | ~$110-$160 |
Secondhand, RX 580 is usually less expensive than most other GPUs, which means it’s a favored choice for those wanting to cut costs. But if you’re inclined toward efficiency or you’re constrained by power supply limitations, the GTX 1060 does cost a slightly more given its features.
Key Features
Both GPUs come with distinct features that cater to different user preferences.
| Feature | GTX 1060 | RX 580 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Support | Excellent (NVIDIA Game Ready) | Good (AMD Adrenalin) |
| Overclocking | Moderate | High |
| VRAM | 6GB/3GB GDDR5 | 8GB/4GB GDDR5 |
| VR Performance | Good | Very Good |
The RX 580 boasts higher overclocking potential and VRAM capacity, which can improve performance in modern titles and VR applications. Meanwhile, the GTX 1060 benefits from NVIDIA’s robust driver support and smoother out-of-the-box performance in a wider range of games.
CLICK HERE: NVIDIA vs AMD in 2025
Final Verdict: GTX 1060 vs RX 580
The choice between the GTX 1060 vs RX 580 ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Choose the GTX 1060 if:
- You prioritize power efficiency.
- Your system has a lower wattage PSU.
- NVIDIA’s driver ecosystem and Game Ready optimizations are important to you.
- Choose the RX 580 if:
- You need higher VRAM for modern games.
- Overclocking potential is a priority.
- You’re building a system for demanding 1080p games and VR applications.
The budget options for both GPUs are excellent, and both will run smoothly in 1080p gaming at a good level. The RX 580 is a good performer in demanding games if power consumption isn’t really an issue. The GTX 1060, however, is a low cost performer that delivers efficiency and driver reliability, albeit with sub par clock speeds.
With your specific needs in mind, you will make an informed decision from the best GPU that will enhance your gaming immersively.