NVIDIA has aimed both GTX 980 vs GTX 1060 GPUs at gamers who want to achieve fair performance at 1080p and 1440p. The company launched the GTX 980 as a high end video card from NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture family in the first quarter of 2014 and the GTX 1060, which was designed on the Pascal architecture was launched in the third quarter of 2016. Now it’s time to provide detailed information that will let you choose which GPU fits your gaming desires.
Overview of GTX 980 vs GTX 1060
| Specification | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2014 | 2016 |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Pascal |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 6GB/3GB GDDR5 |
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 1280 |
| Base/Boost Clock | 1126/1216 MHz | 1506/1708 MHz |
| TDP (Power Usage) | 165W | 120W |
The GTX 980 was considered to be a luxurious GPU of NVIDIA in the context of its time with extraordinaire convexity in performance. The GTX 1060 came with more efficiency, and a spec-per-watt improvement via Pascal architecture, for the mid-range gaming population.
Gaming Performance: GTX 980 vs GTX 1060
Between them, the performance of GTX 980 and GTX 1060 is quite similar to benchmark games. However, there only depend on the game optimization and VRAM demand.
| Game | GTX 980 (FPS Avg) | GTX 1060 (FPS Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | ~58 FPS | ~55 FPS |
| GTA V | ~72 FPS | ~70 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | ~65 FPS | ~60 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | ~45 FPS (low-medium) | ~42 FPS (low-medium) |
Key Takeaway: The GTX 980 has minutely more graphics performance than GTX 1060 in terms of raw power because it has higher number of CUDA cores and memory bus width. But it is noticed that the GTX 1060 has more VRAM in particular the 6GB version performs better in newer games which demand more VRAM usage.
Power Efficiency and Thermals
One of the biggest differences between the GTX 980 vs GTX 1060 lies in power consumption and efficiency.
| Feature | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP (Power Usage) | 165W | 120W |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 400W |
| Thermal Output | Higher | Lower |
What’s more, the GTX 1060 is a much more power-efficient card, perfect for rigs with low PSUs and better cooling solutions. The GTX 980 is more powerful than the GTX 970, but the graphics card runs hotter, and draws more power.
Price and Availability
Given the age of these GPUs, both are available mainly in the used market.
| Feature | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | $549 | $249 (6GB) |
| Used Market Price | ~$120-$200 | ~$120-$180 |
The GTX 1060 also appears to be cheaper and the more commonly found in the second hand market. Besides, it is more efficient than most of its antecedents in power consumption, which makes it cost-effective over the longer run.
Key Features
Both GPUs offer unique features that cater to different user preferences.
| Feature | GTX 980 | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Support | Good (Legacy Support) | Excellent (Modern Support) |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 6GB/3GB GDDR5 |
| DirectX Version | 12 (Partial Support) | 12 (Full Support) |
| Overclocking | High | Moderate |
The GTX 1060 also has full support of the more recent technologies such as DirectX 12 as well as more regular driver releases. At the same time, GTX 980 is well overclockable, which means that enthusiasts can get more for it.
Final Verdict: GTX 980 vs GTX 1060
The choice between the GTX 980 vs GTX 1060 depends on your specific needs and preferences:
- Choose the GTX 980 if:
- You prioritize raw performance.
- Overclocking is important to you.
- Power consumption and thermals are not a concern.
- Choose the GTX 1060 if:
- You want better power efficiency.
- You prefer modern driver support and full DirectX 12 capabilities.
- You’re building a mid-range system with a smaller PSU.
CLICK HERE: GTX 1060 vs RX 580
Conclusion
Even though GTX 980 looks like a cutting-edge card for today’s games, GTX 1060 is more efficient and equipped with greater VRAM that would definitely appeal to today’s Gaming enthusiasts looking for the best bang for their bucks. The cards are that both GPUs perform adequately during 1080p gaming, and as a result, the decision by you should be based on what you require from your game, how much power you have, and how you place said GPU in your rig.
What we’ve analyzed here is the selection of these GPUs depending on their performance, overall efficiency, and cost, so you’ll be able to make the best choice for your gaming PC.