GTX 1060 “SLI” Benchmark – Outperforms GTX 1080 with Explicit Multi-GPU | GamersNexus
Just to be clear straight-away: This test was largely conducted under the context of “because we can.” For the full, in-depth GTX 1060 review, check this article. Also note that this test does not make use of the Scalable Link Interface, and so we’re throwing scare quotes around “SLI” just for clarity. The GTX 1060s do not have SLI fingers and can only communicate via the PCIe bus, without a bridge, thereby demanding that applications support MDA (Multi-Display Adapter) or LDA Explicit (Linked Display Adapter) to actually leverage both cards. NVidia does not officially support dual GTX 1060s. This was just something we wanted to do. We also do not recommend purchasing two GTX 1060s for use in a single gaming system.
All that stated, this test pairs an MSI GTX 1060 Gaming X with the GTX 1060 Founders Edition card, then pits them vs. a single GTX 1060, 1080, 1070, and RX 480s (+ CF). This is mostly a curiosity and an experiment to learn, not a comprehensive benchmark or product review. Again, that’s here.
Ashes supports explicit multi-GPU and has been coded by the developers to take advantage of this DirectX 12 functionality, which would also allow cross-brand video cards to be paired. We already tested that with the 970 and 390X. Testing was done at 1080p and 4K at high settings, mostly. The Multi-GPU toggle was checked for Dx12 testing. We’ve also listed the results as AVG ms frametimes, just for another means to convey information.
Game Testing Methodology
We tested using our GPU test bench, detailed in the table below. Our thanks to supporting hardware vendors for supplying some of the test components.
AMD drivers 16.6.2 were used for testing Ashes on the RX 480. NVidia’s 368.64 drivers were used for game (FPS) testing on the GTX 1060. The 368.69 drivers were used for other devices. Game settings were manually controlled for the DUT. All games were run at presets defined in their respective charts.
Windows 10-64 build 10586 was used for testing.
We use «Satellite Shot 2» for Ashes of the Singularity performance monitoring. Multi-GPU was enabled for Dx12 multi-GPU configs. Our normal 1% & 0.1% low methodology was not deployed here, as we are still working on implementation with new APIs.
| GN Test Bench 2015 | Name | Courtesy Of | Cost |
| Video Card | This is what we’re testing! | — | — |
| CPU | Intel i7-5930K CPU | iBUYPOWER | $580 |
| Memory | Corsair Dominator 32GB 3200MHz | Corsair | $210 |
| Motherboard | EVGA X99 Classified | GamersNexus | $365 |
| Power Supply | NZXT 1200W HALE90 V2 | NZXT | $300 |
| SSD | HyperX Savage SSD | Kingston Tech. |
$130 |
| Case | Top Deck Tech Station | GamersNexus | $250 |
| CPU Cooler | NZXT Kraken X41 CLC | NZXT | $110 |
For Dx12 and Vulkan API testing, we use built-in benchmark tools and rely upon log generation for our metrics. That data is reported at the engine level.
SLI GTX 1060 Benchmark vs. RX 480, RX 480 CrossFire (Ashes of the Singularity)
With both GTX 1060s, we’re hitting 75.91FPS AVG at 1080p/High, as opposed to 46.98FPS AVG on the Founders Edition GTX 1060 and 48FPS on the MSI variant (averages). From the MSI number, that’s scaling of roughly 1.5x. Not bad for a configuration that’s never going to be used anywhere, and certainly better than a lot of other games that are Post-FX intensive and rely on interdependent frames.
Most interestingly, the multi-GPU setup outperforms the single GTX 1070s and even (marginally) outperforms the GTX 1080 Gaming X from MSI, pre-overclocked at 1847MHz.
The second GPU is effectively dead weight with DirectX 11, and performs no real functions. This is primarily a Dx12 test.
The RX 480 8GB runs 45.54FPS AVG in Dx12, with the CF setup at 72.02FPS AVG (Dx12). Granted, the CF setup – although, like all multi-GPU setups, we did not recommend it for gaming – would actually be deployable in more than one title.
At 4K, we move from 35.4FPS AVG on the MSI card, and 34.1FPS AVG on the FE card, to 62.79FPS AVG on the dual cards. Scaling is 1.77x, which is enough to push us well into a range of fluid gameplay. Again, we’re pushing past the GTX 1080 Gaming X and CrossFire RX 480s with this setup.
Frametimes have also been reduced. At 1080/High, we saw a reduction from 21.3ms average frametime latency to 13.17ms. 4K sees a dip from 29.3ms average frametime latency to 15.93ms.
Don’t Read Too Far Into This
First off, again, it is not possible to actually join two GTX 1060s in any legitimate fashion. There are no SLI fingers, and Ashes is among the only titles that actually supports a form of explicit multi-GPU with Dx12.
If you really, really wanted to play Ashes and only that game, then we suppose it’d be worth looking into. But outside of that specific use case, this is about the only testable scenario we presently have that is widely known to gaming.
The GTX 1060s seem as if they may have had reasonable performance potential had SLI been supported, but in such an instance, the price would already be rivaling a single GTX 1080 or surpassing a GTX 1070. There is not an instance in recent history where we’ve recommended multi-GPU configurations for gaming at large; there are very specific use cases where such a setup may make sense, but for the average gamer playing many types of games, it’s still easier to run one card. We’ve seen negative scaling (CF – ME C) in some cases and completely absent scaling in others (SLI – Just Cause 3, AC Syndicate at launch). Multi-GPU also demands more power, generates more noise, and necessitates that a card is disabled depending on game support. Perhaps for production use cases where Quadro and Firepro are out of reach; otherwise, we generally don’t recommend multi-GPU.
And so we’re where we started: It was a fun test out of curiosity, and not one representative of a combination (2x GTX 1060s in MDA/LDA Explicit) we’d ever recommend buying.
Editorial: Steve “Lelldorianx” Burke
Video: Andrew “ColossalCake” Coleman
MSI reveals incredibly disappointing GDDR5X-based GTX 1060
This GPU is pointless…
Published: 26th November 2018 | Source: MSI | Author: Mark Campbell
MSI reveals GDDR5X-based GTX 1060
Over the past number of weeks, GTX 1060 graphics cards with GDDR5X memory have started to appear from most major GPU manufacturers, offering the potential of increased memory clock speeds and higher levels of performance than their standards GDDR5-based counterparts.
At launch, Nvidia’s GTX 1080 released with 10Gbps GDDR5X memory and was later available with faster 11Gbps memory, representing a significant increase over the 8Gbps that most GTX 1060 6GB graphics cards offer.
What’s disappointing is that AIBs don’t seem to be taking advantage of this increase in potential memory throughput, especially MSI.
MSI’s GTX 1060 Armor 6GD5X OC has appeared online, sporting GDDR5X memory and the same core clock speeds as its GDDR5-based counterpart, the GTX 1060 Armor 6G OCV1. So what does GDDR5X offer? Absolutely nothing, it’s clocked at the same speeds as GDDR5, making the entire exercise pointless from a performance standpoint.
What we see with this new GDDR5X-based design is a PCB that appears to be identical to MSI’s GTX 1080 Armor graphics cards, featuring SLI fingers and the same 8+6-pin power configuration, notable changes from the normal GTX 1060 Armor, which lacks support for SLI and uses a single 8-pin PCIe power connector. The SLI fingers on this GPU’s PCB are likely unusable, as the GTX 1060 isn’t supposed to support SLI/Multi-GPU gaming.
MSI doesn’t list SLI as a supported feature on this graphics card. We expect that this graphics card’s SLI fingers will not be active.
Another factor to consider here is that MSI’s GTX 1060 is likely to feature increased overclocking headroom, especially on the memory side. Most GDDR5X-based graphics cards run at 10Gbps, making it likely that this 8Gbps GDDR5X graphics card has a lot of untapped potential. The use of what appears to be a GTX 1080 PCB design and cooler could also be useful when it comes to keeping this graphics card cool and quiet while overclocking.
Update — MSI has informed us that while the graphics card is listed with a power consumption specification of 120W, their GTX 1060 Armor 6GD5X OC will feature a higher boost clock power limit, increasing its performance over a normal GTX 1060 6G OCV1. We have also been told that the GPU’s memory stats may change.
What we have here is a graphics card that serves no purpose. It doesn’t innovate Nvidia’s mid-range lineup or appear to offer any substantial advantages over MSI’s other GTX 1060 graphics cards.
This appears to be nothing more than an attempt to ship remaining GDDR5X inventories, rather than a push to compete with AMD’s recently released RX 590 series graphics cards.
You can join the discussion on MSI’s underwhelming GTX 1060 GDDR5X graphics card on the OC3D Forums.
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26-11-2018, 22:57:04
grec
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1 vs 0
Why is MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X better than MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X?
- 1.22 TFLOPS over FLOPS?
5.24 TFLOPS vs 4.02 TFLOPS - 13.98 GPixel/s higher pixel rate?
89.28 GPixel/s vs 75.3 GPixel/s - 38.2 GTexels/s higher number of textured pixels?
163.7 GTexels/s vs 125.
5 GTexels/s - 128 more stream processors?
1408 vs 1280 - 2200million more transistors?
6600 million vs 4400 million - 8 more texture units (TMUs)?
88 vs 80 - Smaller 4nm semiconductors?
12nm vs 16nm - 30mm narrower?
247mm vs 277mm
Which comparisons are the most popular? nine0094
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
Gigabyte Radeon RX 6500 XT Eagle
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Ventus XS OC
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
MSI GeForce0 Armor 3
0004 MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
MSI Radeon RX 6600 XT Mech 2X OC
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 590 Special Edition
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
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MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 G1 Gaming
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
MSI GeForce GTX 1650 Super Gaming X
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
MSI Radeon RX 580 Gaming X+
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
GeForce 9 MSI 6 Gaming0003
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
Asus Dual GeForce RTX 2060 OC
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
Asus Dual GeForce GTX 1060
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
vs
Galax GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 1-Click OC
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
vs
Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1060
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Price match
Cheaper
User reviews
Performance
GPU clock speed
1569MHz
1530MHz
1530MHz
GPU has a higher clock speed.
turbo GPU
1809MHz
1860MHz
When the GPU is running below its limits, it can jump to a higher clock speed to increase performance.
pixel rate
75.3 GPixel/s
89.28 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen every second.
FLOPS
4.02 TFLOPS
5.24 TFLOPS
FLOPS is a measure of GPU processing power.
texture size
125.5 GTexels/s
163.7 GTexels/s
Number of textured pixels that can be displayed on the screen every second. nine0003
GPU memory speed
2002MHz
2001MHz
Memory speed is one aspect that determines memory bandwidth.
Shading patterns
Shading units (or stream processors) are small processors in a graphics card that are responsible for processing various aspects of an image.
texture units (TMUs)
TMUs take texture units and map them to the geometric layout of the 3D scene. More TMUs generally means texture information is processed faster. nine0003
ROPs
ROPs are responsible for some of the final steps of the rendering process, such as writing the final pixel data to memory and for performing other tasks such as anti-aliasing to improve the appearance of graphics.
Memory
effective memory speed
8008MHz
8004MHz
The effective memory clock speed is calculated from the size and data transfer rate of the memory. A higher clock speed can give better performance in games and other applications. nine0003
maximum memory bandwidth
192.2GB/s
192GB/s
This is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored in memory.
VRAM (video RAM) is the dedicated memory of the graphics card.
More VRAM usually allows you to run games at higher settings, especially for things like texture resolution.
memory bus width
192bit
192bit
A wider memory bus means it can carry more data per cycle. This is an important factor in memory performance, and therefore the overall performance of the graphics card. nine0003
GDDR versions of
Later versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher data transfer rates, which improve performance.
Supports memory debug code
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
Memory debug code can detect and fix data corruption. It is used when necessary to avoid distortion, such as in scientific computing or when starting a server. nine0003
Features
DirectX version
DirectX is used in games with a new version that supports better graphics.
OpenGL version
The newer the OpenGL version, the better graphics quality in games.
version of OpenCL
Some applications use OpenCL to use the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing. Newer versions are more functional and better quality.
Supports multi-monitor technology
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
The video card has the ability to connect multiple screens. This allows you to set up multiple monitors at the same time to create a more immersive gaming experience, such as a wider field of view.
GPU temperature at boot
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X)
Lower boot temperature means the card generates less heat and the cooling system works better. nine0003
supports ray tracing
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D screen and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✖MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI based scaling technology. This allows the graphics card to render games at lower resolutions and upscale them to higher resolutions with near-native visual quality and improved performance. DLSS is only available in some games.
PassMark (G3D) result
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X)
This test measures the graphics performance of a graphics card. Source: Pass Mark.
Ports
has HDMI output
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X
✔MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
Devices with HDMI or mini HDMI ports can stream HD video and audio to an attached display.
HDMI connectors
More HDMI connectors allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time, such as game consoles and TVs. nine0003
HDMI version
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0
Newer HDMI versions support higher bandwidth, resulting in higher resolutions and frame rates.
DisplayPort outputs
Allows connection to a display using DisplayPort.
DVI outputs
Allows connection to a display using DVI.
mini DisplayPort outputs
Allows connection to a display using mini DisplayPort. nine0003
Price comparison
Which graphics cards are better?
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING X 6G video card review
Video cards of the middle class have always aroused the maximum interest of rational players who are not used to throwing money away.
NVIDIA recently expanded its family of devices based on the Pascal architecture with the introduction of the GeForce GTX 1060. For a first look at the new line, we chose the original model from MSI, the MSI GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING X 6G. Let’s see how the Taiwanese improved their modification, at the same time we will evaluate the general capabilities of the new series based on the 16-nanometer GP106 processor. nine0003
We help
ZMIST
- 1 Supply set
- 2 Design and componing
- 3 In the work
- 4 Acceleration
- 5 Productive
6 Price
Supply
Video are delivered in the corner of the Medium, which is delivered in the corner of the average Traditionally for GAMING devices, it is decorated in bright colors. On the front panel there is a large photo of the adapter itself and the name of the series is indicated in large characters.
Included with the adapter is nothing extraordinary. There is only a brief installation guide, a disk with drivers and software, a couple of stickers and an offer to register on the manufacturer’s website.
Design and layout
Without doubting the overall success of the GeForce GTX 1060, the manufacturer has already prepared several modifications based on the GP106 for the start of sales. Of course, this is not a dozen diverse models, as is the case with the top GTX 1080, but also a good assortment. The fastest version came to our review — MSI GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING X 6G. nine0003
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As you might guess, the adapter nominally belongs to the GAMING series, and the index “X” used, as it were, hints at an additional factory tuning of the adapter.
The base frequency of the GPU has been increased to 1595 MHz instead of the recommended 1506 MHz. Accordingly, the average value of acceleration is also increased, which in this case is 1809MHz, instead of 1709 MHz.
The video card has 6 GB of GDDR5 memory on board, which is also minimally accelerated — up to 8100 MHz, while the recommended effective frequency for the reference GTX 1060 is 8000 MHz. It should be noted right away that the version of the video card under consideration has the OC Mode profile initially activated, while the retail ones use Game Mode by default, which is characterized by a frequency formula of 1569/8000 MHz. The difference is minimal, but it is there. However, the owner of the adapter at any time with one click of the mouse can change the profiles at his discretion. It does not require any additional skills. nine0003
The video card uses a brand new generation cooling system — Twin Frozr VI. The cooler looks very similar to the one used for the previously reviewed GeForce GTX 1080 from MSI, although the design in this case has been slightly changed. It is based on a large radiator cassette, which is made of metal plates. To improve heat transfer, three heat pipes are used that pierce the aluminum strips twice.
Nickel plated copper tubes. Under the conditions of the system unit, they are unlikely to need additional protection against corrosion, but the appearance of the pipeline will definitely not deteriorate over time. Soldering is used to ensure good contact between tubes and plates. two heat pipes from the set have a diameter of 6 mm, the largest is 8 mm. nine0003
The tubes are in contact with the graphics process through an additional heat sink plate, which is also made of copper and nickel-plated.
A pair of 100 mm axial fans are used to blow through the entire radiator structure. Some of the blades have a special Torx 2.0 profile shape. In the manufacturer’s interpretation, the additional bending of the impeller allows for increased airflow.
It may seem somewhat surprising, but for its “gaming” version of the GeForce GTX 1060, the manufacturer uses a printed circuit board of the same dimensions as for the GeForce GTX 1080. No, this is by no means the same PCB, it differs significantly in its layout , but the dimensions are almost the same.
The length of the textolite platform is 277 mm, the width is 140 mm. nine0003
The power stabilization subsystem here is built according to a 6-phase scheme. Five phases are used for the processor, one more for memory. In order to even outwardly assess how much more powerful the element base is than that used for the reference GeForce GTX 1060, it would be appropriate here to compare a photo of the stock model’s printed circuit board.
Reference PCB GeForce GTX 1060
The basic version is equipped with much more modest. Noticeably more compact PCB and 4-phase VRM with a simple element kit. nine0003
Note that the adapter from MSI has one 8-pin connector for connecting additional power. This option allows the adapter to provide a channel with a total power of up to 225 watts. And this despite the fact that the declared thermal package of the stock GTX 1060 is only 120 watts. In this case, a 6-pin connector is nominally enough, providing up to 150 W in combination with a PCI Express slot.
But, suddenly, you will be drawn to overclocking records?
Of course, the large aluminum plate that covers most of the PCB area also attracts attention. It is used to cool memory chips, MOSFET power assemblies, a control controller, and several other elements. In addition, the plate is connected to the fixing plate of the interface panel, thereby providing additional structural rigidity. nine0003
In general, evaluating the layout, one cannot fail to notice some simplifications in the composition of the element base. On the PCB there are sites for a couple more memory chips, the VRM block can also be further strengthened with two more phases. Considering that the platform in question is not a simplified version of older models, it is quite possible to assume that the manufacturer plans to use the printed circuit board for a more powerful solution. It is unlikely that we are talking about a forced GTX 1060. I would like to believe that in the future we will see a GeForce GTX 1060 Ti for which MSI has already reserved a site.
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From the rear, the printed circuit board is securely covered by a massive plate. A millimeter aluminum plate protects the back of the PCB while adding an extra rib and completes the overall appearance of the device.
The composition of the interface panel does not differ from that of the reference models. There are three DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs, one full-length HDMI 2.0a, and DVI-D(DL). Recall that in the new graphic family NVIDIA refused to support analog interfaces. It is high time. But, if one is still suddenly needed, then a passive DVI-VGA adapter can no longer be dispensed with. nine0003
Component manufacturers are becoming more reverent about the external design of their devices, so it is not surprising that companies are developing the idea of additional LED backlighting in every possible way. MSI has also taken a beating with the illumination of their new graphics adapters. The backlighting capabilities in this case are no different from those for the top model GTX 1080 of the GAMING series.
RGB-LEDs are placed under the dragon logo on the top of the adapter.
The color palette, intensity and lighting modes can be controlled from the MSI Gaming App. Like the older model, the elements on the top protective cover are highlighted in red.
In operation
Passive operation of the cooling system in the absence of load is already taken for granted. Manufacturers started using this approach only a few years ago, but it has fully justified itself. If the potential of the heatsink is enough to keep the chip temperature within acceptable limits even without additional airflow, then why not please the owner of the video card with the absolutely silent operation of the adapter. nine0003
In this case, the graphics processor warmed up to 50C on an open stand with minimal load. If desired, the Zero Frozr mode can be waived by activating the corresponding option in the Gaming App. The fan will not stop (~900 rpm) even at minimal loads, and the GPU temperature will drop to 30-32C.
During prolonged gaming load, the temperature of the GPU increased to 65 degrees. At the same time, the fan speed did not exceed 1000 rpm. The video card is very quiet. The rustle of the impeller can be caught if you get close to the adapter. In a closed case, the video card is unlikely to become the main source of noise. For sure, the fans on the walls of the case or in the PSU will be more clearly audible. nine0003
Note that the GPU was automatically accelerated to 2000 MHz. Aggressive auto-overclocking algorithm, even if you take into account the increased base frequency to 1595 MHz in OC Mode.
Overclocking
Of course, we were curious to check the frequency potential of the GeForce GTX 1060. We used the MSI Afterburner application for experiments.
The Power Limit value in this case can be increased up to 108%. It is not possible to change the core voltage, at least the current version of the utility does not provide it. nine0003
The GPU frequency has been further increased to 1700 MHz.
If we take into account the basic recommended value of 1506 MHz, then the increase is almost 13%. Very well managed to speed up the memory chips. The chips ran at an effective 9528 MHz, 19.1% above par.
After overclocking, the GPU temperature rose to 67 degrees, and the fan speed barely exceeded 1000 rpm. At the peak, the clock graphics chip reached 2100 MHz. That is, the working delta of the GPU Boost mechanism in this case is about 400 MHz.
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Performance
To assess the capabilities of the novelty, it is logical to add to the list of tested models a video card of the previous generation, which replaces the GeForce GTX 1060. Of course, we are talking about the GeForce GTX 960. During the announcement of the GP106 adapter, NVIDIA announced that the GTX 1060 would provide a performance level identical to that of the GeForce GTX 980. A serious claim, the objectivity of which we were interested to see in practice.
MSI Gaming Suite: GeForce GTX 1060, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 960
To be on the safe side, we also added the results of the GTX 970 to the charts.
In case things don’t go so smoothly, in this case we will have an additional benchmark. Another participant in the test is the GeForce GTX 760. A well-deserved veteran with a 256-bit memory bus, which, although already lost in new games, is still capable of something. So that the GeForce GTX 1060 does not seem like a gift of fate with limitless possibilities, the GeForce GTX 1080 will be pressed from above as a barrier of the diagram.
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The first starts with a resolution of 1920×1080 are pleasantly pleasing. The GeForce GTX 1060 is taking the graphics scene by storm. The novelty methodically and unsuccessfully attacks the previous generation adapter. No, not the GTX 960, but a device that is nominally two steps higher in the class — the GeForce GTX 980. With this Pascal architecture and fabulous clock speeds, we have ceased to be surprised at anything. If the GTX 1080 leaves TITAN X (2015) out of business, then why not the GTX 1060 catch up with the GTX 980?
Curiously, the results of the novelty in all cases are in close proximity to those for the GTX 980.
Sometimes it seems that the characteristics of the GTX 1060 were deliberately chosen in order not to lose face in front of a nominally more high-end solution based on Maxwell. Although, of course, first of all, the novelty was created with an eye on the parameters of the Radeon RX 480, which was introduced earlier. Of course, at the last moment, no one changed the parameters of the device, but for sure, mutual leaks took place in the early stages.
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Moving to 1440p doesn’t change much. The GeForce GTX 1060 sits firmly on the tail of the GeForce GTX 980, and sometimes even minimally ahead of this model. GeForce GTX 970 consistently lags behind the newcomer, and the difference is about 15-25%.
If we talk about the balance of power between the GTX 1060 and GTX 960, then the advantage of the new video card is almost twofold. Offhand, it’s hard to remember that when moving from one generation of graphics to another, the performance gain within one class was 80-90%. In this case, we have the opportunity to compare the effect of switching from the GTX 760 to the GTX 960, which at first was not always felt without performance measurements.
Yes, energy efficiency improved noticeably then, but + 5-10% is definitely not the performance increase that would make owners of devices from the previous series think about upgrading. Now the situation is fundamentally different. The GeForce GTX 1060 is so much more productive than its nominal predecessor that one can only be pleasantly surprised at technological progress and enjoy the fruits of real competition in the discrete graphics market. At least in the middle price segment.
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Price
The recommended price for the GeForce GTX 1060 for the US market is $299 for the Founders Edition reference model and $249 for the original versions. Under the current conditions, the retail price of the GeForce GTX 1060 will differ significantly from the declared values. The starting price of the considered model in Ukraine is about UAH 10,000. (~$400). Yes, this is not quite the price tag that I would like to see under the device that replaces the GTX 960. But, the cost is a variable that does not affect the characteristics and capabilities of the device itself.
In fairness, we note that the GeForce GTX 980 is currently still offered from 12,000 UAH, but provides the same performance as the GeForce GTX 1060.
5
ITC.UA score
Pros:
Excellent performance; powerful power subsystem; noticeable factory overclocking; very quiet and efficient cooling system; decorative lighting; additional heatsinks on memory chips and VRM elements
Cons:
Large dimensions; initial retail price GeForce GTX 1060
Output:
The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING X 6G is the original version of NVIDIA’s new family of mid-range graphics cards. The GeForce GTX 1060 as a whole sets a whole new bar for mid-range devices. The adapter turned out to be almost twice as productive as the model of the previous class, coming close to the GeForce GTX 980. At the first opportunity, we will compare the performance of devices in this series with those of the Radeon RX 480, but in this case there is no particular doubt that the GTX 1060 will be somewhat productive main a competitor from AMD, although it costs more.
