It is important to carefully compare the models’ specifications when deciding between GeForce GTX 970 vs GTX 1060. Important factors include storage space, form factor, TDP, available ports, warranty, and manufacturer support.
For instance, the card’s maximum width and length may construe by a PC case’s dimensions. Selecting a base model with a more efficient GPU rather than a factory-overclocked card with RGB backlighting is frequently preferable. This article gives you a detailed GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 game debate.
What is the GTX 970 Equivalent To?
Since most gamers set their games to run at 60 frames per second on standard 60Hz monitors. The Radeon RX 470 can match GTX970’s performance, and Radeon RX480, RX580, and GTX1060 can do even better.
Is A GTX 1060 Better Then A GTX 970?
You can use this GPU comparison tool to assist in selecting the ideal graphics card for your setup. Let’s compare the GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 6GB to see the differences.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 Clock Speed and Cuda Cores
The GTX 970 has more Cuda cores than the GTX 1060. The Gtx 1060 contains 1664 Cuda cores, compared to 1280 for the 6 GB version and 1152 for the 3 GB version.
The boost clock, however, more than makes up for the loss of Cuda cores. The base clock frequency for the GTX 1060 is 1506 MHz, while the boost clock frequency is 1708 MHz. Gtx 970 has a base clock speed of just 1050 MHz and a boost clock speed of just 1178 MHz.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 New Components
The card can support a wide range of capabilities thanks to the Ansel architecture, including VR, G-Sync, and, more recently, ray tracing. On the ancient Maxwell architecture present in the GTX 970, these more recent functions cannot utilize.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 Visual Memory
Let’s see the GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 3GB game debate: If you purchase the 1060 version, the video memory also receives specific improvements. The GTX 1060 comes with either 3 GB or 6 GB of video memory, depending on the edition, compared to the GTX 970 4 GB. So, what is a GTX 970 better than a 1060?
However, despite having less visual memory, the 3 GB version performs better-playing games due to its faster clock speed. 1060 is faster regarding stats, but the most crucial spec is memory bandwidth, where the 970 outperforms the 1060.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 5GB Cooling
The GTX 970 consumes 145 watts and can endure temperatures up to 98°C. Therefore, a high thermal capacity is great. Given this, even though it has a rather large capacity, investing in the best cooling systems is worthwhile. You should be able to maintain it below 70°C while under load with the appropriate setup.
1060 can run very hot, usually reaching temperatures between 76 and 80°C, and it doesn’t mind anything up to 94°C. It is quite acceptable, but if you intend to push it. I suggest installing at least two intake fans in your case or, even better, a custom loop.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 VRAM
On the surface, the GTX 970 has an impressive memory setup. It’s giving 1060 a run for its money in this category with a 4GB GDDR5 buffer, 256-bit bus memory, 224.4GBps bandwidth, and a memory frequency of 1753MHz, translating to an effective performance of 7GBps.
Although 1060 has a 6GB GDDR5 buffer, it needs to catch up in key areas like its 192-bit bus interface and 192GBps bandwidth. Overall, though, with a memory frequency of 2002MHz and an effective speed of 8GBps, it triumphs once more.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1060 FPS
After testing, the 3 GB Gtx 1060 version performs better than the Gtx 970 version, while the 6 GB version has a sizable frame rate increase when gaming.
Conclusion
The GTX 1060 is superior to the GTX 970 in every way. There may be a few titles where the 970 offers slightly higher frame rates than the 1060 3 GB, but these differences are not noticeable. Additionally, due to its rarity, the 970 currently sells for more than 1060. Therefore, the GTX 1060 6 GB will be the ideal choice in all situations, and the 3 GB version if there is a financial constraint.
The game evaluation focuses on the FPS obtained when playing at Ultra graphics settings on a screen with 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. 375 of the 1000 most difficult PC games available today can play with this graphics technology. So, it can handle most games easily.
One of Nvidia’s two most recent top-tier GPUs, the GeForce GTX 970 offers exceptional value as a top-tier Maxwell-based graphics card. It contains 13 SMMs, 1,664 CUDA cores, the same memory specs as the more expensive GTX 980, and a TDP under 148W.
A far better option is the Asus GTX 980 Strix. Despite having only 4GB of VRAM, it consistently outperforms the GTX 1060. It is great for gaming because it contains more Cuda Cores, texture units, and shaders.
