A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Between GTX 1060 3GB and RX 570 8GB

Introduction

When it comes to graphics cards, especially for budget-conscious gamers, deciding between the GTX 1060 3GB and the RX 570 8GB can be a tough choice. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison and help you make an informed decision.

Which is Better, GTX 1060 3GB or RX 570 8GB?

Price and Performance: The RX 570 is out-performed by the GTX 1060 3GB in terms of price, but the 8GB version of the RX 570 is a superior choice for most budget-conscious gamers.

VRAM Considerations: The 3GB VRAM of the GTX 1060 might be insufficient for some high-demand games, such as Watch dogs, which can use close to 35GB of VRAM even on high settings. On the other hand, the 8GB VRAM of the RX 570 ensures smoother performance and less stuttering.

Driver Support and Hardware: The 10 series cards from NVIDIA are already considered outdated. The RX 570, with more and faster VRAM, and a higher core count, provides consistently higher frame rates and better performance.

Comparison of Key Features

GTX 1060 3GB:

Cost-effective Still has ongoing driver support from NVIDIA Lower frame rates compared to its 8GB counterpart Older card, meaning it's already behind in terms of hardware capabilities

RX 570 8GB:

Better VRAM (8GB) ensures smoother performance and reduced stuttering Higher core count and more efficient hardware for modern games Drivers support for new titles, although it's less than ideal due to the age of the card

End-User Recommendations

If Budget is Tight:

The RX 570 8GB is still a very compelling option due to its price and performance, especially for 1080p at 60Hz. It outperforms the GTX 1060 3GB in terms of VRAM and is more cost-effective when considering the 60 price difference between 4GB and 3GB versions.

If You Can Afford a Better Deal:

The NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB is still a viable option, but those looking for a better frame rate consistency should consider the 8GB version of the RX 570. For a more advanced player, the RX 580, which offers similar performance, is a better all-around choice at a comparable price point.

Conclusion

While both the GTX 1060 3GB and the RX 570 8GB have their pros and cons, the 8GB RX 570 is generally the better choice due to its superior VRAM and consistent performance across various gaming settings. However, the GTX 1060 3GB remains a strong contender for those prioritizing budget.