NVIDIA's graphic cards have been revolutionary in providing top-notch performance for gaming and graphical tasks. Two of the popular models in the older generation are the GTX 960 and the newer GTX 1060. While both belong to NVIDIA, they represent different generations, offering significantly different performance, architecture, and features. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between these two graphics cards.
Architecture
One of the primary differences between the GTX 960 and GTX 1060 lies in their underlying architectures. The GTX 960 is based on the Maxwell architecture, which was released by NVIDIA in January 2015. In contrast, the GTX 1060 is powered by the Pascal architecture, introduced by NVIDIA in July 2016. The transition from Maxwell to Pascal not only marks an advancement in terms of technology but also in performance, efficiency, and support for newer gaming features.
Performance
GTX 960 is primarily considered an entry-level card, suitable for gaming at 1080p resolution. It provides an adequate performance level for games with medium settings. This card operates with 1024 CUDA cores. The GTX 1060, however, falls into the mid-range category with 1280 CUDA cores, making it a significant step up in terms of performance. The GTX 1060 not only excels in handling 1080p gaming at high settings but is also capable of supporting some 1440p gaming, offering a much better experience than the GTX 960.
VRAM
Another crucial factor is the amount of video memory (VRAM) each card has. The GTX 960 typically comes with either 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory. In contrast, the GTX 1060 is usually available with either 3GB or 6GB of GDDR5 memory. This increased VRAM provides better performance in memory-intensive applications and games, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Power Consumption
The power requirements for each card also differ. The GTX 960 has a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) of around 120 watts. In comparison, the GTX 1060 has a slightly higher TDP, ranging from around 120 to 150 watts, depending on the specific model. This higher power consumption allows the GTX 1060 to push through more demanding tasks, albeit with a trade-off in energy efficiency.
Features
The GTX 960 is somewhat limited in terms of support for newer technologies. It lacks compatibility with some of NVIDIA's advanced features, including DirectX 12. On the other hand, the GTX 1060 offers better support for these technologies, along with the ability to utilize features such as NVIDIA Ansel for in-game photography and NVIDIA GameWorks, which enhances gameplay with real-time effects and frame-rate management.
Conclusion
Given these considerations, it is clear that the GTX 1060 emerges as a more robust and future-proof option compared to the GTX 960. While the GTX 960 remains a capable entry-level card for 1080p gaming, the GTX 1060 provides a significantly enhanced experience, especially when it comes to higher resolutions and performance requirements. If you are looking to upgrade or build a new system, the GTX 1060 is a better choice. It is a balanced card that retains its value and performance over time, making it a versatile option for both current and future gaming.