What is Better: GTX 1060 or Two GTX 770s?
In the realm of graphic card comparisons, the debate between the NVIDIA GTX 1060 and a pair of GTX 770s often arises. While both have their merits, recent technological advancements and practical considerations lean more towards the GTX 1060. This article delves into the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision for your next gaming or workstation purchase.
Comparison Overview
The GTX 1060 consistently outperforms a couple of GTX 770s due to several key factors: VRAM availability, driver support, power consumption, and compatibility. Let's dive into each of these aspects in detail.
VRAM and Performance
One of the critical factors in modern graphics cards is the amount of VRAM (Video RAM). The GTX 1060 offers 3GB or 6GB of GDDR5/GDDR5X, which is significantly more than the 2GB of VRAM found in each GTX 770. This VRAM difference is a significant limiting factor for the pair of 770 GPUs, as it can quickly become a bottleneck in demanding applications and games.
As an example, when a GTX 1060 3GB was replaced with a GTX 770 in the "Nvidia Show" PC, the performance was nearly the same but dropped drastically once the VRAM limitation was reached. This demonstrates the importance of VRAM in modern graphics processing.
Driver Support and Longevity
A lesser-known but equally crucial factor is driver support. The GTX 1060 benefits from more extended and comprehensive driver support, ensuring longevity and compatibility with the latest software and games. In contrast, the GTX 770, despite its power, faces the risk of obsolescence faster due to limited driver updates and support.
Power Consumption and Thermal Issues
The power required to run a pair of GTX 770s is substantially higher. At 400W, it's comparable to a good mid-range 1060, while a single 1060 demands only 120W. This power requirement not only raises concerns about energy efficiency but also leads to thermal issues. Overclocking the 770 further exacerbates these problems, as the card can consume up to 225W, creating a noisy and potentially unreliable setup.
Furthermore, running a pair of 770s in SLI (NVIDIA Surround) can lead to significant air restriction issues, which can impact overall performance and stability. The screeching fan noise and high power consumption are clear indicators of a less-than-ideal setup.
Single Card vs. Multi-GPU Consistency
A single GTX 1060 offers consistent performance across various applications and games, whereas a pair of 770s can suffer from microstuttering and other multi-GPU flaws. This consistency is particularly valuable for workstations and daily tasks that require steady performance.
Even if a pair of 770s could match the performance of a single 1060, the additional trouble and potential thermal issues make it a less appealing option. Additionally, for applications that benefit from multi-GPU setups significantly, the latest models of GTX 1060 are still often the better choice due to their built-in multi-GPU support and higher efficiency.
Variants of GTX 1060
The GTX 1060 comes in three versions: 3GB, 6GB GDDR5, and 6GB GDDR5X. While the 3GB version is the least powerful, the 6GB GDDR5 offers closer performance to the 1060 Ti, making it a more worthwhile investment. The 6GB GDDR5X version, although the most powerful, is the most recent and offers the best overall performance.
It is generally advisable to avoid the 3GB version unless your budget is incredibly tight. For most users, the 6GB GDDR5 version is a better choice, providing a solid balance between power and cost.
Conclusion
Given the VRAM limitations, power consumption, and ongoing driver support, the GTX 1060 is a more practical and reliable option compared to a pair of GTX 770s. The 6GB GDDR5 variant of the GTX 1060 should be your top choice for its cost-effectiveness and performance.
Keywords: GTX 1060, GTX 770, VRAM, Multi-GPU, Power Consumption