The Best GTX 1060 Graphics Cards For The Ultimate Gaming Experience
Despite what you may have heard, not every gamer is either on Xbox or PlayStation; PC games are still equally popular, and finding the best GTX 1060 graphics card will make your gaming experience every bit as vivid and smooth as other systems. A good graphics card can improve the display quality of your videos, movies, and 3D graphics, and if you’re a hardcore gamer then you absolutely need the best possible graphics card.
However, while finding the best GTX 1060 graphics card for your PC can be quite a daunting task considering the number of products on the market, we’ve simplified the task for you by putting together reviews of some of the bestselling and top-rated models on the market. Read below to find the best fit for your needs
1- EVGA GeForce GTX 1060
If you love playing high-definition games then you will love the EVGA GeForce GTX 1060. You don’t have to buy cheap graphics cards or expensive ones that break your bank. This one is very affordable and yet packs quite a number of features for its price point.
You can play virtual reality games in high-definition thanks to the NVIDIA Pascal GPU architecture which is the latest in technology. With the GeForce, you can unlock the power of overclocking to push the capacity of your PC without shelling out those extra bucks on more powerful graphics cards. This is possible due to the EVGA precision OC which lets you do more with overclocking and even comes with an automatic overclocking tuning feature.
The RAM has a 3GB memory and is a GDDR5 which is perfect to quench your thirst for high-definition gaming. The card is quite compact and draws only 400 Watts of power and can be connected with only a single 6-pin connector. As it uses very less power, it also produces lesser heat than other cards. The 192-bit memory bus performs well for high-definition gaming but may not be great for virtual reality games.
What makes this graphics card popular is its small size. It measures only 172 mm while other cards in the segment are at least another 100mm longer. Despite its small size, it comes with 3 Display port 1.4 outputs, one HDMI 2.0b connector, and a Dual link DVI-D port. These are the latest in standards in ports for graphic cards. The power is drawn through the single 6-pin PCIe plug.
The PCI express 3.0 feature allows maximum data transfer speeds so that games that require a huge bandwidth, especially 3D games can be handled with ease. It is Microsoft Directx 12 supports the latest API so that your PC is ready for next-generation gaming.
When you play VR games, the graphics card gives you improved performance due to the simultaneous multi projection feature. What this basically does is give you multiples viewports of a single scene for an improved experience for both VR and NVIDIA surround.
Don’t worry about the cooling system drawing in more energy as the GeForce uses the EVGA ACX cooling technology. The swept fan blades are designed to optimize air flow while the double ball bearings and a low power motor ensure that the cooler uses minimum power. As a result, the fan is also very quiet. These fans with ball bearings also last longer than their sleeve bearing counterparts that usually fail once their lubricating oil dries up.
This graphics card is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
2- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 Windforce OC 3GB GDDR5 Graphics Card
We review yet another affordable GTX 1060 graphics card that can give you the best gaming experience. The GeForce GTX 1060 by Gigabyte is full of features that will give you more value for your money.
A 3GB DDR5 RAM is the standard one that will give you everything you need in a mid-range graphics card. The card is built with the same NVIDIA Pascal architecture that is used in all the advanced graphics cards on the market. It is made using super-fast FinFET manufacturing process for improved efficiency.
It can support up to 8k display at 60Hz and comes built in with 4 + 1 power phases. It comes with 2 Dual Link DVI-D ports, one HDMI 2.0b port and a 1.4 DisplayPort.
Whether you want to be ready for the next-generation gaming or want to have the ultimate in VR gaming, this card will let you do them both with ease. But all this does not mean your graphics card breathes out fire. In fact, it comes with an advanced cooling system that ensures a lower temperature despite a high performance.
The cooler consists of two fans which spin alternatively to dissipate the heat effectively without too much air turbulence. The design of the blade further enhances the smooth flow of air due to its triangular edges and the 3D curved stripes on its surface. All this results in a much quieter and cooler graphics card.
What’s even better, the fans come to a complete stop whenever low power is used or when the system is idle. So you can even enjoy your game in total silence. The copper composite heat pipes make heat dissipation easier for faster cooling rates. In fact, these pipes actually increase the cooling capacity of the system by 29%.
The best feature of this card has got to be the one-click overclocking. So even if you have no knowledge of overclocking you can simply use this setting to push the limits of your card. But if you love to manually adjust settings to get the best out of the card, then you can do so with the XTREME utility interface. This is a highly intuitive interface that lets you adjust various parameters such as voltage, clock speed, fan performance, power limits and much more.
As graphic cards have to work so hard, they also need to be durable. This card is made with high-quality chokes and capacitors to be long-lasting.
3- MSI GAMING GeForce GTX 1060
Using the power of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 is the MSI gaming graphics card that is all set to give you the best gaming experience. This one is full of features and can very well be the best GTX 1060graphics card for your needs.
A 6GB GDDR5 RAM is behind this powerful graphics card which can support 4x display monitors with a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320. The card is powered through the single 5Pin PCE-I connector. It comes with one DVI-D dual link port, an HDMI port, and 3x Display Ports.
This graphics card uses the latest in gaming technologies for superior performance. From Pascal that supports multiple monitors, advanced displays and ultra-high resolution monitors and VR displays to NVIDIA game technologies, the card is built with only the best to quench your thirst for gaming.
VR gaming has never been so easy or exciting. This is because you can improve the performance of your PC for VR games with the MSI gaming app. Simply download the app and enjoy the convenience of the single-click setting for VR use. All settings are automatically configured and it also ensures that no other software application interferes your VR experience.
The cooling system too uses the best of technology to give you maximum heat reduction and a quieter operation. It employs the TORX 2.0 fan design which has a curved blade for improved air flow. As a result, there is an increase in air pressure by 22% and the fans are quieter.
There is also another reason why you will love this graphics card. It uses Zero Frozr technology that detects idle time or low load situations and switches of the fans. So you can enjoy light gaming minus the noise and perform your best.
The heatsink is what really keeps your graphics card cool in addition to the fans. A nickel-coated copper plate transfers the heat from the GPU and directs it to the copper heat pipes which quickly dissipate the heat.
This graphics card measures only 27.9 cm which is small enough to fit almost any standard PC case. What’s even better is that unlike most other graphics card in the segment, this one uses only 2 expansion slots instead of 3 freeing up more space for airflow.
Add fun to your games by choosing some interesting LED effects using the MSI gaming app. You can tune the LED lights to game sounds or choose patterns such as flashing or even just steady light for more fun. You can also choose to completely turn them off if you find them distracting in any way.
4- ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 – DUAL-GTX1060-O6G
If you love Virtual reality games, then you have come to the right place. Add more fun to your gaming with the ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. It is chock full of features and is comparable to some high-end cards. It is the best GTX 1060 for VR games.
Why get a 1080 graphics card when you can push the limits of this 1060 card and get the same without shelling out those extra bucks? A 6GB DDR5 Ram powers this graphics card and is powered by none other than the popular NVIDIA Pascal architecture. Tap the power of overclocking with this card as it has a 1809MHz boost clock for the best gaming experience. Though it may not support 4k monitors you can play every single game out there by pushing to work at 1080p at 60fps.
As high-performing graphics cards produce a lot of heat, the cooling system impacts the performance greatly. There are two fans with patented winged-blades that increase the air pressure by a whopping 105% and helps in a superior air flow. So even at maximum power, you can stay assured that your graphics card will still be cool. The fans also operate much quieter than other cards in the segment. The fans areIP5X certified and are not only long lasting but are dust resistant too.
The components used are very durable and the card is produced using Auto-Extreme technology. The entire process is fully automated and uses Super Alloy Power II components. These components ensure that your card is more efficient, loses less power, buzzes less and operates at a low temperature. Consequently, the graphics card lasts a really long time giving you more bang for your buck.
Unlike other graphics cards, this one comes with two HDMI ports so that you can keep both your VR devices and computer connected at the same time. Swapping cables every time will now become a thing of the past.
If you know how to tune cards then you can use the advanced mode of the GPU Tweak II. But if you are new to tuning you can make use of the standard mode which makes tweaking such as clock speed, fan speed and voltage easy with intuitive settings.
The card is a bit longer than standard ones, so you will need to check if it will fit in your PC case. Once, installed, the set-up is quick and easy to get you started with your gaming.
Not only can you enjoy your game play, but you can even record your game with the XSplit game caster and stream it as you play with a single-button operation.This card is truly a beast when it comes to performance.
5- ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 AMP Edition
If you like to play more of the latest high-definition games, then you should consider the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060. It is also VR-ready giving you the best of both gaming worlds.
It has the NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card which is known for its superior gaming performance. It uses NVIDIAs Pascal architecture which lets your graphics card do more and use only less energy. The 6GB RAM has double the memory of the regular GTX 1060 cards.
With NVIDIAs Gameworks technologies you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay and cinematic effects and astounding 360-degree motion capture. These can be replicated even in a VR set-up. This graphic card is powerful enough to handle large displays, high-resolution monitors, and even multiple monitors at a time.
You don’t have to worry if this graphics card will fit into your PC case as it has been designed to be very compact. With a fit rate of 99%, there is no need to even think twice. This card comes with better support for DirectX 12 and so makes it compatible with popular VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive to name a few.
It comes with one DVI-I port, three 1.4 Display Ports and one 2.0b HDMI port. The AMP edition has a decent overclock of 1556MHz base clock and a boost clock of 1771MHz.
The cooling system is elaborate with multiple components to ensure that your graphics card stays cool at all times. The Freeze Smart feature automatically detects periods of low usage and shuts down the fans for a truly silent operation. You can still play low-end games. As the fans are not used all the time, it increases the lifespan of the fans.
The AMP edition boats the Ice storm technology that keeps the card cool with Brute force. The dual blades are 90mm wide and push the air effectively with each turn. It also employs a wide array Aluminum fin stack that covers the entire width of the card. Due to this, the heat is transferred efficiently for a cool temperature. In addition to the above, a cold copper block contact quickly transfers the heat to the dual 8mm copper heat pipes so that the graphics card is protected from the heat continuously.
Tweaking your graphics card is a breeze thanks to the intuitive and user-friendly Firestorm interface. You can adjust settings such as clock speed, fan speed, GPU power usage and more. You can even save custom profiles so that you can start playing without tweaking setting every time. This card may be expensive but gives you more value for your buck.
6- PNY GeForce GTX 1060 3GB Graphics Card
If you are looking to upgrade your graphics card but don’t want to pay through your nose, then the PNY GeForce GTX 1060 might be just the one for you.
Whether you want to play the latest high-definition games or enjoy playing VR games, this graphics card can handle both effortlessly. It has a base clock of 1506 MHz and a boost clock of 1708 MHz to give you the ultimate experience in gaming. A standard 3GB DDR5 RAM is behind this all-powerful graphics card. The card supports a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 for a true gaming experience.
It is powered by the NVIDIA Pascal architecture which is the best GPU architecture you can lay your hands on. You can get the best in power efficiency and performance as it uses super-fast FinFET and memory technologies that are ideal for next-generation gaming. NVIDIA’s CUDA technology ensures that the GPU is utilized to its maximum for a superior performance.
It comes with one DVI port, one HDMI port and three Display Port outputs to give you enough flexibility in terms of connectivity.
With NVIDIA gameworks technologies you can enjoy cinema-like experience and even 360-degree motion capture. Don’t worry about connecting multiple monitors or using high-end displays as this graphics card supports them all with ease.
Installing this card is super-easy as it just requires connecting to a single 6-pin port for its power source. It uses 120W and so requires to be connected to at least a 400W power source for maximum performance. Its small size also makes it easily fit into most PC cases and only needs a PCI express compliant motherboard and one double width graphics slot. It is also compatible with operating systems such as Microsoft windows 10, 8, 7 and Linux.
Latency issues can be quite bothersome when it comes to VR gaming. But the PNY GeForce GTX 1060 gives you next-to-none latency. What’s even better is that it is compatible with the popular VR headsets like Oculus Rift and the like and these headsets can simply be plugged in to begin playing.
The card comes with dual fans that keep your card cool at all times. It is made with durable materials to not only last but also to be energy efficient. This graphics card is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty for a complete peace of mind
How To Choose Your Graphics Card?
Source: wikihow.com
Here is a little guide that will help you choose the right graphics card for your needs.
1- Performance Range
Graphics cards for gaming can be classified broadly into three different ranges based on how much you game. There are cards for high-end gaming, middle-tier ones and budget cards. GTX 1060 cards are mid-range cards for the not-so-insane gamer.
2- Price
Of course, the most important consideration will be the price as graphics cards can be expensive additions to your PC. There are budget-friendly cards in the $100 – $200 range to high-end cards that are price $500 – $800 or more. You can get a good mid-range GTX1060 card for anywhere between $200 and $400.
3- RAM
The most important spec to look for is the RAM. This includes both the amount of memory as well as the type of RAM used. High-performance cards have a memory of 3GB and upwards. The GDDR5 type of RAM is recommended for gaming.
4- The Cooling System
It is a given that graphics cards produce a lot of heat especially so when they are used for gaming. So a proper and efficient cooling system is very important. You should be aware of the two different types of coolers that graphic cards come with.
- Reference – These are graphics cards that have cooling systems designed by the manufacturer themselves. These usually have a single fan on one side that will send the hot air away from your computer.
- Non-Reference – These graphics cards come with cooling systems that are designed or modified by other companies. They usually have two fans and though is heat is driven away from the graphics card, it is usually driven into your computer case. This can add to the internal heat of your computer and an additional stress on the computer’s inbuilt cooling system.
5- Compatibility
This refers to the physical space requirement for the graphics card inside your computer, the PCIe inputs for power and the amount of power the card utilizes.
Finally, read up other reviews or get recommendations from fellow gamers before you make your purchase.
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Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit
- http://computer.howstuffworks.com/graphics-card.htm
- http://www.harveynorman.com.au/graphics-cards-buying-guide
- https://www.howtogeek.com/268899/beginner-geek-do-i-need-a-graphics-card/
- http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-things-know-buying-graphics-card/