When it comes to PC gaming, one of the most important decisions a gamer has to make is what graphics card they put in their PC. There aren’t many things that make people want to throw their controller more than trying to play on low framerates, especially when playing multiplayer.
A good graphics card can mean the difference between a game being so choppy that it looks like it was the first film ever made and a game that runs smooth as silk. 🖥️ ✨
Best GTX 1060 for Gaming
Every year, games are getting more and more intense for graphics cards to handle. Graphics cards that once were able to hold frame rates over 60 fps on Max settings might have a harder time with new games simply because the games demand more power. So what do gamers need to keep up? You guessed it, more power.
Graphics cards companies, like Nvidia and AMD, have released more powerful graphics cards every year to respond to the increasing demand from games. The most recent card from Nvidia is the GTX 1080, which can run games on 4k with Max settings while sustaining high frame rates. That’s amazing, but it’s also very expensive and the price may be out of reach for most gamers.
So do all gamers need the powerful GTX 1080 for good gaming in 2020? No, not necessarily. In fact, there are many less powerful options, like the GTX 1060, which have a much better mix of performance and price. The GTX 1060 graphics card comes in many different shapes and sizes, but almost all of them should be able to give you plenty of power for some great 1080p gameplay.
To help you search for the best GTX 1060 graphics card for your PC gaming setup, here is a list of the top GTX 1060s you should be considering today.
If you haven’t yet, make sure to also check out GameGavel’s article on the best graphics card for gaming to give you a good overview of what is out there.
Best Choice: MSI Gaming X GeForce GTX 1060
Pros & Cons
- Backplate for extra durability
- Huge overclocking potential
- Expensive
Key Features
- PCI-E Power Connector
- Backplate
- VRAM: 3GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1596 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1809 MHz
- Dimensions: 13.6 x 10.6 x 3.3in (345 x 269 x 83.82mm)
- Connectivity: 3 DisplayPorts, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI
MSI Gaming X GeForce GTX 1060 Review
The MSI Gaming X GeForce GTX 1060 just exudes quality. This graphics card has a dual-fan cooling system with a red and black design, giving it a really cool look.
MSI has built the Gaming X with a backplate, which gives this GTX 1060 extra durability and a clean look on the back. It’s a big graphics card, though, at 13.6 x 10.6 x 3.3 inches, so make sure you have space in your case before buying.
In terms of performance, the MSI Gaming X is one of the best GTX 1060s out there. It has a base clock speed of 1596 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1809 MHz. That means that the MSI Gaming X has a lot of overclocking potential, meaning it should be able to run games on 1080p with high graphics smoothly.
This graphics card could also handle 4k, but you would probably have to have it on Medium graphics in order to sustain 60+ framerates.
The MSI Gaming X has 3 display ports, 1 HDMI port, and 1 DVI port. Only having 1 HDMI port means you won’t be able to plug both your VR headset and your monitor in at the same time, which is a bummer. But this graphics card should have plenty of power for VR once you have it set up.
If you are looking for a very high-quality GTX 1060 graphics card, it is hard to go wrong with the MSI Gaming X. With speeds to handle 1080p gaming at Ultra settings with ease, you can save money by avoiding a more upscale GTX 1070 or 1080 and go with this great graphics card.
Premium Pick: Gigabyte AORUS GeForce GTX 1060
Pros & Cons
- Good overclocking potential
- RGB lighting makes for a great design
- Expensive for a GTX 1060
- Huge size difficult to fit in all computers
Key Features
- Triple-fan cooling system
- Backplate with RGB illumination
- Base Clock Speed: 1607 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1860 MHz
- 11.02 x 4.38 x 1.51in (280 x 111 x 38mm)
- Connectivity: 3 DisplayPorts, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI
Gigabyte AORUS GeForce GTX 1060 Review
Let’s switch from the compact sizes of the EVGA GeForce and the ZOTAC GeForce to the beast that is the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce. With a length of 11 inches, this massive graphics card comes with a lot of power for a GTX 1060 and some fancy RGB design elements.
TheAORUS GeForce is built with a backplate, giving it a nice sturdy build. It would look great in any case, as long as you can fit it in there.
Since the AORUS GeForce is so massive, it can put out a lot of power. Its base clock speed alone is 1607 MHz, which one of the highest for any GTX 1060. What makes AORUS great though is its overclocking potential, which is massive: its boost clock speed is 1860 MHz.
This great overclocking speed is made possible by the Gigabyte AORUS’ three 80mm cooling fans. The AORUS should be able to handle 1080p gaming easily, as well as some 4k gaming.
Considering how big and powerful it is, the price of the Gigabyte AORUS is really good. At $309, that’s cheaper than many less powerful options out there. If you have space in your case for it, I would absolutely check out the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce GTX 1060.
But if you’re looking for something even cheaper, check out our article on the best graphics cards under $200.
Best Value: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060
Pros & Cons
- Backplate makes it extra durable
- Great value
- Only 1 DisplayPort
Key Features
- WINDFORCE 2x with Blade fan design
- Built with backplate
- VRAM: 3GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1582 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1797 MHz
- 8.8 x 4.8 x 1.6in (224 x 122 x 41mm)
- Connectivity: 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI, 2 DVI
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 Review
For gamers on a tight budget who still want a card that can perform well, check out the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060. This graphics card, which currently sits at $212 on Amazon, has 3GB of VRAM with a base clock speed of 1582 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1797 MHz. While it might not be the most powerful GTX 1060 on the market, its price to performance ratio is fantastic.
While 3GB VRAM graphics cards generally don’t perform as well as 6GB cards, they still, in many instances, have frame rates that are pretty close when gaming. For normal FPS’, like Fortnite, the 3GB Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 will have you gaming at 1080p at well over 60 fps, just like a 6GB graphics card would.
When it comes to more demanding games, however, like the Rise of the Tomb Raider, you will start to see a difference in frame rates, with the 3GB Gigabyte GeForce often times being 10 fps lower than a 6GB option.
When it comes to looks, the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 offers a very neutral aesthetic. No need to worry about a design that’s too crazy with this graphics card – the craziest things on it are a few bright orange lines. The Gigabyte GeForce is also built with a backplate, giving it extra durability.
What’s a little weird on the Gigabyte GeForce is the options you get for ports on this card: 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI, and 2 DVIs. It would be nice to have one of the DVI ports be an HDMI for easier an easier VR gaming setup, but oh well.
All in all, the Gigabyte GeForce offers gamers a great budget option for GTX 1060 graphics card. Even if it can’t quite match the power of more expensive GTX 1060s, It should offer you plenty of power for 1080p gaming.
For a full list of graphics cards with for gamers on a budget, check out GameGavel’s list of best graphics cards under $300.
Best Compact Size: EVGA GeForce GTX 1060
Pros & Cons
- PCIe power connecter leads to easy setup
- Great price
- Compact size
- Limited overclocking potential
- Expensive
Key Features
- 3-year warranty
- PCIe power connector
- VRAM: 6GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1708 MHz
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 1.6 x 4.4in (172.72 x 40.64 x 111.15mm)
- Connectivity: 3 DisplayPorts, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI
EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 Review
Tiny, powerful, and affordable. That pretty much sums up the EVA GeForce. This 3GB GTX 1060 graphics card has only a single ACX 2.0 cooling fan and has a really small profile, which allows it to fit in nearly every computer case. Setup becomes even easier with its PCI-Express connector.
Despite its size, the EVA GeForce has a base clock speed of 1506 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz. That’s pretty good for a 3GB graphics card. Ultimately, the EVGA GeForce won’t be the highest performing GTX 1060 on the block, and its overclocking potential is limited since it only has one cooling fan.
But let’s get to another important aspect of the EVA GeForce GTX 1060: the price. At under $230, it’s one of the cheapest GTX 1060s out there. So for the price, the performance is pretty decent.
If you are looking for a GTX 1060 with a smaller profile, a cheaper price, and good performance, then the EVGA GeForce GTX 1060. Even though it isn’t the most powerful, this graphics card should have plenty of power to give you some great 1080p gaming. If you’re looking for more budget options, check our article on the best budget graphics cards.
Best Single-Fan: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 Mini
Pros & Cons
- Compact size
- VR Ready
- Warranty included in purchase
- Pricey
- Limited overclocking
Key Features
- Single-fan cooling
- VRAM: 6GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1708 MHz
- 6.9 x 4.4 x 1.6in (175 x 112 x 40.64mm)
- Connectivity: 3 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI, 1 DVI
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 Mini Review
If you are looking for something that is equally as compact as the EVGA GeForce but has slightly more VRAM, then check out the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060. This compact graphics card has a very sturdy build, giving it a high-quality feel. For port options, the ZOTAC GeForce has 3 DisplayPorts, 1 HDMI, and 1 DVI.
The power of the ZOTAC GeForce is pretty comparable to the EVGA GeForce. Its base clock speed is 1506 MHz, and its boost clock speed is 1708 MHz. Also similar to the EVGA GeForce is its lack of overclocking potential because of having only one fan.
However, the ZOTAC GeForce benefits from having 6GB of VRAM, which allows for a little bit smoother gameplay than what you can get with 3GB.
What’s unfortunate about the ZOTAC GeForce is just how expensive it is for a single-fan GTX 1080. It’s currently sitting at $350. If you are committed to a Mini ITX case and absolutely need a compact graphics card, then the ZOTAC would be worth the money. If you have more space though, it might be better to spend your money somewhere else.
Asus Dual-Fan OC Edition GeForce GTX 1060
Pros & Cons
- Great selection of ports: 2 DisplayPort and 2 HDMIs
- Good performance for price
- The design isn’t for everyone
Key Features
- Two fans
- VRAM: 6GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1594 MHz / Boost Clock Speed: 1809 MHz
- 9.53 x 1.69 x 5.12in (242 x 43 x 130mm)
- Connectivity: 2 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI, 1 DVI
Asus Dual-Fan OC Edition GeForce GTX 1060 Review
This uniquely designed graphics card offers a great performance for a relatively low price. For under $300, the ASUS Dual-Fan GTX 1060 gives you a base clock speed of 1594 MHz and the potential for a boost clock speed of 1809 MHz. That amount of power should be plenty to sustain some high frame rates when playing on 1080p with Max graphics, especially for FPS games.
The look of the Asus Dual-Fan may not be one that is liked by everyone, but it’s sharp, matte white aesthetic should look great in your computer case. It has two fans to cool it down, which don’t ever get too loud even when it’s running hot. Is it the quietest graphics card out there? No, it won’t be too distracting.
In terms of connections, the Asus Dual-Fan GeForce has 2 display ports, 2 HDMI ports, and 1 DVI port. The two HDMI ports are great for plugging both your monitor and a VR headset into at the same time, something that not all GTX 1060s allow for.
The Asus Dual-Fan should have enough power to run VR games, which makes this graphics card one of the most VR-ready on the market.
When it comes to buying a graphics card, it is important to find a great mix of price and performance. In the Asus Dual-Fan GeForce, you get a well-performing 6GB GTX 1060 graphics card for a great value. For those looking for a great option for high frame rate gaming at 1080p, this should be high on your list.
GTXs 1060: Buying Guide
The GTX 1060 is a great middle-of-the-road option for gamers who don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for higher-end graphics cards, like the GTX 1080 but still want a high-quality gaming experience. Nvidia, the company that develops GTX graphics cards, partners with a lot of different gaming companies to allow them to put there own twist on their technology.
Although the performance of each Nvidia GTX 1060 is pretty comparable, there are still some differences between them that might make one a lot better for your computer than another. Below is a guide to some of the top things you should consider when picking out your next GTX 1060.
By the way, if you need help installing your new graphics card, make sure to check out the guide on how to install a graphics card to help you make sure you install your new card correctly.
Overclocking
If you aren’t familiar, “Overclocking” essentially means pushing your graphics card past its factory default limits for maximum power. It used to be a somewhat risky procedure that gamers did on the DL to try and get the highest frame rates they could out of older graphics cards.
However, gaming companies eventually caught on to the fact that most PC gamers were doing it, so companies have now set up safe and easy ways to overclock their graphics cards.
Having powerful overclocking potential can mean a longer lifespan for your graphics card before needing to replace it with a more powerful one. Don’t know how to overclock your GPU? Check out GameGavel’s guide on how to overclock your GPU to find out how.
Connection Options
Make sure to pay attention to the connection options of each graphics card to make sure it has the ports that you need. Graphics cards will have at least one DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI port, but many models have multiple of at least one of those options.
Want to plug both your VR headset and your monitor in at the same time? Make sure multiple HDMI ports are available.
Size
Graphics cards are not one-size-fits-all. Make sure to measure the size of your computer case before making a purchase to make sure that the graphics card you buy will actually fit. Don’t be the idiot that buys a card that’s too big for their computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions that people have when buying a GTX 1060 graphics card.
What is a 1060 graphics card?
A 1060 graphics card is a model made by Nvidia. The graphics card was released back in 2016 and still offers gamers a great option for 1080p gaming at a not-too-expensive price.
Does GTX 1060 support 4k?
Yes, almost all GTX 1060 can handle 4k graphics, but gamers should keep their quality between low to medium to sustain high frame rates.
How many watts do I need for a GTX 1060?
The average amount of watts needed for a GeForce GTX 1060 is between 350 and 400 watts.
Final Words
Getting one of the best GTX 1060 graphics cards for gaming is something close to a budget choice at the end of this decade. However, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to run the newest titles that you like. Far from it. These GPUs will allow you to play almost anything at high or ultimate settings and they will be able to carry your gaming rig at medium or low performance for the next couple of years.