Performance Showdown: GTX 960 SLI vs GTX 1060
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 and GTX 1060 are both popular graphics cards that are often compared to one another. While they are both parts of the NVIDIA GeForce family and have similar names, there are some significant differences between the two that may influence your decision if you are trying to choose between them.
Comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 and GTX 1060
| Specification | GTX 960 SLI | GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Base clock speed | 1127 MHz | 1506 MHz |
| Boost clock speed | 1178 MHz | 1708 MHz |
| Memory | 2 GB GDDR5 | 3/6 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bandwidth | 112 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| Performance | Moderate | High |
| TDP | 120 watts | 120/140 watts |
| Price | $150-$200 | $200-$300 |
| Support for SLI | Yes | No |
GTX 960 SLI vs GTX 1060: Which is the Better Graphics Card?
First, let’s start by looking at the specs of these two graphics cards. The GTX 960 has a base clock speed of 1127 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1178 MHz, with 2GB of GDDR5 memory. It has a memory bandwidth of 112 GB/s and a memory interface of 128-bit. In terms of performance, the GTX 960 is able to handle most games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates, but it may struggle with more demanding games or higher resolutions.
On the other hand, the GTX 1060 has a base clock speed of 1506 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz, with either 3GB or 6GB of GDDR5 memory. It has a memory bandwidth of 192 GB/s and a memory interface of 192 bits. The GTX 1060 is a more powerful graphics card and is able to handle most games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with high frame rates. It is also capable of handling VR applications and is a good choice for those looking to get into VR gaming.
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One of the biggest differences between the GTX 960 and the GTX 1060 is their performance. The GTX 1060 is significantly more powerful than the GTX 960, with a performance increase of around 50%. This means that the GTX 1060 is able to handle more demanding games and higher resolutions, while the GTX 960 may struggle with these tasks. If you are looking to play the latest games at high settings and resolutions, the GTX 1060 is the better choice.
Another difference between these two graphics cards is their power consumption. The GTX 960 has a TDP (thermal design power) of 120 watts, while the GTX 1060 has a TDP of 120 watts for the 3GB version and a TDP of 140 watts for the 6GB version. This means that the GTX 1060 will use slightly more power than the GTX 960, but the difference is not significant.
One feature that the GTX 960 has that the GTX 1060 does not is support for SLI (Scalable Link Interface). This allows you to connect two or more GTX 960 graphics cards together in order to increase performance. The GTX 1060 does not support SLI, so if you are looking to set up a multi-GPU system, the GTX 960 may be a better choice. However, keep in mind that SLI can be more complicated to set up and may not always provide a significant performance boost.
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Finally, let’s look at the price of these two graphics cards. The GTX 960 is generally cheaper than the GTX 1060, with prices ranging from $150 to $200 depending on the model. The GTX 1060, on the other hand, has a wider price range, with prices starting at around $200 for the 3GB version and going up to around $300 for the 6GB version.
Making the Decision: GTX 960 SLI or GTX 1060 for Your Gaming Setup?
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 and GTX 1060 are both solid graphics cards, but there are some significant differences between them that may influence your decision. The GTX 1060 is more powerful and capable of handling more demanding games and higher resolutions, while the GTX 960 is cheaper and supports SLI. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your budget and your gaming needs.