If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, you may be considering Nvidia’s 980 and 1060 models.
But which one is the better choice for you?
In this article, we’ll compare the two cards and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Introduction
Graphics cards are an essential component for any serious PC gamer or designer. They determine the quality of graphics you see on your screen, and a good graphics card can make a world of difference in the overall performance of your computer.
Two of the most popular graphics cards on the market today are the Nvidia 980 and the Nvidia 1060. Both cards are powerful, but they have some important differences that can make one a better choice than the other depending on your needs.
Specs Comparison
The first thing to consider when comparing the Nvidia 980 and 1060 is their specs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two cards stack up:
| Specs | Nvidia 980 | Nvidia 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Pascal |
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 1280 |
| Base Clock | 1126 MHz | 1506 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1216 MHz | 1708 MHz |
| Memory | 4GB/8GB GDDR5 | 3GB/6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| TDP | 165W | 120W |
As you can see, there are some significant differences between the two cards. The Nvidia 980 has more CUDA cores and a higher base and boost clock speed, making it more powerful overall. However, the Nvidia 1060 uses newer Pascal architecture, which offers some advantages in terms of power efficiency and performance.
Performance Comparison
Of course, specs aren’t everything when it comes to graphics cards. What really matters is how they perform in real-world applications.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Nvidia 980 and 1060 compare in some popular games and benchmarks:
Gaming Performance
| Game | Nvidia 980 | Nvidia 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 68 FPS | 61 FPS |
| Battlefield 1 | 98 FPS | 90 FPS |
| Fortnite | 107 FPS | 100 FPS |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 91 FPS | 79 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 56 FPS | 53 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 66 FPS | 58 FPS |
As you can see, the Nvidia 980 generally outperforms the 1060 in terms of gaming performance.
However, the difference isn’t always significant, and the 1060 can still deliver excellent performance in most modern games.
Benchmark Performance
| Benchmark | Nvidia 980 | Nvidia 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy | 5,523 | 4,936 |
| Unigine Heaven 4.0 | 2,576 | 2,406 |
In benchmark tests, the Nvidia 980 also outperforms the 1060, although the difference is smaller than in gaming performance.
Power Consumption
One factor that is often overlooked when comparing graphics cards is power consumption.
The Nvidia 980 has a higher TDP than the 1060, which means it consumes more power and generates more heat.
This can be a concern if you’re building a system with limited power or cooling capabilities.
Price Comparison
Finally, price is always a consideration when buying a graphics card.
Here’s a breakdown of the current prices for the Nvidia 980 and 1060:
| Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nvidia 980 | $400-$600 |
| Nvidia 1060 | $200-$350 |
As you can see, the Nvidia 1060 is significantly cheaper than the 980, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which graphics card should you choose – the Nvidia 980 or the Nvidia 1060? It depends on your needs and budget.
If you’re a serious gamer or designer looking for the best possible performance, the Nvidia 980 is the better choice. It offers more power and better gaming performance, although it comes with a higher price tag and higher power consumption.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great performance, the Nvidia 1060 is a solid choice. It’s significantly cheaper than the 980 and offers excellent gaming performance for most modern games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Nvidia 980 and 1060 are great graphics cards that offer excellent performance for gaming and design applications. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your needs, budget, and preferences.
If you’re still unsure which one to choose, consider your priorities – are you willing to pay extra for top-of-the-line performance, or are you looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers great performance?
Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying stunning graphics and top-notch performance on your computer.
FAQs
- What’s the main difference between the Nvidia 980 and 1060 graphics cards?
The main difference between the Nvidia 980 and 1060 is the generation they belong to. The 980 is an older card from the Maxwell architecture, while the 1060 is a newer card from the Pascal architecture. The 1060 offers more power efficiency and better performance in most modern games.
- Which graphics card is better for gaming?
If you’re a serious gamer looking for the best possible performance, the Nvidia 980 is the better choice. It offers more power and better gaming performance than the 1060, although it comes with a higher price tag and higher power consumption. However, the 1060 is still a great choice for most modern games and offers excellent performance at a lower price point.
- Is the Nvidia 980 worth the higher price tag?
It depends on your needs and budget. If you’re a serious gamer or designer looking for the best possible performance, the Nvidia 980 is definitely worth the higher price tag. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need top-of-the-line performance, the Nvidia 1060 is a solid choice that offers great performance at a lower price point.
- Can the Nvidia 1060 handle virtual reality (VR) gaming?
Yes, the Nvidia 1060 is capable of handling virtual reality (VR) gaming. It offers enough power to handle most modern VR games and applications, although you may need to adjust some settings to get the best performance.
- Which graphics card is more power-efficient?
The Nvidia 1060 is more power-efficient than the 980, thanks to its newer Pascal architecture. It requires less power to operate and generates less heat, making it a more efficient and cooler-running option. However, the 980 still offers excellent performance and may be a better choice for users who prioritize performance over power efficiency.