GTX 1060 Vs RTX 2060: Better Budget GPU?

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Abde Manaf

At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.

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Pros And Cons

Comparison Table

Architectural Differences

1. Processing Node: The RTX 2060 takes a dominant position with a later 12nm processing FinFET technology. This is rivaled by GTX 1060’s much older 16nm FinFET technology.
2. CPU Core Count: The GTX 1060 consists of 1280 CUDA cores with no inclusion of any Tensor or Ray Tracing cores. This comes out way weaker than the 1920 CUDA cores of the RTX 2060, which are coupled with 240 Tensor cores and 30 Ray Tracing cores.
3. TDP: The GTX 1060 offers a maximum TDP of 120W to its users. Meanwhile, the RTX 2060 has a base TDP of 160W, substantially greater than the GTX 1060.
4. Clock Speeds: Next, speaking of the clock speeds, the GTX 1060 clocks at a base frequency of 1506MHz, which can be further boosted up to 1709MHz. Conversely, the RTX 2060 provides a lower base clock and boost clock speeds of 1365MHz and 1680MHz respectively.
5. Supported Features: Finally, the GTX 1060 lacks dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing and AI-driven features. Meanwhile, the RTX 2060 supports real-time ray tracing, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), and other AI-enhanced features, thanks to its RT and Tensor cores.

Having explored the realm of the RTX 3070 Ti showing a performance improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti, it’s time to redirect our attention to NVIDIA’s battleground. Now, let’s dive into the exciting arena of graphics cards and set our sights on the intriguing matchup between the GeForce GTX 1060 vs RTX 2060.

GTX 1060 Vs RTX 2060: Gaming Benchmarks 

After exploring the intricacies of their technical specifications, it’s time to ponder over the practical performance of the GeForce GTX 1060 and RTX 2060. Through comprehensive analysis, we will assess how these graphics cards measure up in the face of today’s demanding gaming criteria.

Testing Rig

Here are the specs of the testing rig:

• OS: Windows 10 Pro
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
• Motherboard: GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Pro Wifi
• RAM: Patriot Viper LED DDR4-3600 16GB RAM
• CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm
• PSU: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
• Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus G 2TB
• Resolution: 1080p

To complete our comprehensive analysis, we will dive into a detailed comparison between the GTX 1060 and the RTX 2060. Our examination will focus on essential performance metrics, such as frames per second, temperature levels, power consumption, and 1% lows. 

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

• Firstly, the RTX 2060 takes the lead with an impressive 30.9% boost in average FPS, outperforming the GTX 1060, clocking in at 56 FPS compared to the latter’s 41 FPS in our benchmark tests.
• The RTX 2060 exhibits a remarkable 1% low performance, delivering 43 FPS and showcasing a 20.5% improvement in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla compared to the GTX 1060’s 35 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

• In Microsoft Flight Simulator, with a remarkable 47.7% increase in average FPS performance, the RTX 2060 establishes its dominance by delivering an impressive 70 FPS, outshining the GTX 1060’s 43 FPS in our benchmark tests.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 displays excellent 1% low performance, achieving 63 FPS and outperforming the GTX 1060 with a significant 52% increase compared to its 37 FPS.

Horizon Zero Dawn

• When it comes to Horizon Zero Dawn, the RTX 2060 takes the crown with a significant 46.4% advantage in average FPS, achieving an impressive 69 FPS compared to the GTX 1060’s 43 FPS.
• In terms of 1% low performance, we saw the RTX 2060 demonstrate its superiority with 63 FPS, showcasing an impressive 47% improvement over the GTX 1060’s 39 FPS.

Hitman 3

• The RTX 2060 showcases its superiority in Hitman 3 by outperforming the GTX 1060 with a remarkable 53% increase in average FPS, delivering an impressive 105 FPS compared to the latter’s 61 FPS.
• Moreover, with its improved 1% low performance, the RTX 2060 delivers 100 FPS, showcasing a notable 45.3% increase compared to the GTX 1060’s 63 FPS.

CYBERPUNK 2077

• In the Cyberpunk 2077 test, the RTX 2060 asserts its dominance by delivering a notable 66.6% improvement over the GTX 1060, achieving a solid 58 FPS compared to the competitor’s 29 FPS.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 excels in 1% low performance, achieving 52 FPS and exhibiting an impressive 66.6% boost compared to the GTX 1060’s 26 FPS.

Players Unknown Battleground

• The RTX 2060 stands out with an impressive 42.8% increase in average FPS performance, surpassing the GTX 1060 by delivering 119 FPS compared to the latter’s 77 FPS in our PUBG benchmark.
• Additionally, in terms of 1% low performance, the RTX 2060 shines with its 94 FPS, surpassing the GTX 1060 by a significant 42.5% improvement from its 61 FPS.

Days Gone

• With a significant 55.1% boost in average FPS output, the RTX 2060 establishes its dominance over the GTX 1060, delivering an impressive 81 FPS compared to the competitor’s 46 FPS in Days Gone.
• Moreover, the RTX 2060 demonstrates superior 1% low performance, delivering 54 FPS and showcasing an impressive 40% increase compared to the GTX 1060’s 36 FPS.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• The RTX 2060 shines with a remarkable 53.4% increase in average FPS, leaving the GTX 1060 in its wake with an average of 64 FPS compared to 37 FPS in RDR 2.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 showcases enhanced 1% low performance, achieving 55 FPS and outperforming the GTX 1060 with a remarkable 44.7% improvement compared to its 33 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

Based on our benchmark analysis, the RTX 2060 significantly outperforms the GTX 1060, consistently achieving higher FPS and 1% lows across various games. With an average FPS of 77.7 compared to the GTX 1060’s 47.1, the RTX 2060 showcases a notable 49% performance advantage.

Average Power Consumption

During the benchmarks, our investigation revealed notable differences in power consumption between the GeForce GTX 1060 and RTX 2060. The GTX 1060 exhibits impressive efficiency, consuming 42.1% less power than the RTX 2060, promising both energy savings and cost-effectiveness.

Average Thermal Statistics

While exploring thermal metrics, our benchmark testing revealed the GTX 1060’s superior thermal efficiency, attributed to its lower power consumption compared to the RTX 2060.  Overall, the benchmark results establish the GTX 1060’s superiority in thermal efficiency, with a significant 4% advantage over the RTX 2060.

Pricing And Availability

In our market analysis on platforms like Amazon, we found the RTX 2060 priced heftily, whereas the GTX 1060 was more affordable. Notably, the RTX 2060’s price is about 105% higher than the GTX 1060. However, it’s important to consider that these prices can vary due to factors like product availability and market fluctuations.

RTX 2060 Vs GTX 1060: Which One Should You Go For? 

GeForce GTX 1080: While the GTX 1060 comes at a tempting price, being 66.6% cheaper than the RTX 2060, its 49% lower average FPS must be noted. However, we noticed that it excels in power efficiency and thermal management, consuming 42.1% less power and running 4% cooler than the RTX 2060.

GeForce RTX 2060: We observed that the RTX 2060 has acceleration results in our benchmarks in the overall framerates, despite being more power-hungry and thermally active. It is an instant favorite for users wishing for a superior performance.

In our opinion, although the GTX 1060 may be more affordable, the RTX 2060 surpasses it in terms of FPS performance, making it a highly attractive option for users seeking superior gaming capabilities. However, those putting budget, power, and thermal efficiency in front would opt otherwise.

More From GeForce GTX 1060:

• RTX 4060 Vs GTX 1060

More From GeForce RTX 2060:

• RTX 2060 Vs 3060
• RTX 2060 Vs RX Vega 56
• RX 6600 Vs RTX 2060

Abde Manaf

[Comparisons Expert]

Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.

Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.

As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.

Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com