GTX 1060 Vs RTX 2060: Better Budget GPU?

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 own 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.

Key Takeaways

• Starting off, the RTX 2060 leverages the cutting-edge Turing architecture, while the GTX 1060 relies on the tried-and-true Pascal architecture.
• Moreover, the RTX 2060 surpasses the GTX 1060 with a substantial 49% increase in average FPS, solidifying its position.
• Furthermore, the GTX 1060 exhibits superior power efficiency, consuming 42.1% less power compared to the RTX 2060.
• Lastly, the benchmark analysis reveals that the RTX 2060 lags behind the GTX 1060 in terms of thermal efficiency, with a 4% disadvantage.

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

GeForce GTX 1060

The GTX 1060, part of the RTX 1000 series, comes equipped with a base clock of 1506 MHz and a boost clock of 1709 MHz, delivering solid performance for its price range. It features 6 GB of GDDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 192.2 GB/s, allowing for smooth and responsive gameplay.

The GTX 1060 strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want to enjoy modern titles without breaking their budget. Its specifications and affordability make the GTX 1060 a reliable option for those seeking an entry-level graphics card.

Also Read: RTX 3050 Vs 2060

GeForce RTX 2060

The RTX 2060, belonging to the RTX 2000 series, emerged as a notable addition a few years ago. With a base clock of 1365 MHz and a boost clock of 1680 MHz, this graphics card offers impressive performance capabilities.

It is equipped with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, providing a bandwidth of 336.0 GB/s, ensuring smooth and immersive gaming experiences. The RTX 2060 strikes a balance between power and value, offering ray-tracing technology and AI-enhanced features at a more accessible price point.

Its specifications, combined with its affordability and modern features, position the RTX 2060 as a compelling choice for gamers looking to upgrade their graphics performance.

GTX 1060 Vs RTX 2060: Gaming Benchmarks 

After exploring the intricacies of their technical specifications, it’s time to dive into 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:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero
• CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
• Memory: G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3800
• Power Supply: CORSAIR RM850i 850W
• SSD: SAMSUNG 970 EVO M.2 2280 1TB
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

In order 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. 

Note: It is important to note that benchmark tests are subject to various external factors that can influence the results obtained. Factors such as ambient temperature, system ventilation, and background processes can impact the performance of the graphics cards being tested. 

Now, let’s delve right into the gaming benchmarks and compare the performance to find out the winner of our GTX 1060 vs RTX 2060 comparison.

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 benchmark tests.
• On the other hand, the GTX 1060 showcases superior cooling efficiency with an average temperature of 58°C, providing it with a 3.3% or 2°C lead over the RTX 2060, which averages 60°C.
• Additionally, in terms of power efficiency, the GTX 1060 shines with its lower power consumption of 81.3 W, showcasing a significant advantage of 50.7% over the RTX 2060, which consumes 136.6 W.
• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 exhibits a remarkable 1% low performance, delivering 43 FPS and showcasing an impressive 20.5% improvement compared to the GTX 1060’s 35 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

• Moreover, 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 benchmark tests.
• Additionally, when it comes to cooling efficiency, the GTX 1060 takes the lead with an impressive 10.5% advantage, maintaining an average temperature of 63°C compared to the RTX 2060’s higher average temperature of 70°C.
• Moreover, the GTX 1060 exhibits exceptional power efficiency, consuming only 107.3 W, which is 44.1% less power than the RTX 2060’s consumption of 168.1 W.
• 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

• Additionally, when it comes to benchmark results, 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.
• Furthermore, the GTX 1060 demonstrates better cooling capabilities with an average temperature of 58°C, granting it an advantage of 1.7% or 1°C over the RTX 2060’s average temperature of 59°C.
• Furthermore, the GTX 1060 demonstrates impressive power efficiency, utilizing only 98.1 W, which is a notable 46.1% lower power consumption compared to the RTX 2060’s consumption of 156.9 W.
• In terms of 1% low performance, the RTX 2060 demonstrates its superiority with 63 FPS, showcasing an impressive 47% improvement over the GTX 1060’s 39 FPS.

Also Read: RX 6600 Vs RTX 2060

Hitman 3

• Furthermore, the RTX 2060 showcases its superiority 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 in benchmark tests.
• Moreover, with a 4.7% or 3°C lead in cooling efficiency, the GTX 1060 outshines the RTX 2060, boasting an average temperature of 62°C compared to the latter’s higher average temperature of 65°C.
• Additionally, the GTX 1060 showcases excellent power efficiency, consuming a mere 106.3 W, providing it with a significant advantage of 38.8% over the RTX 2060’s power consumption of 157.5 W.
• 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 terms of average FPS, 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 in benchmark tests.
• In terms of cooling performance, the GTX 1060 excels with a 4.9% or 3°C advantage, maintaining an average temperature of 59°C, which is notably cooler than the RTX 2060’s average temperature of 62°C.
• Moreover, with its commendable power efficiency, the GTX 1060 consumes only 96.3 W, delivering a notable 46.7% power consumption reduction compared to the RTX 2060, which consumes 155.1 W.
• 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

• Notably, 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 benchmark tests.
• Notably, the GTX 1060 stands out with its superior cooling efficiency, exhibiting an average temperature of 64°C, providing it with a 1.5% or 1°C lead over the RTX 2060’s average temperature of 65°C.
• In terms of power consumption, the GTX 1060 impresses with its efficiency, utilizing only 119.1 W, which is 27.4% lower than the RTX 2060’s power consumption of 157 W.
• 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

• Moreover, 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 benchmark tests.
• Furthermore, with an advantage of 1.5% or 1°C in cooling efficiency, the GTX 1060 maintains an average temperature of 63°C, surpassing the RTX 2060, which averages 64°C.
• Furthermore, the GTX 1060 exhibits superior power efficiency, drawing only 112.8 W, which is 33.8% less power than the RTX 2060, which consumes 158.8 W.
• 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

• Furthermore, 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 benchmark tests.
• Additionally, the GTX 1060 impresses with its cooling prowess, achieving an average temperature of 57°C and outperforming the RTX 2060’s 59°C by a noteworthy 3.4% or 2°C.
• Additionally, the GTX 1060 stands out with its impressive power efficiency, consuming only 91 W, providing it with a significant advantage of 52.6% over the RTX 2060’s power consumption of 156.1 W.
• 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.

Similar Comparisons: RTX 2060 Vs RX Vega 56

Overall Gaming Performance

After conducting an in-depth analysis of numerous benchmark tests, it is evident that one graphics card outperformed the other in the intense competition between the GeForce GTX 1060 vs RTX 2060.

• Our benchmark analysis conclusively demonstrates the RTX 2060’s clear superiority over the GTX 1060, consistently achieving higher average FPS and 1% lows in a wide range of tested games.
• Furthermore, the benchmark analysis reveals significant performance advancements of the RTX 2060 over the GTX 1060, boasting an impressive average FPS of 77.7, outperforming the latter’s 47.1 by a notable margin.
• Additionally, the RTX 2060 outperforms the GTX 1060 in terms of FPS performance, demonstrating a notable 49% advantage during benchmark tests.

Average Power Consumption

When it comes to finding the ideal graphics card, achieving power efficiency becomes a top priority. Our meticulous investigation into the power consumption of the GeForce GTX 1060 vs RTX 2060 has uncovered intriguing discoveries.

• Firstly, the RTX 2060 requires a minimum 450 W power supply to achieve optimal performance, resulting in potential additional costs for users due to its 160 W TDP.
• In contrast, the GTX 1060 has a lower TDP of 120 W, resulting in reduced power consumption and the need for a 300 W power supply to achieve optimal performance.
• Comparatively, the GTX 1060 enjoys a significant 28.5% TDP advantage over the RTX 2060, showcasing its efficiency in power consumption.
• Throughout our benchmark tests, the GTX 1060 consistently exhibited lower power consumption than the RTX 2060, with an average of 101.5 W compared to 155.7 W, highlighting its efficiency in power usage.
• The GTX 1060 impresses with its power efficiency, consuming an average of 42.1% less power compared to the RTX 2060. This not only translates to potential energy savings but also contributes to a more cost-effective solution.

Average Thermal Statistics

While exploring thermal metrics, we analyzed the temperature performance of the GeForce GTX 1060 and RTX 2060, revealing important differences in how these graphics cards handle the heat and maintain optimal operating conditions.

• Our benchmark testing revealed the GTX 1060’s superior thermal efficiency, attributed to its lower power consumption compared to the RTX 2060. 
• Furthermore, the GTX 1060 consistently maintained lower average temperatures of 60.5°C, demonstrating its superior thermal efficiency compared to the RTX 2060, which averaged 63°C.
• Overall, the benchmark results clearly establish the GTX 1060’s superiority in thermal efficiency, with a significant 4% advantage over the RTX 2060.

Also Check: RTX 2060 Vs 3060

Pricing And Availability

In our extensive exploration of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1060, we delved into the critical aspects of pricing and availability. As expected, these graphics cards, being part of NVIDIA’s renowned GPU lineups, arrived with notable price differences.

After a thorough market analysis on platforms like Newegg, we observed that the RTX 2060 carried a price tag of approximately $300, while the GTX 1060 had a more affordable price of around $150.

It is important to emphasize that the RTX 2060 carries a significant price tag of about 66.6% higher compared to the GTX 1060. However, it is worth noting that these price differentials are subject to change due to various factors, including the availability of products and the fluctuations of the market.

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

• Despite the GTX 1060’s attractive price point, offering a substantial 66.6% cost reduction compared to the RTX 2060, it is important to consider its 49% lower average FPS performance.
• In terms of power efficiency and thermal management, the GTX 1060 shines with its 42.1% lower power consumption and 4% lower average temperature compared to the RTX 2060.
• In summary, although the GTX 1060 Super 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.

Pros And Cons

When faced with the dilemma of choosing between the GTX 1060 and RTX 2060, it’s important to explore alternative options that may suit your requirements better.

Our platform offers detailed and comprehensive evaluations of two other formidable GPUs: the RTX 4080 and RX 6950 XT. Through meticulous testing and analysis, we delve into their intricate technical specifications and gauge their performance across a diverse range of modern games.