When it comes to high-performance gaming, two graphics cards from NVIDIA’s Pascal lineup often come to mind: the GTX 1060 and the GTX 1070. Both are powerful GPUs that can handle demanding games at high resolutions, but they differ significantly in terms of performance, power consumption, and price. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of how much better the GTX 1070 is than the GTX 1060, exploring their differences in architecture, performance, power consumption, and features.
Architecture And CUDA Cores
The GTX 1060 is based on the GP106 architecture, which is a more power-efficient design than the GP104 architecture used in the GTX 1070. While both GPUs use 16nm FinFET process technology, the GP104 architecture is more complex and has a higher transistor count. This results in a higher number of CUDA cores in the GTX 1070: 1920 compared to 1280 in the GTX 1060.
The GTX 1070’s higher CUDA core count translates to a significant increase in parallel processing power, making it better suited for compute-intensive tasks like 4K gaming, scientific simulations, and cryptocurrency mining. The GTX 1060, on the other hand, is more suitable for 1080p and 1440p gaming, where its lower power consumption and thermal design power (TDP) make it a more attractive option for mainstream gaming systems.
Memory And Bandwidth
Another key difference between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 is their memory configuration. The GTX 1060 comes with 6GB of GDDR5 memory, while the GTX 1070 boasts 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The additional 2GB of memory in the GTX 1070 provides a significant increase in bandwidth, allowing it to handle more complex textures and higher resolutions.
The GTX 1070’s higher memory bandwidth (256 GB/s vs. 192 GB/s) also enables it to handle more demanding games at higher frame rates. This is particularly noticeable in games that use complex textures, physics, and particle effects, where the GTX 1070’s increased memory bandwidth provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Memory Compression and Delta Color Compression
Both the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 support NVIDIA’s memory compression technologies, including delta color compression (DCC) and lossless memory compression. These technologies help reduce memory bandwidth usage, enabling faster performance and reduced power consumption.
However, the GTX 1070’s higher memory bandwidth and more advanced memory compression capabilities make it better suited for handling games that use high-resolution textures and complex graphics effects.
Performance Comparison
So, how much better is the GTX 1070 than the GTX 1060 in terms of performance? To answer this, let’s look at some benchmarks:
| Game/Resolution | GTX 1060 (FPS) | GTX 1070 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3 (1080p, Ultra) | 60-70 | 80-90 |
| Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands (1080p, Ultra) | 40-50 | 60-70 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (1440p, Ultra) | 30-40 | 50-60 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (4K, Ultra) | 20-30 | 40-50 |
As you can see, the GTX 1070 consistently outperforms the GTX 1060 across a range of games and resolutions. In some cases, the GTX 1070 achieves frame rates that are 20-30% higher than the GTX 1060, making it a significantly better option for 1440p and 4K gaming.
Power Consumption And Thermal Design
One area where the GTX 1060 shines is power consumption. With a TDP of 120W, the GTX 1060 is a more power-efficient option than the GTX 1070, which has a TDP of 150W. This makes the GTX 1060 a more attractive option for systems with limited power supplies or those that require lower heat generation.
However, the GTX 1070’s higher performance comes at the cost of increased power consumption. The GTX 1070 requires a more robust power supply and a more advanced cooling system to keep its temperatures in check.
Cooling Systems and Noise Levels
Both the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 use NVIDIA’s vapor chamber cooling system, which helps to dissipate heat more efficiently than traditional heat sink designs. However, the GTX 1070’s higher power consumption requires more aggressive cooling, which can result in higher noise levels under heavy load.
In terms of noise levels, the GTX 1060 is generally quieter than the GTX 1070, making it a better option for those who value low noise levels in their gaming systems.
Features And Technologies
Both the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 support a range of NVIDIA’s advanced features and technologies, including:
- Simultaneous Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (SMAA)
- Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS)
- Variable Rate Shading (VRS)
- NVIDIA Ansel
- ShadowPlay
- GameWorks
However, the GTX 1070 also supports some features that are not available on the GTX 1060, including:
- SLI (Scalable Link Interface) for multi-GPU configurations
- G-Sync technology for smoother gaming with NVIDIA G-Sync monitors
- Higher-quality texture filtering and anisotropic filtering
- Increased support for 8K and 10K resolutions
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GTX 1070 is significantly better than the GTX 1060 in terms of performance, memory bandwidth, and features. However, the GTX 1060 remains a more power-efficient and affordable option for those who prioritize 1080p and 1440p gaming.
If you’re looking for a high-performance GPU for 4K gaming, the GTX 1070 is the clear winner. Its higher CUDA core count, increased memory bandwidth, and advanced features make it a more capable GPU for demanding games and applications.
But if you’re on a budget or prioritize power efficiency, the GTX 1060 is still a great option. Its lower power consumption, lower price point, and impressive performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming make it a compelling choice for mainstream gamers.
What Is The Main Difference Between The GTX 1060 And GTX 1070?
The main difference between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 lies in their performance and power consumption. The GTX 1070 is a more powerful and efficient graphics card compared to the GTX 1060, with a higher CUDA core count, higher clock speeds, and GDDR5 memory instead of GDDR5. These upgrades result in improved performance, especially in high-resolution gaming and compute-intensive tasks.
In general, the GTX 1070 is designed for enthusiasts and those who want the best performance possible, whereas the GTX 1060 is more geared towards mainstream gamers who want a balance between performance and price. The GTX 1070’s increased performance comes at a higher price point, making it less accessible to budget-conscious gamers. However, for those who want the best of the best, the GTX 1070 is the clear winner.
Is The GTX 1060 Still A Viable Option For Gaming?
Yes, the GTX 1060 is still a viable option for gaming, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. While it may not be as powerful as the GTX 1070, it still offers excellent performance and is more affordable. The GTX 1060 can handle modern games at high settings, including esports titles, and provides a smooth gaming experience.
However, the GTX 1060 may struggle with more demanding games at 4K resolutions or with high levels of detail. If you’re looking to play games at the highest resolutions and settings, the GTX 1070 or even more powerful graphics cards may be a better option. Nevertheless, the GTX 1060 remains a solid choice for those who want a balance between performance and price.
How Much Better Is The GTX 1070’s Performance Compared To The GTX 1060?
The GTX 1070’s performance is around 20-30% better than the GTX 1060’s, depending on the specific game and settings. This means that the GTX 1070 can handle higher resolutions, higher frame rates, and more detailed graphics compared to the GTX 1060. In some cases, the GTX 1070 can even outperform the GTX 1060 by as much as 50% or more.
In terms of raw performance, the GTX 1070 has a higher clock speed, more CUDA cores, and faster memory compared to the GTX 1060. This translates to better performance in compute-intensive tasks, such as 3D modeling, video editing, and cryptocurrency mining. While the GTX 1060 is still a strong performer, the GTX 1070’s increased power makes it the better choice for those who need the best performance possible.
Can I Upgrade From A GTX 1060 To A GTX 1070?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade from a GTX 1060 to a GTX 1070, but it depends on your system’s compatibility. You’ll need to ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the increased power consumption of the GTX 1070, and that your motherboard is compatible with the new graphics card. Additionally, you may need to upgrade your system’s cooling system to handle the increased heat generated by the GTX 1070.
If your system meets the necessary requirements, upgrading to a GTX 1070 can breathe new life into your gaming experience. You’ll be able to play games at higher resolutions and settings, and enjoy improved performance in compute-intensive tasks. However, if your system is several years old, it may be more cost-effective to consider building a new system around the GTX 1070 rather than upgrading your existing system.
Is The GTX 1070 Worth The Extra Cost?
Whether the GTX 1070 is worth the extra cost depends on your gaming needs and budget. If you’re a casual gamer who only plays at 1080p resolutions, the GTX 1060 may be sufficient. However, if you’re looking to play games at higher resolutions, with higher frame rates, or with more detailed graphics, the GTX 1070’s increased performance may be worth the extra cost.
For those who want the best performance possible, the GTX 1070’s additional cost may be justified. Additionally, if you plan on using your graphics card for compute-intensive tasks beyond gaming, the GTX 1070’s increased power may be worth the investment. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and budget.
Can I Use The GTX 1070 For Cryptocurrency Mining?
Yes, the GTX 1070 is well-suited for cryptocurrency mining due to its high hash rate and power efficiency. The GTX 1070’s increased CUDA core count and faster memory make it an attractive option for miners. Additionally, the GTX 1070’s power consumption is relatively low compared to other high-end graphics cards, making it a more efficient choice for mining.
However, it’s essential to consider the current state of the cryptocurrency market, as well as the cost of electricity and other factors, before investing in a GTX 1070 for mining. Additionally, be aware that the GTX 1070’s increased power consumption may require additional cooling and power supplies.
Is The GTX 1070 Compatible With SLI Technology?
Yes, the GTX 1070 is compatible with SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology, which allows you to pair two or more identical graphics cards together for increased performance. SLI technology can significantly improve performance in supported games and applications, making it an attractive option for those who want the best performance possible.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements for SLI, including a compatible motherboard, sufficient power supply, and supported games. Additionally, SLI technology may not always result in a linear increase in performance, and some games may not support SLI at all.