GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 980 comes out significantly faster β€” about 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060.

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Perf Index
9%
Value Score
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VRAM6GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP120W
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12%
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VRAM4GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP165W

GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 1060: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 1060

The GeForce GTX 980 is significantly faster, around 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 980 packs 2,048 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.

Power & Efficiency

At 120W against 165W, the GeForce GTX 1060 is both the lower-power and the more efficient card, making it the easier build to cool and power. Its more modern Pascal architecture on a TSMC 16nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce GTX 1060 carries 6GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 980. The extra 2GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce GTX 980's memory is also faster β€” 224 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce GTX 1060 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 (Pascal vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 980 is the faster card by about 33%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above β€” particularly VRAM and power draw β€” and check current stock before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 980 better than the GeForce GTX 1060?

The GeForce GTX 980 is significantly faster, roughly 33% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1060 or the GeForce GTX 980?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at entry-level 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Does the GeForce GTX 1060 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 6GB (vs 4GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.