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GeForce GTX 1060 vs GeForce GTX 1080

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out ahead: far and away the quicker card, about 86% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. That said, the GeForce GTX 1060 is the smarter buy on value β€” $85,101 JPY less for the performance on offer.

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VS
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 1060
Price
Β₯50,910βœ“
Performance
7/100
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 1080
Price
Β₯108,801
Performance
13/100βœ“
VRAM
8 GB GDDR5Xβœ“
Key Specs Advantage
+100% CUDA Cores (2,560 vs 1,280)
+67% Bandwidth (320 GB/s vs 192 GB/s)
+33% Memory Bus (256-bit vs 192-bit)

GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 1060: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 1060

The GeForce GTX 1080 is dramatically faster, around 86% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 1080 packs 2,560 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 1060 currently lists from $23,700 JPY, $85,101 JPY less than the GeForce GTX 1080 at $108,801 JPY. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1060 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~147% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1060 still sits about $23,401 JPY above its $299 JPY MSRP. The GeForce GTX 1080 still sits about $108,202 JPY above its $599 JPY MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce GTX 1060 is the gentler choice at 120W versus 180W. The GeForce GTX 1080 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 180W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

VRAM favors the GeForce GTX 1080 at 8GB versus 6GB on the GeForce GTX 1060 β€” that extra 2GB matters most at 4K, with high-res texture packs, and for content-creation/local-AI work. The GeForce GTX 1080's memory is also faster β€” 320 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce GTX 1080?

Choose the GeForce GTX 1080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1060 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1080 better than the GeForce GTX 1060?

The GeForce GTX 1080 is dramatically faster, roughly 86% ahead. The GeForce GTX 1060 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1060 or the GeForce GTX 1080?

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.

Is the GeForce GTX 1080 worth the extra $85,101 JPY over the GeForce GTX 1060?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 1060 comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce GTX 1080 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 8GB (vs 6GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce GTX 1080?

Choose the GeForce GTX 1080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1060 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 1080
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 1080
ArchitecturePascalPascal
Process NodeTSMC 16nmTSMC 16nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,2802,560βœ“

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 1080
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 1080
Base Clock1,506 MHz1,607 MHzβœ“
Boost Clock1,708 MHz1,733 MHzβœ“

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 1080
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 1080
VRAM Capacity6 GB8 GBβœ“
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5X
Memory Bus192-bit256-bitβœ“
Memory Speed8 Gbps10 Gbpsβœ“
Bandwidth192 GB/s320 GB/sβœ“

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 1080
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 1080
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP120 Wβœ“180 W
Power Connectors1x 6-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedJul 2016May 2016