Skip to content

GeForce GTX 1060 vs GeForce GTX 980 Ti

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 980 Ti comes out dramatically faster — about 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. But the GeForce GTX 1060 is the better value, undercutting it by $1,064 EUR for the performance you get.

Market Value Leader

GeForce GTX 1060 is the clear winner, offering 2167.3% better value than GeForce GTX 980 Ti.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 1060
Price
€34
Performance
7/100
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+59% Boost Clock (1,708 MHz vs 1,075 MHz)
Price
€1,098
Performance
10/100
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+120% CUDA Cores (2,816 vs 1,280)
+100% Memory Bus (384-bit vs 192-bit)
+75% Bandwidth (336.5 GB/s vs 192 GB/s)

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

Performance: GeForce GTX 980 Ti vs GeForce GTX 1060

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti is dramatically faster, around 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti packs 2,816 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 1060 currently lists from $34 EUR, $1,064 EUR less than the GeForce GTX 980 Ti at $1,098 EUR. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1060 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~2167% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1060 is trading below its $299 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti still sits about $449 EUR above its $649 EUR MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

At 120W against 250W, 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.

Memory & Bandwidth

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti's memory is faster — 337 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (384-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

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

Choose the GeForce GTX 980 Ti 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 980 Ti better than the GeForce GTX 1060?

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti is dramatically faster, roughly 43% 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 980 Ti?

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 980 Ti worth the extra $1,064 EUR over the GeForce GTX 1060?

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

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

Choose the GeForce GTX 980 Ti 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 980 Ti
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 980 Ti
ArchitecturePascalMaxwell
Process NodeTSMC 16nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,2802,816

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 980 Ti
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 980 Ti
Base Clock1,506 MHz1,000 MHz
Boost Clock1,708 MHz1,075 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 980 Ti
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 980 Ti
VRAM Capacity6 GB6 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus192-bit384-bit
Memory Speed8 Gbps7 Gbps
Bandwidth192 GB/s336.5 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1060 and GeForce GTX 980 Ti
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1060GeForce GTX 980 Ti
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP120 W250 W
Power Connectors1x 6-pin1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin
ReleasedJul 2016Jun 2015