GeForce GTX 1060 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 100% up on the GeForce GTX 1060.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1060: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1060
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 100% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1060 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB packs 2,176 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 1060 is the lighter draw at 120W against the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 184W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 12GB (vs 6GB on the GeForce GTX 1060) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's memory is also faster — 336 GB/s versus 192 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1060 (Turing vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is the faster card by about 100%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB better than the GeForce GTX 1060?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1060 or the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,280 | 2,176✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz✓ | 1,470 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,708 MHz✓ | 1,650 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 336 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 184 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 6-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jul 2016 | Dec 2021 |