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 — about 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.

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

VS
Price
$95 USD
Perf Index
9%
Value Score
0.095
VRAM6GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP120W
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 980
Price
$85 USD
Perf Index
12%
Value Score
0.141
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.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 980 currently lists from $85 USD, $10 USD less than the GeForce GTX 1060 at $95 USD. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 980 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 49%. The GeForce GTX 980 is trading below its $549 USD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 1060 is trading below its $299 USD MSRP — a genuine deal.

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.

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.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce GTX 1060 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980, 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 all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 1060 if you find it at a steep discount.

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.

Is the GeForce GTX 1060 worth the extra $10 USD over the GeForce GTX 980?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 980 comes out ahead.

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.