NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in 2025: Is It Worth Buying the Legend of the Past?
Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is one of the most popular graphics cards from the late 2010s. Despite the release of more modern models, it is still found in budget builds and on the secondary market. But is it still relevant in 2025? Let's examine the details.
Architecture and Key Features
Pascal Architecture: Simplicity and Efficiency
The GTX 1060 3 GB is based on the Pascal architecture (2016), produced using a 16nm process. It features 1152 CUDA cores with a base clock speed of 1506 MHz (Boost up to 1708 MHz). The card is aimed at power efficiency but lacks modern features:
- RTX Ray Tracing and DLSS — absent, as these technologies emerged with Turing (2018) and Ampere (2020).
- AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) — supported at the driver level, but less effective than DLSS.
Conclusion: The Pascal architecture delivers basic performance but is unsuitable for games that require ray tracing or AI upscaling.
Memory: Limitations and Impact on Performance
GDDR5 and 3 GB — A Weak Point
The card is equipped with 3 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 192-bit bus and a bandwidth of 192 GB/s. This is sufficient for older games, but issues arise in modern titles (2024-2025):
- Insufficient Capacity: Games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty or Starfield require at least 4-6 GB of VRAM, even at low settings.
- FPS Drops: When memory is insufficient, performance dips due to texture loading from SSD/HDD.
Example: In Hogwarts Legacy (2023), at medium settings in 1080p, the GTX 1060 3 GB delivers around 25-30 FPS, but in intense scenes, FPS drops to 15-20.
Gameplay Performance: What Can It Handle?
1080p — Basic Comfort
The card can handle less demanding games and esports titles:
- CS2 — 120-150 FPS on high settings.
- Fortnite — 60-70 FPS on medium settings (without Nanite or Lumen).
- Apex Legends — 70-80 FPS on low settings.
1440p and 4K — Not for GTX 1060
Even in older titles like The Witcher 3, a 1440p resolution drops FPS to 30-40. 4K is not recommended.
Ray Tracing: No Support Available
Without hardware RT cores, the card cannot handle RTX effects. Software solutions like FSR provide an alternative but yield lower quality.
Professional Tasks: Video Editing and 3D Modeling
Minimally Viable CUDA Performance
- Video Editing: In DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro, the card speeds up rendering, but 3 GB of memory limits working with 4K footage.
- 3D Modeling: In Blender, simple scenes can be rendered via CUDA, but complex projects may result in errors due to VRAM limitations.
- Scientific Calculations: Suitable only for basic tasks in MATLAB or Python (with CUDA libraries).
Conclusion: The card is usable for learning or hobby projects, but not for professional work.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
TDP 120W: Modest Appetite
The GTX 1060 3 GB consumes up to 120 W, which is lower than modern counterparts. Recommendations:
- Power Supply: At least 400W (for example, EVGA 450 BR).
- Cooling: Optimal cases feature 2-3 fans (Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L).
Temperature Regulation
Under load, the card heats up to 70-75°C. Models with dual fans (e.g., MSI Gaming X) operate more quietly (30-35 dB).
Comparison with Competitors
Direct Competitors in 2025
While new GTX 1060 3 GB units are no longer available, the remaining stock is priced at $150-200. Alternatives:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super (4 GB): Newer, supports PCIe 4.0, priced at $180-220.
- AMD Radeon RX 6400 (4 GB): Low-profile card for 1080p, priced at $160-190.
Older Competitors:
- AMD RX 580 8 GB: More powerful in Vulkan titles, but consumes more power (185W).
Practical Advice
Building a PC
- Power Supply: 450-500W (Corsair CX450).
- Platform: Compatible with PCIe 3.0, but also works on PCIe 4.0/5.0 (with speed limitations).
- Drivers: NVIDIA discontinued Pascal support in 2024 — use the latest available versions (v545.xx).
Who It Is Suitable For:
- Owners of older PCs with GTX 700/900.
- Budget builds for office work and light gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price (if you find a new one).
- Energy efficiency.
- Quiet operation in good cooling systems.
Cons:
- Only 3 GB of VRAM.
- No support for ray tracing and DLSS.
- Outdated drivers.
Final Verdict: Who Is the GTX 1060 3 GB For?
This graphics card is an option for:
1. Budget gamers playing older or less demanding games (CS2, Dota 2, Indie games).
2. Owners of low-power PCs looking to upgrade their system without replacing the power supply.
3. Users needing a card for office tasks or video playback.
Why Not to Buy: If you plan to play new titles in 2025 (GTA VI, The Elder Scrolls VI) or use professional applications — consider the RTX 3050 8 GB or AMD RX 6600 instead.
Conclusion
The GTX 1060 3 GB in 2025 is a relic, but for specific scenarios, it is still viable. It should only be considered as a temporary solution or a way to save money. In a world dominated by the RTX 40 series and RDNA 4, this card serves as a reminder of how far technology has progressed over a decade.