What To Know
- The NVIDIA GTX 1060 is more power-efficient than the AMD Radeon R7 200 series, consuming around 120 watts under load compared to 150 watts for the R7 200 series.
- The AMD Radeon R7 200 series and NVIDIA GTX 1060 are both capable graphics cards, but the GTX 1060 is the clear winner in terms of performance, power consumption, and features.
- While the R7 200 series may be more affordable, the GTX 1060 offers a much better gaming experience for a slightly higher price.
The AMD Radeon R7 200 series and NVIDIA GTX 1060 are two popular graphics cards that offer excellent performance for gaming. However, each card has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial for gamers to choose the one that best suits their needs. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two graphics cards, examining their specifications, benchmarks, and overall value for money.
Specifications
| Feature | AMD Radeon R7 200 Series | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| — | — | — |
| GPU Architecture | Graphics Core Next (GCN) | Pascal |
| Process Size | 28 nm | 16 nm |
| Core Count | 640 – 1280 | 1280 |
| Base Clock Speed | 950 – 1150 MHz | 1506 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1050 – 1250 MHz | 1709 MHz |
| Memory Interface | 128-bit GDDR5 | 192-bit GDDR5 |
| Memory Speed | 4.5 – 5.5 GHz | 8 GHz |
| Memory Size | 1 – 4 GB | 3 – 6 GB |
Benchmarks
In terms of performance, the NVIDIA GTX 1060 consistently outperforms the AMD Radeon R7 200 series, particularly at higher resolutions. Here are some benchmark results from popular games:
| Game | Resolution | AMD Radeon R7 200 Series | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| — | — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 60 – 80 FPS | 90 – 110 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 1440p | 45 – 60 FPS | 65 – 80 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 4K | 30 – 45 FPS | 45 – 60 FPS |
Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
The NVIDIA GTX 1060 is more power-efficient than the AMD Radeon R7 200 series, consuming around 120 watts under load compared to 150 watts for the R7 200 series. This difference is due to the more advanced Pascal architecture and the smaller process size of the GTX 1060. In terms of thermal performance, both cards run relatively cool, with the GTX 1060 having a slight edge due to its lower power consumption.
Features
Both the AMD Radeon R7 200 series and NVIDIA GTX 1060 support DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL 4.5. However, the GTX 1060 offers a few additional features, including:
- NVIDIA Ansel: Allows users to take high-resolution screenshots and 360-degree panoramas.
- NVIDIA G-Sync: Synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card, eliminating screen tearing.
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay: Enables users to record and stream gameplay.
Price and Value
The AMD Radeon R7 200 series is typically priced lower than the NVIDIA GTX 1060. However, the GTX 1060 offers significantly better performance, making it the better value for money for most gamers.
Final Note
The AMD Radeon R7 200 series and NVIDIA GTX 1060 are both capable graphics cards, but the GTX 1060 is the clear winner in terms of performance, power consumption, and features. While the R7 200 series may be more affordable, the GTX 1060 offers a much better gaming experience for a slightly higher price.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which graphics card is better for 4K gaming, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series or the NVIDIA GTX 1060?
A: The NVIDIA GTX 1060 is better for 4K gaming due to its higher performance and more powerful memory interface.
Q: Does the AMD Radeon R7 200 series support ray tracing?
A: No, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series does not support ray tracing.
Q: Which graphics card is more suitable for budget-conscious gamers?
A: The AMD Radeon R7 200 series is more affordable than the NVIDIA GTX 1060, making it a better choice for budget-conscious gamers.
