GeForce GTX 1060 vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

GeForce GTX 1060 vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 9800X3D to isolate GPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

GeForce GTX 1060 vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each GPU makes more sense in practice: raw FPS, VRAM, features, power draw, pricing, and long-term headroom.

GeForce GTX 1060

2016

Why buy it

✅+416.9% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Costs $350 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1143.5% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 40.4 vs 3.3 G3D/$ ($249 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅100+% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (6 GB vs Unknown).
✅Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is already obsolete for modern gaming, so GeForce GTX 1060 is the less risky modern option long term.

Trade-offs

❌2016 hardware with 6 GB of VRAM already sits in legacy territory for modern games.
❌2471.4% higher power demand at 180W vs 7W.

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 7W instead of 180W, a 173W reduction.
✅More future proof: Unknown architecture on 7nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (1,947 vs 10,064).
❌Less VRAM, with Unknown vs 6 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌2018 hardware with Unknown of VRAM is already well past its comfortable zone for modern gaming, so it is hard to recommend now.
❌
140.6% HIGHER MSRP
$599 MSRPvs$249 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 40.4 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Quick Answers

Which GPU is faster for gaming right now?

GeForce GTX 1060 is the faster gaming card right now based on the synthetic data we have. It leads by 416.9% in PassMark G3D (10,064 vs 1,947), which is the best performance signal available in this matchup.

Which GPU is the safer long-term pick for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce GTX 1060 is the safer long-term pick for 2026 and beyond. The case is simple: 6 GB vs Unknown of VRAM. That gives it more room for heavier textures and higher settings over time.

Which GPU is the better buy today?

GeForce GTX 1060 makes the most sense to buy today. It is $350 cheaper on MSRP at $249 vs $599, and it leads G3D-per-dollar by 1143.5% (40.4 vs 3.3), so the value case lines up with the gaming result.

GeForce GTX 1060 vs Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

GeForce GTX 1060

The GeForce GTX 1060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 27 2016. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1607 MHz to 1733 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 180W. Manufactured using 16 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,064 points. Launch price was $599.

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3

The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is manufactured by Qualcomm. It was released in December 6 2018. The thermal design power (TDP) is 7W. Manufactured using 7 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,947 points.

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Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 1060 scores 10,064 versus the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3's 1,947 — the GeForce GTX 1060 leads by 416.9%.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1060	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
G3D Mark Score	10,064+417%	1,947
Process Node	16 nm	7 nm

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Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

The GeForce GTX 1060 gets NVIDIA DLSS, which still tends to look cleaner in motion. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 leans on FSR, which is flexible and widely supported, but usually a bit rougher at the same settings.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1060	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
Upscaling Tech	Upscaling support	Upscaling support
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	Standard

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Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 1060 has 6 GB of VRAM, while the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 carries 0 MB. GeForce GTX 1060 gives you 100+% more memory capacity, which matters more once you move into heavier textures, mods, or higher resolutions. Memory bus width is 192-bit on the GeForce GTX 1060 and System on the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1060	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	Shared System RAM
Memory Type	GDDR5	Shared
Memory Bandwidth	192 GB/s	Unknown
Bus Width	192-bit	System

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Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 1060 draws 180W versus the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3's 7W — a 185% difference. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 400W (GeForce GTX 1060) vs 1W (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3). Power connectors: 6-pin vs Integrated.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1060	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
TDP	180W	7W-96%
Recommended PSU	400W	1W-100%
Power Connector	6-pin	Integrated
Length	173mm	—
Height	111mm	—
Slots	2	—
Perf/Watt	55.9	278.1+397%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the GeForce GTX 1060 came in at $249, while the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 launched at $599. On MSRP, GeForce GTX 1060 was 58.4% cheaper ($350 less). Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 40.4 (GeForce GTX 1060) vs 3.3 (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) — the GeForce GTX 1060 offers 1124.2% better value. The newer card here is Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 (2018 vs 2016).

Feature	GeForce GTX 1060	Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
MSRP	$249-58%	$599
Performance per Dollar	40.4+1124%	3.3
Codename	GP104	—
Release	May 27 2016	December 6 2018
Ranking	#137	#915

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