GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 1060

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

The GeForce GTX 1080 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 55.1% higher G3D Mark score and 33.3% more VRAM (8 GB vs 6 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 1060.

Insight	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
Performance	✅Leading raw performance (+55.1%)	❌Lower raw frame rates (-55.1%)
Longevity	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2016 / Pascal (2016−2021))	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2016 / Pascal (2016−2021))
Ecosystem	Supports FSR Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	✅ More VRAM (+33.3%)	❌ Less VRAM capacity
Efficiency	💡 Excellent Perf/Watt	⚡ Higher Power Consumption
Case Fit	Standard Size (267mm)	📏 Compact / SFF Friendly

💎 Value Proposition

The GeForce GTX 1080 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 1080 holds the technical lead. Priced at $60 (vs $91), it costs 34% less, resulting in a 2.3% higher cost efficiency score.

Insight	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
Cost Efficiency	✅Better overall value (+2.3%)	❌Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	⚠️Higher upfront cost ($91)	✅More affordable ($60)

Performance Check

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce GTX 1080 Benchmark Check

GeForce GTX 1060 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce GTX 1060

GeForce GTX 1080

The GeForce GTX 1080 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: 15,609 points. Launch price was $599.

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.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 1080 scores 15,609 versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 10,064 — the GeForce GTX 1080 leads by 55.1%. The GeForce GTX 1080 is built on Pascal while the GeForce GTX 1060 uses Pascal, both on a 16 nm process. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 2,560 (GeForce GTX 1060). Raw compute: 8.873 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 8.873 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1060). Boost clocks: 1733 MHz vs 1733 MHz.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
G3D Mark Score	15,609+55%	10,064
Architecture	Pascal	Pascal
Process Node	16 nm	16 nm
Shading Units	2560	2560
Compute (TFLOPS)	8.873 TFLOPS	8.873 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1733 MHz	1733 MHz
ROPs	64	64
TMUs	160	160
L1 Cache	960 KB	960 KB
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
Upscaling Tech	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)
Frame Generation	FSR 3 (Compatible)	FSR 3 (Compatible)
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	Standard	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 1080 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 1060 has 6 GB. The GeForce GTX 1080 offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 320 GB/s (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 192 GB/s (GeForce GTX 1060) — a 66.7% advantage for the GeForce GTX 1080. Bus width: 256-bit vs 192-bit.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
VRAM Capacity	8 GB+33%	6 GB
Memory Type	GDDR5X	GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	320 GB/s+67%	192 GB/s
Bus Width	256-bit+33%	192-bit
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12.1 (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 12 (GeForce GTX 1060). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.5. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
DirectX	12.1	12
Vulkan	1.4+8%	1.3
OpenGL	4.6+2%	4.5
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 6th gen (GeForce GTX 1080) vs NVENC (Pascal) (GeForce GTX 1060). Decoder: NVDEC 3rd gen vs NVDEC (Pascal). Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,VP8,VP9,MPEG-2,VC-1 (GeForce GTX 1080) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC (GeForce GTX 1060).

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
Encoder	NVENC 6th gen	NVENC (Pascal)
Decoder	NVDEC 3rd gen	NVDEC (Pascal)
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,VP8,VP9,MPEG-2,VC-1	H.264,H.265/HEVC

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 1080 draws 180W versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 180W — a 0% difference. The GeForce GTX 1060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 500W (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 400W (GeForce GTX 1060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 6-pin. Card length: 267mm vs 173mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots.

Feature	GeForce GTX 1080	GeForce GTX 1060
TDP	180W	180W
Recommended PSU	500W	400W-20%
Power Connector	8-pin	6-pin
Length	267mm	173mm
Height	111mm	111mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C	—
Perf/Watt	86.7+55%	55.9

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce GTX 1080 launched at $599 MSRP and currently averages $91, while the GeForce GTX 1060 launched at $249 and now averages $60. The GeForce GTX 1060 costs 34.1% less ($31 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 171.5 (GeForce GTX 1080) vs 167.7 (GeForce GTX 1060) — the GeForce GTX 1080 offers 2.3% better value.