
Quadro M520 vs GeForce GTX 1060

Quadro M520
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GeForce GTX 1060
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
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. The Quadro M520 is positioned at rank #145 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Quadro M520
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GTX 1060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 426.1% higher G3D Mark score and 200% more VRAM (6 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Quadro M520.
| Insight | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-426.1%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+426.1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2016 / Pascal (2016−2021)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+200%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTX 1060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 1060 holds the technical lead. Priced at $50 (vs $60), it costs 17% less, resulting in a 338.4% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+338.4%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($50) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Quadro M520 and GeForce GTX 1060

Quadro M520
The Quadro M520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2017. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 1041 MHz to 1019 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 25W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,913 points.

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 Quadro M520 scores 1,913 versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 10,064 — the GeForce GTX 1060 leads by 426.1%. The Quadro M520 is built on Maxwell while the GeForce GTX 1060 uses Pascal, both on 28 nm vs 16 nm. Shader units: 384 (Quadro M520) vs 2,560 (GeForce GTX 1060). Raw compute: 0.7995 TFLOPS (Quadro M520) vs 8.873 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1060). Boost clocks: 1019 MHz vs 1733 MHz.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,913 | 10,064+426% |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Pascal |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 16 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 2560+567% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.7995 TFLOPS | 8.873 TFLOPS+1010% |
| Boost Clock | 1019 MHz | 1733 MHz+70% |
| ROPs | 8 | 64+700% |
| TMUs | 16 | 160+900% |
| L1 Cache | 128 KB | 960 KB+650% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Quadro M520 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 1060 has 6 GB. The GeForce GTX 1060 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 1 MB (Quadro M520) vs 2 MB (GeForce GTX 1060) — the GeForce GTX 1060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 6 GB+200% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 192-bit+200% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
Power & Dimensions
The Quadro M520 draws 25W versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 180W — a 151.2% difference. The Quadro M520 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Quadro M520) vs 400W (GeForce GTX 1060). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 6-pin.
| Feature | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 25W-86% | 180W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-13% | 400W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 6-pin |
| Length | — | 173mm |
| Height | — | 111mm |
| Slots | — | 2 |
| Perf/Watt | 76.5+37% | 55.9 |
Value Analysis
The Quadro M520 launched at $200 MSRP and currently averages $50, while the GeForce GTX 1060 launched at $249 and now averages $60. The Quadro M520 costs 16.7% less ($10 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 38.3 (Quadro M520) vs 167.7 (GeForce GTX 1060) — the GeForce GTX 1060 offers 337.9% better value. The Quadro M520 is the newer GPU (2017 vs 2016).
| Feature | Quadro M520 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $200-20% | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-17% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 38.3 | 167.7+338% |
| Codename | GM108 | GP104 |
| Release | January 11 2017 | May 27 2016 |
| Ranking | #695 | #137 |
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