GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

3 GB
VRAM
1708
MHz Boost
120W
TDP
192
Bus Width

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB Specifications

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GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.

Shading Units
1,152
Shaders
1,152
TMUs
72
ROPs
48
SM Count
9
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GTX 1060 3 GB Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

Base Clock
1506 MHz
Base Clock
1,506 MHz
Boost Clock
1708 MHz
Boost Clock
1,708 MHz
Memory Clock
2002 MHz 8 Gbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.

Memory Size
3 GB
VRAM
3,072 MB
Memory Type
GDDR5
VRAM Type
GDDR5
Memory Bus
192 bit
Bus Width
192-bit
Bandwidth
192.2 GB/s
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GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the GTX 1060 3 GB, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.

L1 Cache
48 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache
1536 KB
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GTX 1060 3 GB Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.

FP32 (Float)
3.935 TFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
123.0 GFLOPS (1:32)
FP16 (Half)
61.49 GFLOPS (1:64)
Pixel Rate
81.98 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
123.0 GTexel/s
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Pascal Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is built on NVIDIA's Pascal architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the GTX 1060 3 GB will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Pascal
GPU Name
GP106
Process Node
16 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
4,400 million
Die Size
200 mm²
Density
22.0M / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
120 W
TDP
120W
Power Connectors
1x 6-pin
Suggested PSU
300 W
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GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Slot Width
Dual-slot
Length
250 mm 9.8 inches
Bus Interface
PCIe 3.0 x16
Display Outputs
1x DVI1x HDMI 2.03x DisplayPort 1.4a
Display Outputs
1x DVI1x HDMI 2.03x DisplayPort 1.4a
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NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.

DirectX
12 (12_1)
DirectX
12 (12_1)
OpenGL
4.6
OpenGL
4.6
Vulkan
1.4
Vulkan
1.4
OpenCL
3.0
CUDA
6.1
Shader Model
6.8
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GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is manufactured by NVIDIA as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.

Manufacturer
NVIDIA
Release Date
Aug 2016
Launch Price
199 USD
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 900
Successor
GeForce 20

GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB

Released in August 2016, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB brought Pascal architecture to the mid-range gaming segment, offering a balance of performance and affordability. With a base clock of 1506 MHz and a boost clock of 1708 MHz, this card aimed to deliver smooth 1080p gaming while keeping its 120W TDP in check. Built on a 16nm process and paired with 3GB of GDDR5 memory, the GTX 1060 3 GB was positioned as a budget-friendly option for entry-level VRAM-hungry titles. Its PCIe 3.0 x16 interface ensured compatibility with modern systems, though its 192-bit bus width sometimes bottlenecked performance compared to the 6GB variant. Despite its limitations, the card carved a niche for 1080p gamers willing to tweak settings for playable frame rates.

NVIDIA’s GTX 1060 3 GB struggled with modern AAA titles at ultra settings, often requiring resolution scaling or lower texture quality to maintain 60+ FPS. Its 3GB VRAM buffer, while sufficient for esports titles like CS:GO or Overwatch, faced challenges in open-world games with high-resolution asset streaming. The card’s memory bandwidth of 192 GB/s helped mitigate some bottlenecks, but demanding workloads exposed its capacity constraints. Gamers prioritizing VRAM-intensive applications found the 6GB model more future-proof, leaving the 3GB variant in entry-level territory. Still, its efficient architecture allowed for surprisingly stable performance in DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles, showcasing Pascal’s scalability.

Thermal performance of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB was commendable, with most custom designs maintaining temperatures below 70°C under load. The 120W TDP enabled quiet operation, even in compact cases where higher-end GPUs might struggle. While not a silent champion, its cooling solutions prioritized longevity over aggressive noise reduction, ensuring reliability over years of use. The card’s power efficiency also appealed to system builders aiming for low-wattage PSUs, as it often required only a 400W unit to function smoothly. This made it a popular choice for budget rigs or office PCs needing a modest graphics boost.

Optimal use cases for the GTX 1060 3 GB centered around 1080p esports, older AAA titles, and light content creation tasks. It handled games like Fortnite or Apex Legends at medium settings but faltered in VRAM-heavy scenarios like Cyberpunk 2077’s ultra mode. Gamers targeting 144Hz monitors found it viable for competitive titles but needed to lower resolutions or detail levels for single-player experiences. As VRAM demands grew, its 3GB allocation became increasingly restrictive, pushing enthusiasts toward the 6GB model or newer Turing-based GPUs. For those unwilling to upgrade, the GTX 1060 3 GB remains a testament to Pascal’s longevity in budget-focused builds.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB

Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 460 Mobile offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Radeon RX 460 Mobile

AMD • 4 GB VRAM

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