NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 1060
Pascal · 6 GB GDDR5
NVIDIA GeForce VS NVIDIA GeForce GPU COMPARISON
GTX 1060 vs GTX 970
Compare RightNow GPU Database specifications and median 3DMark Time Spy Graphics scores. The quick answer below is intentionally separated from game-specific FPS and live pricing.
VS
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 970
Maxwell 2.0 · 4 GB GDDR5
QUICK ANSWER
GTX 1060 leads in 3DMark Time Spy
GTX 1060 has a median Graphics score of 4,204 versus 3,645 for GTX 970, a lead of about 15% in this synthetic workload.
3DMARK TIME SPY
Time Spy Graphics score comparison
Median Graphics scores across submitted 3DMark Time Spy results; higher is better.
GTX 10604,204
Median Time Spy Graphics score · 619,622 resultsView 3DMark result searchGTX 9703,645
Median Time Spy Graphics score · 322,037 resultsView 3DMark result searchTime Spy is a synthetic DirectX 12 workload, not an FPS guarantee. Submitted results can include different board models, drivers, cooling, overclocks, and laptop power limits. Models are desktop GPUs unless explicitly labeled Laptop.
SPECIFICATIONS
GTX 1060 vs GTX 970 specs
Reference specifications from the RightNow GPU Database, whose upstream records come from TechPowerUp.
| Specification | GTX 1060 | GTX 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Maxwell 2.0 |
| GPU codename | GP106 | GM204 |
| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |
| Process size | 16 nm | 28 nm |
| Shader units | 1,280 | 1,664 |
| Base clock | 1,506 MHz | 1,050 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,709 MHz | 1,178 MHz |
| Memory | 6 GB GDDR5 | 4 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 192.2 GB/s | 224.4 GB/s |
| TMUs | 80 | 104 |
| ROPs | 48 | 56 |
| Tensor cores | Not listed | Not listed |
| Ray tracing cores | Not listed | Not listed |
| L2 cache | 1.5 MB | 2 MB |
| TDP | 120 W | 148 W |
| Recommended system power | 300 W | 300 W |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Power connectors | 1x 6-pin | 2x 6-pin |
| Display outputs | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3x DisplayPort 1.2 |
| DirectX | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| Vulkan | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| FP32 performance | 4.38 TFLOPS | 3.92 TFLOPS |
GTX 1060: RightNow GPU Database · upstream record · retrieved Aug 20, 2026
GTX 970: RightNow GPU Database · upstream record · retrieved Aug 20, 2026
HOW TO CHOOSE
Should you choose GTX 1060 or GTX 970?
A useful choice depends on performance, memory, power, price, and the games or workloads you actually use.
Start with measured performance
GTX 1060 has a median Graphics score of 4,204 versus 3,645 for GTX 970, a lead of about 15% in this synthetic workload. Treat a result within roughly three percent as effectively close in this synthetic workload.
Check memory and power
GTX 1060 lists 6 GB GDDR5 and 120 W graphics power; GTX 970 lists 4 GB GDDR5 and 148 W. Board-partner models can use different coolers, limits, and connectors.
Verify the exact game and price
This comparison does not invent FPS or value claims. Check independent testing for your games and resolution, then compare the current prices of the exact cards available to you.