If you‘re in the market for a midrange graphics card, the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1060 are two of the most popular options. Released in 2016 and 2017 respectively, these GPUs both offer excellent performance for 1080p gaming at an affordable price point. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we‘ll do a deep dive comparing the specs, features, performance, price, and more of the 1050 Ti and 1060 to help you decide. I‘ll share my expert analysis as a PC hardware enthusiast to guide you to the best choice for your needs and budget. Let‘s get started!
GTX 1050 Ti vs 1060: Detailed Specs Comparison
First, let‘s take a look at how the technical specifications of the 1050 Ti and 1060 stack up:
| Spec | GTX 1050 Ti | GTX 1060 3GB | GTX 1060 6GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | GP107 | GP106 | |
| CUDA Cores | 768 | 1152 | 1280 |
| Base Clock | 1290 MHz | 1506 MHz | |
| Boost Clock | 1392 MHz | 1708 MHz | |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR5 | 3GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps | 8 Gbps | |
| Memory Bus Width | 128-bit | 192-bit | |
| TDP | 75W | 120W | |
| Power Connector | None | 6-pin | |
As you can see, the GTX 1060 beats the 1050 Ti across the board in terms of raw specs. The 1060 has 50-67% more CUDA cores, much higher clock speeds, faster memory, and a wider memory bus. This translates to significantly better performance.
However, the 1050 Ti has the advantage of a lower 75W TDP, allowing it to be powered solely off the PCIe slot with no extra power connector required. The 1060 needs an additional 6-pin power connection.
GTX 1050 Ti vs 1060: Gaming Benchmarks
Of course, specs are just numbers on a page. The real test is how these cards perform in actual games. I gathered benchmark results from reputable sources to see how the 1050 Ti and 1060 stack up in popular titles at 1080p resolution.
| Game (1080p Ultra) | GTX 1050 Ti | GTX 1060 3GB | GTX 1060 6GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 61 FPS | 83 FPS | 86 FPS |
| PUBG | 41 FPS | 61 FPS | 63 FPS |
| GTA V | 52 FPS | 76 FPS | 79 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 37 FPS | 54 FPS | 60 FPS |
Here we see the GTX 1060 flexing its extra power, pushing out over 60 FPS even in demanding titles like GTA V and The Witcher 3. The 1050 Ti struggles more, often dipping below 60 FPS which can lead to less smooth gameplay. To maintain 60+ FPS, you would likely need to lower some graphics settings with the 1050 Ti.
There is minimal difference between the 3GB and 6GB GTX 1060 models. The extra VRAM only provides a benefit in certain games at the highest texture quality settings. For most gamers, the cheaper 3GB version is the better value.
GTX 1050 Ti vs 1060: Sizing and Ports
If you have a smaller PC case, you‘ll need to be mindful of the size of these graphics cards. The GTX 1060 is a full-size dual-fan design that measures around 9.5-10.5 inches long depending on the manufacturer and specific model. Mini-ITX versions are available as small as 6.7", but cost more.
In contrast, many GTX 1050 Ti models use a compact single-fan design and are much shorter at around 5.7-6.7 inches long. This makes the 1050 Ti a great choice for a mini gaming PC. Just keep in mind the 1050 Ti may run a bit louder and hotter than the dual-fan 1060 under heavy load.
As for output ports, both cards typically offer 3 DisplayPort 1.4, 1 HDMI 2.0b, and 1 dual-link DVI-D port. This allows connecting multiple monitors including VR headsets.
GTX 1050 Ti vs 1060: Extra Features
Both the 1050 Ti and 1060 support all the core Nvidia gaming features:
- G-Sync for smooth variable refresh rate gaming on compatible monitors
- Ansel super resolution screenshot technology
- GameStream for streaming gameplay to a Shield device
- GPU Boost 3.0 for higher clock speeds when thermal headroom allows
However, only the GTX 1060 officially supports VR gaming. The 1050 Ti doesn‘t quite meet the minimum spec for a smooth VR experience. So if you plan to use an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, opt for the 1060 instead.
GTX 1050 Ti vs 1060: Price and Value
Finally, let‘s talk about price and value. Which card gives you the most bang for your buck? Here are the original MSRPs at launch:
- GTX 1050 Ti – $139
- GTX 1060 3GB – $199
- GTX 1060 6GB – $249
Based on these prices, the GTX 1060 3GB seems to hit the sweet spot. It performs about 30-40% faster than the 1050 Ti for a very reasonable $60 price premium. The extra 3GB of VRAM on the 1060 6GB is overkill for most gamers and inflates the price too much in my opinion.
In today‘s market, prices have changed and you can often find the 6GB model for not much more than the 3GB one, or even the same price on sale. In that case, get the 6GB for a bit of extra future-proofing. Avoid overpaying for 1050 Ti‘s.
Final Verdict
So which card should you buy – the GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1060? Here are my recommendations:
For a budget build under $500, the GTX 1050 Ti offers great value and ample performance for the price. You‘ll be able to hit 60 FPS at 1080p in most games with medium-high settings. It‘s also a good choice for upgrading a prebuilt desktop that doesn‘t have any extra power connectors available. Just make sure your PSU is 300W or higher.
If you can afford to spend a little more, the GTX 1060 3GB provides a big step up in performance that‘s well worth the extra cost in my opinion. For $600-800 gaming rigs, it‘s the ideal pairing with a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU. You‘ll be able to max out settings at 1080p and even do some 1440p gaming.
For VR gaming or the absolute best 1080p experience, the GTX 1060 6GB is the clear choice. The larger 6GB frame buffer also helps at 1440p in newer games. But if you‘re considering a GTX 1070 or above, just make the leap to one of those instead.
I hope this in-depth comparison of the GTX 1050 Ti and 1060 has helped you decide which is the best fit for your needs and budget. No matter which one you choose, you‘re getting a very capable 1080p gaming GPU that will provide years of entertainment. Happy gaming!
