DX12 and Vulcan API based Games performance difference RX 480 and Nvidia GTX 1060
With some of the benchmarks showing a lead for the AMD RX 480 (8 GB version). Also, the possibility that the RX 480 may actually do better in the future can be really confusing for Gamers looking to buy the GTX 1060.
For now, the GTX 1060 is 8-10% faster in the DirectX 11 games, and that is a fact and what happens in the future happens in the future. We never know how optimized the games and drivers were for AMD and Nvidia when new PC gaming titles came in 2017-18.
Going by the past, Nvidia is not going to lose. The tomb raider with DX 12 also proves that the GTX 1060 is quite fast and performs better in the Game.
Hitman and Ashes of Singularity ran better on DX 12 with AMD RX 480 than the Nvidia GTX 1060.
Let’s have a look at the choices we have in terms of brands for GTX 1060.
Brands for Nvidia GTX 1060 in India
Zotac Nvidia GTX 1060 – There are 2 cards available from Zotac, the Amp Edition and the smaller Zotac Mini. Both don’t meet my expectations but are available cheaper in comparison to other cards. The Mini is an underperformer and the right fit for people with small cabinets.
As per the early reviews and user feedback, the AMP edition runs a bit hot, around 80 degrees C. I prefer the more expensive better-cooled graphics card plus additional room to overclock. Zotac Mini is available for Rs. 22999 and the Zotac Amp Edition for Rs. 25,999.
Zotac Amp Edition
Zotac Mini GTX 1060
MSI Nvidia GTX 1060
Even MSI has two graphics cards, the MSI Armor with standard-sized Cooler available for Rs. 26999. The GPU has a Boost clock of 1759 MHz. On the other hand, the MSI Gaming X comes with larger coolers and looks similar to the GTX 1070 they have launched earlier.
The graphics card costs Rs. 27,300 in the market and has an 1809 MHz (OC Mode). It can easily clock above 2000 MHz, and those coolers can run it without getting heated.
MSI Armor GTX 1060
MSI Gaming X
Galax Nvidia GTX 1060
Furthermore, the Galax card is quite affordable, and as per the media release they have sent us, it costs Rs. 23,600 in India. The graphics card comes with Boost Clock (MHz) 1759.
Asus Nvidia GTX 1060
The Asus Nvidia ROG STRIX-GTX1060-6G-GAMING is probably the most expensive of the lot and can set you back by Rs. 28,000, as per the initial retail price information. The availability is yet scarce and may take some time to reach more retail and online stores.
The triple cooler card is quite long and measures 11.73 inches, and you may have to check your case dimensions before buying it.
It has a higher boost clock of 1746 in the OC mode. Asus is expected to launch more models for the GTX 1060 in the market.
Gigabyte G1 Gaming Nvidia GTX 1060
Gigabyte is yet to share the retail price for their G1 gaming graphics card, but we can expect it to be Rs. 25k to 27k for the Indian market. The graphics card has a very decent boost clock of 1847 Mhz, and it comes with an 8 pin connector, unlike most GTX 1060 that require a 6 pin connector.
The brand choice can vary based on your previous experience with the brand or based on the service. Also, the price can vary if you are buying it in different Geographic regions. Share your thoughts about the brand below or if you have any queries.
Related – AMD RX 480 Gets a Price Cut in India.
WHY Nvidia GTX 1060 Looks a Better Deal than RX 480 In India
The one major reason is AMD just got the pricing wrong by a mile in India. They were selling the RX 480 at a price similar to Nvidia GTX 970, and the RX 480 offers very similar performance compared to the GTX 970.
The addition of GTX 1060 at an Rs. 3,000 less than the AMD definitely makes Nvidia a winner as far as pricing goes. The GTX 1060 is even faster in comparison to the RX 480.
Price to Performance is Better Than AMD RX 480 in India
In addition to that, it has support for VR-WORKS, which is similar to the Nvidia Gameworks program. Notably, the graphics card will have better support and performance for many games with optimizations done by game developers aligned to the Gameworks and VR-Works.
Besides, AMD RX 480 gets some negative reviews for high PCI E power usage and higher temperature and noise levels compared to the GTX 1060. AMD may have to re-look at the pricing strategy in India and lower the price further.
Purchase Decision AMD RX 480 and Nvidia GTX 1060 India
It is not an easy call, and there is no clear winner.
The price difference between the cards AMD RX 480 (8GB ) and Nvidia GTX 1060 is close to $50 to $70. Most US and other markets reviewers recommend getting the RX 480 if you wish for something cheaper and the GTX 1060 if you want an additional 10% performance and pay an additional $50 for the card.
The Indian pricing scenario is very different, and so is my recommendation. I called up some of the key retailers in Lamington road Mumbai to have a pricing comparison for both the cards, and here are some of the findings.
The AMD RX 480 8GB version is selling at Rs. 28,000 (Sapphire), while the Nvidia GTX 1060 Zotac Amp Edition is available for Rs. 24,999. The cards from Asus and Gigabyte are not available. Even the MSI GTX 1060 Gaming X costs Rs. 27,000 is not available. Likely, they will reach the retailers in a couple of days.
At the current time, the Nvidia card is available for a lower price. It is difficult to buy the AMD RX 480 even the lure of having an 8 GB VRAM card is strong. But again, the GTX 1060 performs better and is cheaper in India currently and should be considered.
Nvidia is also likely to launch a GTX 1050, GTX 1050 Ti, and flagship 1080 Ti in the fall this year.
