Best Upgrade Options for RTX 1060 Users in 2024: Maximizing Value and Performance.
Let’s be honest, If you have been on the Nvidia 1060 GPU then you deserve to treat yourself. The best upgrade options for RTX 1060 users in 2024 to maximizing value and performance without killing the bank are all below! We have taken into account what CPU’s you could be using, and are offering our suggestion as a great upgrade path that shouldn’t cost a kidney.
If you’re still gaming on an NVIDIA GTX 1060 in 2024, you’re not alone! This mid-range workhorse from 2016 remains one of the most popular GPUs due to its excellent value at launch. But with more demanding games, higher-resolution displays, and technologies like ray tracing and DLSS taking center stage, many GTX 1060 users are considering an upgrade. Here’s a guide on the best upgrade paths that deliver a significant boost in performance without breaking the bank.
Best Upgrade Options for RTX 1060 – Why Upgrade Your GTX 1060?
The GTX 1060 is now showing its age in modern titles. While still functional for older or less demanding games, newer games push the limits of its 3GB or 6GB VRAM, making it struggle with high textures, resolutions, and the latest graphical effects. An upgrade not only future-proofs your setup but also enables you to experience smoother gameplay, higher resolutions, and visual enhancements like ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
Best Upgrade Options for RTX 1060 – Key Considerations Before Upgrading
When upgrading from a GTX 1060, it’s important to consider the age of the rest of your PC components, particularly the CPU. Many GTX 1060 setups from 2016–2020 likely feature Intel’s i5 or i7 processors from the 6th to 9th generation or equivalent AMD Ryzen 1000 and 2000 series CPUs. Here’s how to make the most of your GPU upgrade without hitting CPU bottlenecks:
- Avoid Over-Powering: If your CPU is older or lower-end, pairing it with an ultra-powerful GPU may lead to bottlenecks, where your CPU limits the full performance potential of the new GPU.
- Stick with Budget-Friendly Upgrades: RTX 1060 users are often price-sensitive, so consider options that balance price and performance without being overkill.
Best GPU Upgrade Options for Former GTX 1060 Users
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB)
- Why Upgrade? The RTX 3060 is a direct successor to the 1060 series and offers a significant leap in performance, with roughly double the FPS in most modern games.
- Key Features: 12GB of VRAM (great for future-proofing), ray tracing, and DLSS support.
- Performance: The RTX 3060 handles 1080p gaming at ultra settings effortlessly and even performs well at 1440p, depending on the game and CPU pairing.
- Pricing: Typically found at around $300, the RTX 3060 delivers excellent value without straining a mid-tier budget.
- Compatibility: Perfect for systems with Intel Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 2600 and up.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- Why Upgrade? This newer model from the RTX 40-series offers improved ray tracing and DLSS 3 (Frame Generation), making it ideal for those aiming for an affordable future-proof upgrade.
- Key Features: 8GB VRAM, DLSS 3 with frame generation, solid power efficiency.
- Performance: The RTX 4060 shines in 1080p with ultra settings and decent 1440p performance.
- Pricing: Around $300–$350, offering a balance of performance and future-readiness.
- Compatibility: Works well with CPUs from the Intel i5-8600K and Ryzen 5 2600 upward. Older CPUs may bottleneck DLSS 3 in very CPU-intensive games.
- AMD Radeon RX 6600 and RX 6650 XT
- Why Upgrade? The RX 6600 and RX 6650 XT provide similar or better performance to the RTX 3060 at a lower price point, especially in titles that don’t heavily rely on ray tracing.
- Key Features: Excellent 1080p performance, good 1440p capabilities, 8GB of VRAM.
- Performance: Matches the RTX 3060 in rasterization-heavy games and performs well in eSports titles.
- Pricing: The RX 6600 typically costs around $200–$250, while the RX 6650 XT is around $250–$280, making them both solid budget options.
- Compatibility: Ideal for PCs with Intel i5-8400 and above or Ryzen 5 1600 and up.
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super (for Budget-Conscious Gamers)
- Why Upgrade? If you’re on a tight budget but still want to see a noticeable improvement, the GTX 1660 Super is a sensible step up from the GTX 1060.
- Key Features: 6GB of VRAM, good performance at 1080p with medium to high settings.
- Performance: Great for 1080p gaming but lacks ray tracing and DLSS, which may limit its longevity for newer titles.
- Pricing: Available for around $150–$180, making it one of the cheapest upgrades from a GTX 1060.
- Compatibility: Works well with CPUs from the Intel i5-7500 or Ryzen 3 1200 and above.
Best Upgrade Options for RTX 1060 – Honorable Mentions
If you’re open to spending a bit more, consider these options:
- NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti: Provides about 15–20% more performance than the RTX 3060, excellent for 1440p and even entry-level 4K gaming. Pricing is around $350–$400.
- AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT: Offers a good 1440p experience and a bit more VRAM (12GB) for around $350, a smart choice for those wanting longevity at a competitive price.
Avoiding CPU Bottlenecks: CPU and GPU Pairing Advice
Older CPUs like Intel’s i5-7500 and Ryzen 3 1200 may struggle to keep up with the more powerful GPUs in modern games. If you’re using an older CPU, try these pairing strategies:
- For 1080p Gaming: The RTX 3060, RX 6600, and GTX 1660 Super are solid choices that won’t overwhelm older CPUs while still providing a meaningful boost.
- For 1440p Gaming: To avoid bottlenecks, consider upgrading your CPU as well. A mid-tier Intel Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 2600 and above pairs well with the RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT for higher resolutions.
- For VR: VR benefits from a newer CPU and a more powerful GPU. The RTX 4060 or RX 6650 XT, combined with a recent mid-range CPU like the Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel i5-10400, is a sweet spot for VR gaming.
Final Recommendation: Best Budget and Performance Choices for Former GTX 1060 Users
If you’re a GTX 1060 user seeking a solid, budget-conscious upgrade, the NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6650 XT offers the best balance of performance and price for under $300, allowing you to enjoy 1080p and 1440p gaming with decent future-proofing.
For those willing to spend slightly more, the RTX 4060 provides DLSS 3 support and excellent power efficiency, ideal for users looking to extend their system’s life without a major CPU upgrade.
With these choices, you can keep your gaming setup relevant for years to come while maximizing your investment.
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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