AMD Radeon HD 7970 vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060: What is the difference?
40points
AMD Radeon HD 7970
59points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
HIS X IceQ X2 Turbo
Comparison winner
vs
54 facts in comparison
AMD Radeon HD 7970
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Why is AMD Radeon HD 7970 better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060?
- 71.8GB/s more memory bandwidth?
264GB/svs192.2GB/s - 192bit wider memory bus width?
384bitvs192bit - 768 more shading units?
2048vs1280 - 48 more texture mapping units (TMUs)?
128vs80 - Has Double Precision Floating Point (DPFP)?
- 3 more displays supported?
6vs3 - 2 more mini-DisplayPort outputs?
2vs0
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 better than AMD Radeon HD 7970?
- 581MHz faster GPU clock speed?
1506MHzvs925MHz - 42.
7 GPixel/s higher pixel rate?
72.3 GPixel/svs29.6 GPixel/s - 130W lower TDP?
120Wvs250W - 627MHz faster memory clock speed?
2002MHzvs1375MHz - 3GB more VRAM?
6GBvs3GB - 2508MHz higher effective memory clock speed?
8008MHzvs5500MHz - 0.9 newer version of DirectX?
12vs11.1 - Supports ray tracing?
Which are the most popular comparisons?
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 550
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop
AMD Radeon HD 7970
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AMD Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
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Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Laptop
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
AMD Radeon R9 270X
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
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Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop
AMD Radeon HD 7970
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AMD Radeon R9 280X
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
Manli GeForce GTX 1650
AMD Radeon HD 7970
vs
AMD Radeon R7 370
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
Price comparison
User reviews
Overall Rating
AMD Radeon HD 7970
0 User reviews
AMD Radeon HD 7970
0.
0/10
0 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
7 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
8.9/10
7 User reviews
Features
Value for money
No reviews yet
8.6/10
7 votes
Gaming
No reviews yet
8.7/10
7 votes
Performance
No reviews yet
8.3/10
7 votes
Quiet operation
No reviews yet
8.4/10
7 votes
Reliability
No reviews yet
8.1/10
7 votes
Performance
GPU clock speed
925MHz
1506MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
GPU turbo
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (AMD Radeon HD 7970)
1708MHz
When the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
pixel rate
29.6 GPixel/s
72.3 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
floating-point performance
3.79 TFLOPS
3.85 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
texture rate
118 GTexels/s
120.5 GTexels/s
The number of textured pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
GPU memory speed
1375MHz
2002MHz
The memory clock speed is one aspect that determines the memory bandwidth.
shading units
Shading units (or stream processors) are small processors within the graphics card that are responsible for processing different aspects of the image.
texture mapping units (TMUs)
TMUs take textures and map them to the geometry of a 3D scene.
More TMUs will typically mean that texture information is processed faster.
render output units (ROPs)
The ROPs are responsible for some of the final steps of the rendering process, writing the final pixel data to memory and carrying out other tasks such as anti-aliasing to improve the look of graphics.
Memory
effective memory speed
5500MHz
8008MHz
The effective memory clock speed is calculated from the size and data rate of the memory. Higher clock speeds can give increased performance in games and other apps.
maximum memory bandwidth
264GB/s
192.2GB/s
This is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.
VRAM (video RAM) is the dedicated memory of a graphics card. More VRAM generally allows you to run games at higher settings, especially for things like texture resolution.
memory bus width
384bit
192bit
A wider bus width means that it can carry more data per cycle.
It is an important factor of memory performance, and therefore the general performance of the graphics card.
version of GDDR memory
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
Supports ECC memory
✖AMD Radeon HD 7970
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Error-correcting code memory can detect and correct data corruption. It is used when is it essential to avoid corruption, such as scientific computing or when running a server.
Features
DirectX version
DirectX is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenGL version
OpenGL is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenCL version
Some apps use OpenCL to apply the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing.
Newer versions introduce more functionality and better performance.
Supports multi-display technology
✔AMD Radeon HD 7970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
The graphics card supports multi-display technology. This allows you to configure multiple monitors in order to create a more immersive gaming experience, such as having a wider field of view.
load GPU temperature
A lower load temperature means that the card produces less heat and its cooling system performs better.
supports ray tracing
✖AMD Radeon HD 7970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔AMD Radeon HD 7970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D display and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖AMD Radeon HD 7970
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an upscaling technology powered by AI.
It allows the graphics card to render games at a lower resolution and upscale them to a higher resolution with near-native visual quality and increased performance. DLSS is only available on select games.
PassMark (G3D) result
This benchmark measures the graphics performance of a video card. Source: PassMark.
Ports
has an HDMI output
✔AMD Radeon HD 7970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Devices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display.
HDMI ports
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (AMD Radeon HD 7970)
More HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes.
HDMI version
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (AMD Radeon HD 7970)
HDMI 2.0
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DisplayPort.
DVI outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DVI.
mini DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using mini-DisplayPort.
Price comparison
Which are the best graphics cards?
GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB vs Radeon HD 7970 Graphics cards Comparison
When comparing GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and Radeon HD 7970, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI. Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card — this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card.
You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and Radeon HD 7970 is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.
GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB
Radeon HD 7970
Check Price
Main Specs
| GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB | Radeon HD 7970 | |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 120 Watt | 300 Watt |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Supplementary power connectors | 1x 6-pin | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin |
| Memory type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Maximum RAM amount | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Display Connectors | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 2x mini-DisplayPort |
|
Check Price |
- Radeon HD 7970 has 150% more power consumption, than GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB.
- Both video cards are using PCIe 3.0 x16 interface connection to a motherboard.
- GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and Radeon HD 7970 have maximum RAM of 3 GB.
- Both cards are used in Desktops.
- GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is build with Pascal architecture, and Radeon HD 7970 — with GCN.
- GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is manufactured by 16 nm process technology, and Radeon HD 7970 — by 28 nm process technology.
- Radeon HD 7970 is 24 mm longer, than GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB.
- Memory clock speed of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB is 6633 MHz higher, than Radeon HD 7970.
Game benchmarks
| Assassin’s Creed OdysseyBattlefield 5Call of Duty: WarzoneCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveCyberpunk 2077Dota 2Far Cry 5FortniteForza Horizon 4Grand Theft Auto VMetro ExodusMinecraftPLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDSRed Dead Redemption 2The Witcher 3: Wild HuntWorld of Tanks | ||
| high / 1080p | 50−55 | 35−40 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 21−24 |
| QHD / 1440p | 24−27 | 16−18 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 10−11 |
| low / 720p | 75−80 | 60−65 |
| medium / 1080p | 60−65 | 40−45 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is 37% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | 55−60 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 50−55 | 35−40 |
| 4K / 2160p | 27−30 | 18−20 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 60−65 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Battlefield 5 is 38% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| low / 768p | 45−50 | 50−55 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 0−1 |
The average gaming FPS of Radeon HD 7970 in Call of Duty: Warzone is 10% more, than GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. |
||
| low / 768p | 250−260 | 250−260 |
| medium / 768p | 230−240 | 220−230 |
| ultra / 1080p | − | 180−190 |
| QHD / 1440p | 150−160 | 110−120 |
| 4K / 2160p | 100−110 | 70−75 |
| high / 768p | 220−230 | 210−220 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is 10% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| low / 768p | 70−75 | 60−65 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 55−60 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Cyberpunk 2077 is 3% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 120−130 |
| medium / 768p | 110−120 | 110−120 |
| ultra / 1080p | 110−120 | 100−110 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Dota 2 is 2% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 60−65 | 45−50 |
| ultra / 1080p | 60−65 | 40−45 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 27−30 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 14−16 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 80−85 |
| medium / 1080p | 65−70 | 45−50 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Far Cry 5 is 39% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| high / 1080p | 90−95 | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 27−30 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 27−30 |
| low / 720p | 220−230 | 180−190 |
| medium / 1080p | 140−150 | 110−120 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Fortnite is 29% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 85−90 | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 30−35 |
| 4K / 2160p | 30−35 | 24−27 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 90−95 | 65−70 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Forza Horizon 4 is 37% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| low / 768p | 160−170 | 140−150 |
| medium / 768p | 150−160 | 120−130 |
| high / 1080p | 95−100 | 70−75 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 30−35 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 21−24 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Grand Theft Auto V is 27% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 24−27 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 20−22 |
| QHD / 1440p | 24−27 | 16−18 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 8−9 |
| low / 720p | 90−95 | 65−70 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 30−35 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Metro Exodus is 50% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 130−140 |
| medium / 1080p | − | 120−130 |
| The average gaming FPS of Radeon HD 7970 in Minecraft is 8% more, than GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. | ||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | − |
| ultra / 1080p | 55−60 | 14−16 |
| 4K / 2160p | 18−20 | − |
| low / 720p | 120−130 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 18−20 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is 95% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 24−27 |
| ultra / 1080p | 21−24 | 16−18 |
| QHD / 1440p | 16−18 | 10−11 |
| 4K / 2160p | 10−11 | 7−8 |
| low / 720p | 90−95 | 65−70 |
| medium / 1080p | 55−60 | 35−40 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in Red Dead Redemption 2 is 44% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
| low / 768p | 180−190 | 130−140 |
| medium / 768p | 120−130 | 85−90 |
| high / 1080p | 70−75 | 45−50 |
| ultra / 1080p | 40−45 | 24−27 |
| 4K / 2160p | 24−27 | 16−18 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 45% more, than Radeon HD 7970. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 90−95 |
| medium / 768p | − | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 50−55 |
| high / 768p | − | 60−65 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB in World of Tanks is 33% more, than Radeon HD 7970. | ||
Full Specs
| GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB | Radeon HD 7970 | |
| Architecture | Pascal | GCN |
| Code name | GP106 | Tahiti XT |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release date | 18 August 2016 | 22 December 2011 |
| Pipelines | 1152 | 2048 |
| Core clock speed | 1506 MHz | |
| Boost Clock | 1708 MHz | 925 MHz |
| Transistor count | 4,400 million | 4,313 million |
| Manufacturing process technology | 16 nm | 28 nm |
| Texture fill rate | 123. 0 |
118.4 |
| Floating-point performance | 3,935 gflops | 3,789 gflops |
| Length | 250 mm | 274 mm |
| Memory bus width | 192 Bit | 384 Bit |
| Memory clock speed | 8008 MHz | 1375 MHz |
| Memory bandwidth | 192.2 GB/s | 264 GB/s |
| Shared memory | — | |
| DirectX | 12 (12_1) | |
| Shader Model | 6.4 | 5.1 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| OpenCL | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Vulkan | + | |
| CUDA | 6.1 | |
| FreeSync | + | |
| Bus support | PCIe 2.
|