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Buy on Amazon logo
$398
New
VS
NVIDIA logo
Buy on Amazon logo
$359
New

Aggregate performance score

We've compared GeForce GTX 1060 5GB and GeForce GTX 970, covering specs and all relevant benchmarks.

GeForce GTX 1060 5GB +7%
9
5GB , 120W
GeForce GTX 970
8
4GB , 145W

GeForce GTX 1060 5GB outperforms GeForce GTX 970 by a moderate 7% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Summary

We compared two graphics cards: the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB with 5GB VRAM (Pascal architecture), against the GeForce GTX 970 with 4GB VRAM (Maxwell architecture). Both graphics cards offer competitive value for their respective price points. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is more power-efficient, consuming 120W compared to 145W. On this page, you will find detailed benchmark comparisons, technical specifications, value score analysis, and key differences to help you choose the right graphics card for your needs and budget.

Key Differences

An overview of the main advantages of each graphics card

Reasons to consider the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB

7% higher 3DMark score (3,908 versus 3,648)
25% more VRAM: 5GB versus 4GB
17% lower power consumption (120W versus 145W)

Reasons to consider the GeForce GTX 970

3% better value score (10 versus 10)
$39 lower current price ($359 versus $398)

Value Score Comparison

Price-to-performance value analysis

GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
10
GeForce GTX 970
+3% better value
10

Benchmarks

Performance comparison across 1 common benchmarks

3DMark synthetic

GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
+7%
3,908
GeForce GTX 970
3,648

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side hardware comparison

Specification GeForce GTX 1060 5GB GeForce GTX 970
Architecture Pascal Maxwell
VRAM Size 5 GB 4 GB
TDP 120W 145W
Current Price $398
New • Amazon
$359
New • Amazon

Conclusion

If you plan to game at higher resolutions or use VRAM-intensive applications, the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB with 5GB VRAM provides more headroom. Both graphics cards have their strengths, so choose based on your specific gaming needs, budget constraints, and performance requirements.