1050 Ti vs. 1060: Full Comparison With Specs, Price, and More

Graphics cards are crucial computer components that help in gaming, video editing, 3D image rendering, and much more. Avid gamers seeking to build a gaming rig understand the importance of high-performance graphics cards, as they have high-resolution rates, speed, and frame rates for lag-free gaming experiences. Graphics card manufacturers have improved their offerings thanks to the advancement of technology. Nvidia is among the top GPU producers with a robust lineup of high-quality graphics cards. Their GeForce GTX 10-Series features the Pascal architecture, which delivers unprecedented performance. This guide will comprehensively compare the 1050 Ti and 1060 graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.

1050 Ti vs. 1060: Side-by-Side Comparison

	GTX 1050 Ti	GTX 1060
GPU	GP107	GP106
CUDA Cores	768	1280
Base Clock	1290MHz	1506MHz
Boost Clock	1392MHz	1708MHz
VRAM	4GB GDDR5	3GB / 6GB GDDR5
Memory Speed	7Gbps	8Gbps
Memory Bus	128-bit	192-bit
Bandwidth	112 GB/s	192 GB/s
TDP	75W	120W
Power Connector	None	6-pin
DirectX	12	12
OpenGL	4.5	4.5
Outputs	HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, DVI-D	HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, DL-DVI
Launch Price	$139	$199

1050 Ti vs. 1060: What’s the Difference?

The Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti and 1060 have impressive performance and features. They have a lot in common, such as their HDMI 2.0 ports, which support 4K resolution for an immersive gaming experience. Nvidia released the two graphic cards two years apart, each bringing significant improvements from their predecessor. As a variant of the GTX 1050, the 1050 Ti has similar features to the 1050 model, but as the higher version model, there are slight performance improvements. The critical differences between the 1050 Ti and 1060 include:

Performance

The GTX 1050 Ti offers better performance than the GTX 1050 base model, although this comes at a cost. It runs smoothly and has considerably high frame rates for a better gaming experience. However, it does not provide a big leap forward. The difference is noticeable. If you want a more improved performance, the GTX 1060 is your best bet.

In popular games like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Assassins Creed, the average frame rates for the 1060 in Full HD, 1440p, and 4K are significantly higher than the 1050 Ti. This means you can enjoy your best games without lag or stuttering. While the GTX 1060 performs better than GTX 1050 Ti, it still can’t match Nvidia’s RTX 30 and 20 GPU lineup. This is because they lack advanced features like Ray Tracing and DLSS.

Price

Budget-conscious gamers will find the GTX 1060 and GTX 1050 Ti cost-effective. Compared to their high-end counterparts, the GTX 1080-Ti and the GTX 1070 Ti, the older generation offers more value and better performance for the price. At launch, the GTX 1050 Ti was selling at $139. If you aren’t handling intensive tasks that require high frame rates and new features like modern games, you can save a few bucks with GeForce GTX 1050 Ti.

At a launch price of $199, the GTX 1060, though relatively costly, delivers a higher performance level. Modern gamers will enjoy the high frame rates and VR support. This guarantees a better performance for most modern titles due to their high resolution. As the newer model, this GPU is more powerful than its predecessor. If cost is not a concern, the GTX 1060 will offer you better value.

Power Consumption, Size, and Ports

The power consumption of the two GPUs differs significantly. The GTX 1050 Ti outshines the GTX 1060. It uses 75 watts, while the GTX 1060 uses 120 watts and a 6-pin PCI-e power connector. The GTX 1050 Ti does not require a power connector because of its low TDP rating. It does not need the extra power connector to work. Both cards have a minimum recommended power supply of 400W but can function even at 300W of power supply.

In terms of size, the GTX 1060 is larger than the GTX 1050 Ti. People with limited space in their PC cases will find the 1050 Ti more viable because it saves space. With a length of only 145mm, the 1050 Ti is almost half the size of the newer model. Although the performance may be inadequate, this is the better version to minimize space usage. However, if your rig is bigger and can accommodate a 250mm footprint, you are better off with a high-performance GTX 1060.

As for connectivity, both GPUs feature wide compatibility with computer components. The port selection is standard for both cards, including HDMI 2.0, DVI, and DisplayPort connections for connecting multiple high-resolution monitors.

Features

The GTX 1060 and GTX 1050 Ti share features such as DirectX, OpenGL, Nvidia Ansel, and G-Sync support. However, the 1050 Ti has 768 CUDA cores and a clock speed of 290MHz, which makes it less powerful than other GPUs. Thus, the key difference between the GPUs are their clock speeds and the number of CUDA cores. The more cores and higher clock speed a GPU has, the more powerful it is and the more efficiently it can perform tasks. In contrast, the GTX 1060 offers much more for its higher price. With double the CUDA cores from 640 to 1,280, the 1060 can handle a significantly higher workload. 

Another significant difference is the VRAM, with the 1060 having a maximum of 6GB, which is crucial in giving the GPU the necessary space to use its processing power effectively. In contrast, the 1050 Ti tops out at 4GB, which may limit its performance in more demanding applications but is still sufficient for running AAA titles.

1050 Ti vs. 1060: 5 Must-Know Facts

• GTX 1060 is larger than the GTX 1050 Ti, being 255mm and 145mm in length, respectively.
• The 1050 Ti has a power consumption of 75 watts, while the GTX 1060 uses 120 watts.
• Both GPUs have HDMI 2.0, DVI, and DisplayPort connections for connecting multiple high-resolution monitors.
• The GTX 1060 is better suited for modern games because it is VR-compatible and has high frame rates.
• At a launch price of $139, the GTX 1050 Ti is an affordable option for its class and performance. The GTX 1060 has a launch price of $199, which is higher.

1050 Ti vs. 1060: Which is Better?

With faster RAM, more CUDA cores, and higher clock rates than the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti, the GTX 1060 is a more powerful graphics card. This implies that players will have lag-free gameplay in modern games using this model. The RAM on the 1060 runs at 8Gbps, in contrast to the GTX 1050 Ti’s 7Gbps. As a result, the GTX 1060 can play demanding games more smoothly at higher graphics settings and resolutions.

In short, the GTX 1050 Ti is still a solid graphics card for those on a budget or for those who don’t need the highest performance. It is also more power-efficient than 1060, consuming only 75 watts compared to the 120 watts of 1060. The 1050 Ti is also smaller, making it a good choice for compact builds. Ultimately, if you are looking for the best performance and have a higher budget, the GTX 1060 is the better choice. However, the 1050 Ti is still a solid choice for mid-range gaming if you are on a budget or have a smaller build.