Used GTX 970 or new 1060-3GB

[imrazor]

I currently have a Xeon X5670 with a GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Performance w/ a 200MHz core OC and 500 MHz VRAM OC is decent (~55 fps in Fallout 4 on High.) However, it really isn't that big a jump from my old GTX 670. I'm considering moving up to the next tier of performance with a 970/1060.

I can get a used 970 with 2 yr warranty for US$185. In contrast, I can get a brand new, low-end 1060 3GB for US$210-US$220. The downside of the 970 is the model will be random, so I can't be 100% sure of what I'll get or if my OEM PSU will have the right connectors (currently 2x6-pin.) The downside of the 1060 is that I'll lose 1GB of VRAM.

Which would folks here recommend? Am I missing any deals?

 

[clutchc]

The GTX 1060 3GB is a bit faster than the GTX 970, and the 970 has that old 3.5GB fast/.5GB slow VRAM issue. 3GB is not that much of a drawback compared to 3.5GB if you game at 1080p. I have/had both cards myself. My GTX 1060 was noticeably faster than my 970. Personally, I would opt for the 3GB 1060.

 

[clutchc]

I forgot to add this video for reference above.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

I've also had both cards. For the most part the 1060 3GB was faster. I did however find some heavy load scenarios, such as AC Unity maxed out, where the 970 was faster.

For me it would depend on the model. For instance if it were between the Zotac Mini 1060 and the Strix 970 I'd take the Strix 970.

*I forgot to add that my 970 was heavily overclocked to 1500MHz+ core, which was a nice thing about that Strix 970.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

I forgot to add this video for reference above.

Do you know of any benchmarks that show an overclocked GTX 970 vs an overclocked 1060 3GB? What 970 did you have and how far could it overclock, Core MHz?

 

[clutchc]

I forgot to add this video for reference above.

Do you know of any benchmarks that show an overclocked GTX 970 vs an overclocked 1060 3GB? What 970 did you have and how far could it overclock, Core MHz?

I had 2 x GTX 970. Evga GTX 970 FTW+ Gaming ACX 2+ and a Zotac GTX 970 Dual Fan. Just have the latter now.
I had one Evga GTX 1060 3GB Gaming (Replaced with same in 6GB now).
But I never OC'ed any of them. And I'm afraid I don't know of any gfx card OC benchmarks, since I've never had the desire to do that.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Well most GTX 970 can be overclocked to match the stock GTX 980. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXl7tKCC8FY

But those are old games.

Another video GTX 970 OC vs GTX 1060 6GB non-OC, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL0krSUSzFA

 

[clutchc]

Impressive! The OC'ed 970 actually had a few times it was faster than the 980. I wonder what my 980 would do with an OC?
Looked like a Digital Foundry Benchmark video. I love DF.
And I miss Crysis. Wish they'd release another one.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

+1 Digital Foundry

I know my Strix 970 could do around 1526MHz core, but some games didn't like it (GTAV being one) would artifact like crazy. I think 1500MHz is what most people try for.