Is it Time to Upgrade? Evaluating GTX 1060 Gaming Laptops in 2021

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Performance of GTX 1060 in Modern Games
3. Gaming Laptop Specifications
4. Comparison with Other Laptops
5. Upgrading from GTX 1060
   1. Comparison with GTX 1650 and 1650 Ti
   2. Consideration of GTX 1660 Ti
   3. Limitations of GTX 1660 Ti
   4. Ray Tracing and DLSS
6. Future Support and Updates
   1. AMD's FSR
   2. Subscribing for Updates

Introduction

The Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card has been a popular choice for gaming laptops since its launch in 2016. However, with the advancements in technology and the release of newer GPU models, it raises the question of how well the GTX 1060 holds up in modern games in 2021. This article aims to explore the performance capabilities of the GTX 1060 in today's current games and whether it is time to consider upgrading to a newer GPU.

Performance of GTX 1060 in Modern Games

To evaluate the performance of the GTX 1060, we conducted tests using the Lenovo Y530 laptop, equipped with an 8th gen Intel i5 8300H CPU, 16GB of dual-Channel memory, and the Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB graphics card. We tested the 1060's capabilities in 10 modern games to assess its performance at varying settings.

1. Cyberpunk 2077: Despite experiencing around 30 FPS at medium settings, the Game was still fairly playable. However, there was noticeable stuttering at high or ultra settings.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2: Even higher-end laptops struggle to achieve impressive performance at ultra settings. However, low settings can yield above 50 FPS.
3. Microsoft Flight Simulator: Similar to other newer laptops, the GTX 1060 performs adequately, maintaining around 50 FPS at the lowest preset.
4. Control: This game was able to exceed 60 FPS at low settings, making it playable even with lower frame rates. Medium settings were also found to be usable.
5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The game was tested using its benchmark tool. Low settings exceeded the desired 60 FPS, while higher settings remained quite playable.
6. Watch Dogs Legion: The benchmark revealed a steady 60 FPS at the low preset. Medium to high settings offered improved visuals while maintaining smooth gameplay.
7. Death Stranding: There was minimal difference between different settings presets. Even the highest setting ran smoothly with above 60 FPS on average.
8. Fortnite: This popular esports title maintained above 60 FPS even at the highest epic preset. Lower settings could easily take advantage of a 144Hz screen.
9. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Despite its age, the game still yielded satisfactory performance at high settings. The lowest preset achieved one of the highest frame rates among the games tested.
10. Battlefield V: The ultra setting preset almost reached 60 FPS, while the low preset allowed for 100 FPS. These older games generally performed better than the newer ones, highlighting their lower demands.

Gaming Laptop Specifications

The Lenovo Y530 utilized in the tests features an Intel i5 8300H CPU, 16GB of dual-channel memory, and the Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB graphics card. These specifications suggest that the laptop is capable of delivering satisfactory gaming performance, especially when paired with the GTX 1060.

Comparison with Other Laptops

In comparison with other laptops, the GTX 1060 remains competitive in terms of performance. When tested in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at the maximum settings at 1080p, the 1060 performs slightly below the Radeon RX 5500M but surpasses the newer GTX 1650 and 1650 Ti. Higher improvements can be observed in the GTX 1660 Ti and RTX 30 series.

Upgrading from GTX 1060

When considering an upgrade from the GTX 1060, it is crucial to compare the performance gains offered by newer models. The GTX 1650 and 1650 Ti, released after the 1060, do not Present a significant improvement. Alternatively, the GTX 1660 Ti showcases a notable increase in performance, surpassing the 1060 by approximately 42% in 15 games.

However, it is important to note that the 1660 Ti remains a GTX card, lacking features such as ray tracing and DLSS, which have become increasingly prevalent in modern games. Games like Control and Fortnite can benefit from DLSS, but it requires RTX hardware. Therefore, the minimum upgrade for these features would be an RTX 2060 or possibly the new RTX 3050, which requires further comparison to the 2060.

Future Support and Updates

AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is a promising feature on the horizon. AMD has demonstrated FSR working on a GTX 1060, implying that the 1060 may continue to perform well in games that support this feature. If numerous new games adopt FSR, it might extend the lifespan of the 1060. Furthermore, subscribing to updates and staying informed will allow users to revisit the performance of the 1060 in light of new developments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GTX 1060 remains capable of delivering satisfactory performance in modern games at low to medium settings. However, it performs better in older games, especially in esports titles, at high and ultra settings. Considering an upgrade from the 1060 warrants examining the performance gains offered by newer models, such as the GTX 1650 and 1650 Ti, or the more significant improvement seen with the GTX 1660 Ti. Additionally, features like ray tracing and DLSS, available exclusively on RTX hardware, may influence upgrade decisions. Nonetheless, the GTX 1060 may still be Relevant, especially with impending updates such as AMD's FSR.

Highlights:

• The performance of the GTX 1060 in modern games at low to medium settings is examined.
• Comparison with other laptops reveals the competitiveness of the GTX 1060.
• Considerations for upgrading from the GTX 1060, including the comparison with GTX 1650, 1650 Ti, and 1660 Ti, as well as the limitations of the latter.
• The significance of features like ray tracing and DLSS.
• The potential impact of AMD's FSR on the relevance of the GTX 1060.

FAQ:

Q: Can the GTX 1060 run Cyberpunk 2077? A: Yes, the 1060 can run Cyberpunk 2077, although it is advisable to lower the settings for smoother gameplay.

Q: Is the GTX 1660 Ti a worthy upgrade over the GTX 1060? A: Yes, the GTX 1660 Ti offers a noticeable performance improvement over the GTX 1060, making it a worthwhile upgrade.

Q: Will the GTX 1060 receive support for AMD's FSR? A: AMD has demonstrated FSR working on a GTX 1060, suggesting that the 1060 may benefit from future games adopting this feature.

Resources:

• Nvidia Official Website