By the mid-range graphics cards are always special requirements. Potential buyers of these devices want to get a good performance, but not much to spend. The natural desire, especially when considered in the category of a large set of models that can be in the system unit. One of them – GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. Lite version of the series attracted an interesting price. But only if that? After testing the model ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G, willing to share their experiences.
The line of ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G is presented in two models – with 3 GB and 6 GB of memory. These versions are distinguished not only by the local RAM. For adapters with a smaller memory capacity is also used minimally easy GPU GP106, including a computing unit 1152 instead of 1280. The number of texture units also reduced from 80 to 72. The rest are no differences. Frequency formula identical, also used a 192-bit memory bus, and declared TDP is unchanged – 120 watts. Given the technical details, the developer would be worth more clearly reflect the technical differences in the model name. For example, using the designation GeForce GTX SE 1060 3 GB. Yet, not only the difference in the amount of memory and computing capabilities of GPU.
The emergence of ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G was partly spontaneous. We can assume that the original version of this even was not planned by the manufacturer, but after the release of Radeon RX 470, NVIDIA is had to hastily take action. Reducing the amount of memory – the ability to reduce the cost, and therefore sales prices graphics cards.Blocking of the computing units – it is rather a way of organizing the line, does not affect the actual cost of production of the crystals themselves.
The available memory capacity of 3 GB seems surprising at first glance. at sunset in 2016 especially for the middle class, the device. The network can often find people are accusations and complaints that the manufacturer has not added at least 1 GB, especially considering the fact that even the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti equipped with 4 GB. But the volume of 3 GB due to the use of the chip architecture consisting of three 64-bit memory controller digit total of 192 bits. Using standard capacity memory chips, in which case one can only increase or decrease by half the original amount of memory, preserving the basic bandwidth. For this reason, the video card equipped with 3 GB. In turn, in 1050 GeForce GTX 128 Ti Bus-bit, and therefore get 4 GB is not difficult, but the data rate, in this case, is much lower.
The ASUS range includes two models of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB, and both belong to the family of DUAL and differ only starting GPU frequency values. To us on the review came from the factory overclocked version.
Basic GPU frequency, in this case, is increased to 1569 MHz with an average value of acceleration to 1785 MHz. Recall that the basic formula is 1506/1708 MHz.
As you can guess, the card is equipped with 3 GB of GDDR5 memory running at 8008 MHz effective.
CONTENTS OF DELIVERY
The card comes in a compact box. The front panel shows the art with a snow leopard and big name line. Included is nothing particularly interesting – CD with drivers and software, as well as a brief guide.
Recall that in the new generation NVIDIA adapters abandoned analog video outputs, because of adapters DVI-VGA, which were previously part of it becomes complete, we are now simply become no longer relevant. Adapters for power supply and have outlived their usefulness. More or less expired PSUs are 6/8-pin connectors 12 V. For this reason, even the top grade adapters now looks spartan simple, but for graphics cards, nothing else is required. In the case of ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G, in the box, there is a sticker with a reminder of the bonus, the position of the owner of the adapter – 14 days premium access to the World of Warships and cruiser Diana.
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
All DUAL line adapters are made in the same style with a distinctive plastic casing milky white.
The manufacturer focuses on the fact that the style of the device is combined with the motherboard ASUS X99-A II, but that, of course, not a dogma.
To cool the graphics card uses the original two-fan cooler. Basis radiator unit consists of aluminum plates from the cassette, and a pair of heat pipes with a diameter of 8 mm. To speed up the transfer of heat pipes in direct contact with the GPU chip. In place of the contact, the tube has approximately mm spout. It would be good to get rid of this gap for more uniform heat dissipation. Part of the situation corrects the thermal paste, although it is not an ideal solution.
Radiator unit is blown two 90-mm axial fan with large blades and form of Wing Blade impeller.
For ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G used the original circuit board, which determines the overall length of the adapter – 242 mm. The VRM system has a 5-phase power scheme. Four GPU used to stabilize the supply voltage is provided to another memory.
Connectors for SLI-bridge no. Recall that the GeForce GTX 1060 does not support the ligament with two adapters.NVIDIA offers this possibility only for the top-end models, which generally makes sense.
the additional finned heat sink is provided for power assemblies. The photo shows a blank space for two additional power phases. These are consequences of unification because the platform is also used for adapters GTX 1070 DUAL series.
To control the parameters VRM GPU is activated by the controller uP9511P uPI Semiconductor.
A free site for additional power ICs are also filled only in case GTX 1070, but not for the 6-gigabyte version of the GTX 1060, as one might assume.
In this case, to get the required 3GB of memory chips used six Samsung K4G41325FE-HC25 capacity of 4 Mbps each.Additional cooling of chips is not provided.
has a 6-pin connector to the already traditional visual filing system alerts 12 to connect the power ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G B.
The red LED next to the connector is lit when the power line is not connected, and the white lights up when you connect the appropriate cable.
On the reverse side of the PCB no additional protective plates. A similar plate sometimes even equipped with a device class lower, yet in this case, we are talking about a relatively affordable model series.
On the interface board, ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G can observe the usual five digital video outputs. This port configuration is very typical for new devices manufacturer. In addition to DVI-D panel also has two DisplayPort and a pair of HDMI, whereas in most cases a variant with three DP and one HDMI. The manufacturer emphasizes that the couple HDMI makes life easier for the owners of VR-helmets, which in addition to the actual immersion in virtual reality devices on the same interface, and connect the monitor / TV. If there are two video outputs is not necessary each time to reconnect cables.
THE PAPER
In normal mode, the cooling fans rotate even with the minimal load on the graphics card.
The rotational speed – about 1000 rev/min. Under such conditions, the open bench GPU temperature did not exceed 30 degrees. The noise level at a minimum speed off.
After a good game peak load GPU temperature – 72C. As seen in the GPU-Z screenshot, the fan speed is increased to 1500 rev/min. The noise grows, the graphics card can already hear in the background of the CPU cooler Thermalright Archon Rev.A c its 150-mm fan. The cooling system is not the most effective, but overall it copes with its task.
Under load, the GPU frequency is dynamically increased up to 1974 MHz.
ACCELERATION
Overclock the model is relatively small. Even significant 63 MHz for the chip on the background of the overall high-frequency GPU – it is only 4.1%. Go to the Manual mode and try to further speed up the graphics card.
By raising pre-setting Power Target to the maximum available 116% GPU core frequency was increased to 1719 MHz.If you start from the recommended 1506 MHz, it is 14.1%. Memory also managed a good speed up – from 8008 MHz to 9568 MHz (+ 19.5%).
After an additional GPU acceleration, peak temperature under load increased to 75 degrees, with an increase in fan speed 1580 rev/min. This chip started to accelerate up to 2114 MHz, but in most cases worked in a range of 2080-2100 MHz.
PERFORMANCE
In assessing the performance we were interested in determining how GTX 1060 3 GB will be inferior to the version with 6 GB of memory, as well as to find out the balance of power with the closest price competitor from AMD – Radeon RX 470 4 GB. The lower position in the list of our devices takes GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB, which is possible about the level of GeForce GTX 960.
As you can see, in most cases, even when using high graphics, GeForce GTX 1060 GB 3 shows a very decent performance. Performance conditionally runoff models GTX 1060 differs by 5-10%. And not necessarily a decisive role is the amount of memory. Recall that the version with 3 GB GPU is also used with a reduced number of calculators. Because the resulting difference is probably even less than what we expected to see.
But it would be surprising if there were no nuances. If the game is in a certain mode requires significantly more memory, performance GTX 1060 3 GB can be reduced significantly. An illustrative example – Rise of the Tomb Raider.There’s even a substantial acceleration does not allow 3-gigabyte model closer to the version with 6 GB of memory, which works at standard frequencies. In reference frequency difference of about 35%. In such situations, even nominally more affordable Radeon RX 470 4GB 1060 almost overtakes the GTX 3GB.
Moreover, the example of Deus EX: Mankind Divided we see that in a particularly unfavorable for the GTX 1060 3 GB of cases, it may even give way to a model from AMD. Although there is nothing particularly surprising – nobody canceled optimization engine at closer cooperation with game developers. Especially is this possible, when it comes to devices of the same class and of similar value.
Overclocking ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G brings a very nice performance boost. In games, gain is about 10-15%. Often this is enough to beat GTX 1060 6 GB.
Also worth mentioning about situations where 3 GB of the local memory of the graphics card is not enough for storing prior textures, but for this reason performance can not be reduced significantly. An illustrative example – Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. In the test mode, Ultra Full HD resolution the game requires more than 5 GB of video memory, but on GeForce GTX 1060 GB 3 shows very decent results, but after the crackdown and did well ahead of the 6-gigabyte modification. It is important not only the required amount of memory but also the intensity of data exchange that for each individual case. With a lack of video memory, the data will be stored in the PC memory. This means that the system RAM should be more because the 2-3 GB can only be allocated to the needs of the graphics adapter. Because it is highly desirable that the system was equipped with 12-16 GB of RAM.
Selecting the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB – is the recognition of the savings, because unit costs should be minimal. A reasonable benchmark in retail – the equivalent of $ 220-240. Only, in this case, you can get the best performance for your money. Surcharge for tuned version eliminates all the advantages of lightweight modification GTX 1060. For example, even the charged version with very good CO, but the cost of $ 270 is definitely not to be as attractive because for the money it is already possible to look towards the GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB.
PROS: EXCELLENT PRICE/PERFORMANCE RATIO; WORTHY PERFORMANCE FRAMES / C IN A MODE FULL HD; FACTORY TUNING; OVERCLOCKING POTENTIAL AND REAL PRODUCTIVITY GAINS; TWO HDMI OUTPUTS
CONS: POSSIBLE DECREASE IN PERFORMANCE IN GAMES WITH A DEFICIENCY OF 3 GB OF MEMORY
CONCLUSION
GEFORCE GTX 1060 3 GB offers an excellent price-performance ratio. Rare case when this parameter is the lead device nominally middle class. However, this is true for situations where storage of textures and data processed fairly 3 GB of memory. The actual video games with features such amount of local memory is enough for comfortable performance in Full HD mode at high but not maximum quality settings. In such cases, the 1060 GTX 3GB inferior version with 6 GB of memory no more than 5-10%, and even an additional factory overclocking at all able to bring together performance, not to mention the additional acceleration. In general, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB looks very attractive for those who does not pursue the highest quality image and is ready to abandon the intensive antialiasing modes. Yes, going beyond the performance of reduced and sometimes significantly, but, again, without catastrophic consequences. Even if the performance will be at slightly more affordable Radeon RX 470 4 GB, it’s not so bad. Considered ASUS DUAL-GTX1060-O3G – one of the most accessible versions of GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. Cbalansirovannaya model with factory tuning and good frequency potential. For anyone who has the slightest idea of which way to move the sliders in the utilities for overclocking, opt for modification without afterburner factory would save another $ 10.
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http://nsmartphone.com/asus-dual-gtx1060-o3g-review/
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