**The Three Gigabyte GTX 1060: A Card Worth Considering**
In recent years, I've had the opportunity to revisit some old hardware and see how they hold up against modern games. One such card is the three gigabyte GTX 1060, a mid-range GPU that was once my first "serious" gaming PC. Despite being released in 2016, this card still holds a special place in my heart, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on its performance in 2022.
My journey with the three gigabyte GTX 1060 began when it was my first mid-range GPU. At the time, I paired it with an i5 4460 processor and an 8GB RAM, which seemed like a decent combination back then. I used this setup for a couple of years without any major issues, but as the gaming landscape evolved, so did the performance expectations of modern games. With the rise of higher resolutions, more complex graphics, and increased VRAM requirements, the need for better hardware became apparent.
Fast forward to 2022, and I decided to test the three gigabyte GTX 1060's capabilities against some popular titles. To start with, I booted up Fortnite on a lower setting, aiming for around 60 FPS. The game ran well, but I noticed that my connection issues were causing more stutters than the GPU itself was capable of handling. I had to adjust my settings to 720p low and still struggled with occasional drops in frame rate. However, compared to other mid-range GPUs of its time, the three gigabyte GTX 1060 performed admirably.
The next game I tried out was Forza Horizon 5. I left the game on medium-high preset, but decided to reduce the graphics quality to a safer setting. Although this may seem like an easy compromise, it's essential to note that sacrificing texture quality can still impact overall performance. In my experience, games nowadays require more aggressive optimization to achieve smooth performance at high settings.
Next up was Red Dead Redemption 2. I went with the in-game menu's highest preset available on the Xbox One X equivalent settings, but unfortunately, I couldn't select ultra textures from the in-game menu and had to edit the game's ini document to use them. The resulting texture quality was noticeably better than the highest preset offered by the game, but still not as good as ultra.
One of my primary concerns when using the three gigabyte GTX 1060 is that I'm always walking on eggshells, worried about its performance in games with high VRAM requirements. However, in reality, it's become clear that this card has held up relatively well, especially considering how much hardware has advanced since its release.
**Comparison to the Six Gigabyte GTX 1060**
In comparison to its six gigabyte counterpart, the three gigabyte GTX 1060 is undoubtedly better suited for lower or medium settings. Although I'd still prefer a six gigabyte card if given the choice, it's essential to consider the price difference. In my region, the three gigabyte GTX 1060 costs around £180, which may be worth the investment considering its performance.
Ultimately, if you're in the market for a mid-range GPU and can find one of these cards at a reasonable price, I'd say give it a shot. It's essential to weigh your options, but if budget is no concern, the six gigabyte GTX 1060 would be a more natural choice. However, those on a tighter budget may need to consider other factors before making a decision.
**The Verdict**
In conclusion, my experience with the three gigabyte GTX 1060 has been nothing short of positive. Despite its age, this card still offers decent performance in modern games, particularly when paired with mid-range hardware. While I wouldn't recommend it for 4K gaming or high-refresh-rate applications, it's an excellent option for those looking to play a wide range of titles at lower resolutions.
For me, the three gigabyte GTX 1060 represents a great balance between performance and price. At £180, this card offers several years of happiness in my opinion, especially considering its relatively low price point. If you're in the market for a new GPU or looking to upgrade your existing system, I'd be happy to provide more detailed advice on finding the right hardware for your needs.
**Final Thoughts**
I've had an enjoyable journey revisiting some old hardware and testing it against modern games. It's always fascinating to see how things have changed over time, and while this experience has taught me a lot about mid-range GPUs, I'm excited to explore other aspects of gaming hardware in the future.