MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£250
  • VRAM: 6 GB
  • Memory bus width: 192 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 120 W

MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

8.0

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

3.2

Performance

24.0%

3.1

Memory

12.0%

7.7

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

5.7

Design

4.0%

6.8

Connectivity & Media

Poor
8.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

6.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(119)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.3

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.8
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.3

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.9
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.3

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.3
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.3

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    2.2

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is a factory-overclocked graphics card based on the NVIDIA Pascal architecture, featuring 1,280 CUDA cores and a 192-bit memory interface. Typically equipped with 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM (8,008 MHz), it operates at a base clock of 1,544 MHz and a boost clock of 1,759 MHz, powered by a single 6-pin connector with a 120W TDP. Key advantages include its reliable dual-fan cooling system, excellent 1080p gaming performance, and quiet operation under load. However, main drawbacks include its lack of SLI support for multi-GPU setups and limited performance for modern AAA titles at 1440p or 4K resolutions.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

3.2

Performance

24.0%

3.1

Memory

12.0%

7.7

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

5.7

Design

4.0%

6.8

Connectivity & Media

4.3
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a technical score of 4.33 points, which is lower than that of 86.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

6.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(119)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.0
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a user score of 7.99 points, which is lower than that of 76.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
6.6
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a popularity of 6.6 points, which is higher than 67.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.0
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

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3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

4.51 TFLOPS
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC delivers 4.51 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 91.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

6 GB
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has 6 GB of VRAM, which is less than 82.7% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

192 bit
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC uses a 192 bit memory bus, which is narrower than that of 50.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 18.8% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

192 GB/s
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC reaches 192 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 88.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

3.0
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x16
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?
Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

1.4
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 26.6% of graphics cards and equal to 73.4% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.5
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports OpenGL 4.5, which is older than on 95.2% of graphics cards and equal to 3.3% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

4
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 7.8% of graphics cards and equal to 89.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

7680x4320
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 44.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 55.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 89.5% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.4
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 77.3% of graphics cards and equal to 16.2% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

?
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

120 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a TDP of 120 W, which is lower than that of 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

125 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC draws 125 W under peak load, which is lower than 83.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.7% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

400 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC recommends a 400 W PSU, which is lower than that of 91.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.5% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

?
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

?
Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

?
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

115 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is 115 mm tall, which is shorter than 80.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

?
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

484 g
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC weighs 484 g, which is lighter than 93.2% of graphics cards.
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MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC vs the average graphics card

  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (400 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
    When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (400 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.400 W vs 650 W
  • 44.2% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
    When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.120 W vs 215 W
  • 14.4% faster VRAM clock
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,002 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    What it is: Speed at which the GPU memory operates
    When it matters: When you want more context on how quickly the card's VRAM can move data.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,002 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.2002 MHz vs 1750 MHz
  • 12 mm lower card height
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is shorter than the average graphics card (115 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
    What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
    When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is shorter than the average graphics card (115 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.115 mm vs 127 mm
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
    When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 2.12x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is cheaper than the average graphics card (£250 vs £530).
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is cheaper than the average graphics card (£250 vs £530).£250 vs £530
  • 51.5% lighter card weight
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is lighter than the average graphics card (484 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
    When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is lighter than the average graphics card (484 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.484 g vs 998 g
  • 6 °C lower idle temperature
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
    What it is: GPU temperature measured while the graphics card is idle.
    When it matters: When the system stays on for long periods and you care whether the card runs cool and relaxed outside of gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.32 °C vs 38 °C
  • 14.4% faster VRAM clock
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,002 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 44.2% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (400 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 6 °C lower idle temperature
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
  • 12 mm lower card height
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is shorter than the average graphics card (115 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
  • 51.5% lighter card weight
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC is lighter than the average graphics card (484 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.
  • 29.6% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,759 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 30 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (10 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 104 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 67.2% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (123.5 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 55.1% lower pixel rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (74.1 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 19.6% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,544 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 16 fewer ROPs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (48 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 80.5% lower compute throughput
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (4.5 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 3,072 fewer FP32 units
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,280 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 64 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (192 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • 57.1% lower memory bandwidth
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (192 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 57.9% slower memory speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (8,008 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 3.2x larger process node
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • Older PCIe version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • 7 older
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,016 vs 2,023).
  • No mesh shaders
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No sampler feedback
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • Older OpenGL version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports an older OpenGL version than the average graphics card (4.5 vs 4.6).
  • 79.9% fewer transistors
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (4,400 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Narrower decode codec support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
  • Older NVDEC generation
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (3 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • No fan stop
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
  • 28 dB noisier at idle
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher idle noise level than the average graphics card (28 dB vs 0 dB). The average graphics card has an idle noise level of 0 dB.
  • No backplate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 29.6% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,759 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,759 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1759 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 30 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (10 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
    When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (10 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.10 vs 40
  • 3.2x larger process node
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
    When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.16 nm vs 5 nm
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.6 GB vs 12 GB
  • 64 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (192 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (192 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.192 bit vs 256 bit
  • 104 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    What it is: Total count of texture mapping units on the GPU
    When it matters: When texture-heavy gaming performance matters and you want extra hardware context behind texture-rate claims.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.80 vs 184
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
  • 67.2% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (123.5 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
    What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
    When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (123.5 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.123.5 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s

Graphic comparison of MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC?

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as one of the best price-to-performance cards for 1080p gaming
  • Comes factory overclocked, providing a performance boost over the reference Founders Edition models
  • Effective dual-fan cooling system that keeps temperatures low (around 60-65°C under load)
  • Quiet operation; fans remain silent at idle and are barely audible even during heavy gaming sessions
  • Power efficient with relatively low requirements, typically only needing a 400-450W power supply
  • Sturdy build quality, with some variants featuring a protective metal backplate to prevent GPU sag

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce GTX 1060 OC?

  • Lacks SLI support, preventing users from using dual graphics card configurations
  • Struggles with modern AAA titles at 4K resolution or ultra-high settings in 2025/2026
  • Physical size can be quite large, potentially requiring a mid-tower or larger case for a comfortable fit
  • Some users reported occasional reliability issues, such as fan failure after long-term use or the need for RMAs
  • The 3GB VRAM variant is significantly less 'future-proof' compared to the 6GB model for modern texture-heavy games

Expert reviews

V
videocardz.com
25/07/2016

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OC is a budget-friendly graphics card released at a $250 MSRP, serving as a cheaper alternative to the Founders Edition without the premium features of MSI's Gaming or Armor lines. It features a completely custom design, including a dual-fan cooling system built around a single heat pipe, a custom 4 phase PCB, and a modified I/O bracket with fewer...Read more

G
guru3d.com
20/08/2016

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OC is a highly compelling, cost-optimized graphics card built on NVIDIA's 16 nm Pascal (GP106) architecture and positioned at a budget-friendly MSRP of $249 USD. Released as a direct response to competing mainstream alternatives, the card features 1,280 shader processors and 6 GB of GDDR5 memory running on a 192-bit wide bus. A prominent pro highlighted...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
19/08/2016

The TechPowerUp review of the MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OC ($249 MSRP) praises it as a cost-optimized, factory-overclocked card, delivering excellent 1080p and entry-level 1440p performance. Key pros include a quiet, efficient dual-fan cooler (31 dBA under load) and low power consumption (125W), making it a competitive, budget-friendly option based on the Pascal architecture....Read more

T
techpowerup.com
21/02/2017

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Armor OC 6 GB is a cost-effective, custom-design card featuring the same PCB as the Gaming X variant, delivering excellent 1080p performance with an 8-pin connector and factory overclock. Key pros include a silent, efficient thermal solution with idle-stop functionality and significant manual overclocking potential, according to TechPowerUp. Conversely, the...Read more

I
igorslab.de
22/06/2017

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X 6G features an oversized twin-fan cooler borrowed from its larger sibling models, making it exceptionally quiet, delivering an almost inaudible noise level of 29.3 dB(A) under load while maintaining excellent peak load temperatures around 63°C to 65°C. It utilizes a highly stable 5 phase voltage delivery system managed by a premium uP9511P PWM...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
12/10/2016

The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X is a custom-designed mid-range graphics card based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture (GP106 chip), featuring 1,280 shader units and 6GB of GDDR5 memory. Compared to the Founders Edition, MSI offers a significant factory overclock, pushing the base clock to 1,594 MHz and the boost clock to at least 1,809 MHz in "OC Mode". To support these higher...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
15/11/2016

This review evaluates the MSI GTX 1060 Gaming X 6GB graphics card, which utilizes Nvidia’s 16 nm FinFET Pascal architecture (GP106 chip with 1,280 CUDA cores). Measuring 279 x 140 x 39 mm and weighing 1,017 grams, this custom model is notably larger than the reference edition. Out of the box, it features factory-overclocked core frequencies reaching up to 1,784 MHz under TurboBoost...Read more

Video reviews

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