Comparison Palit GeForce GTX 1060 Dual 3GB vs Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 WINDFORCE OC 3G

The frequency of the graphics processor of the graphics card. As a general rule, the higher the frequency of the GPU, the higher the performance of the graphics card, but this parameter is not the only one — a lot also depends on the design features of the graphics card, in particular, the type and amount of video memory (see the relevant glossary items). As a result, it is not unusual for a model with a lower processor frequency to be more performant of two video cards. In addition, it should be noted that high-frequency processors also have high heat dissipation, which requires the use of powerful cooling systems.

The speed at which a video card can process data stored in its video memory. In fact, the indicator determines the maximum number of operations to receive or transmit data by a memory module per unit of time. This frequency is expressed in megahertz (MHz) – millions of operations per second. High video memory frequency helps improve performance when performing resource-intensive tasks such as texture processing, graphics rendering and other graphics operations. However, the parameter is by no means the only factor that influences the overall performance of the video card – it is important to take into account the GPU architecture, number of cores, core frequency and other characteristics.

The number of DVI-D outputs provided by the graphics card.

The DVI-D interface provides digital video signal transmission. Depending on the version, the maximum resolution of such a video can be 1920x1200 (Single Link) or 2560x1600 (Dual Link); the specific version used generally depends on the general purpose and price point of the graphics card. However, anyway, this interface is very popular in modern monitors, but it is almost never found in other screens.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several screens to the graphics card at the same time — for example, a pair of monitors for organizing an extended workspace. Specifically, up to 4 DVI-D outputs can be provided.

The number of DisplayPort outputs provided by the graphics card.

DisplayPort is a digital media interface similar in many ways to HDMI, but primarily used in computers. The specific capabilities of this interface depend on the version (see below), but even in the most modest modern version of DisplayPort, it allows at least 4K at 60 frames per second and 5K at 30 fps. Another interesting feature of this standard is the ability to daisy-chain multiple screens to one port (“daisy chain” format).

In light of the latter, we can say that the number of DisplayPort outputs corresponds to the number of screens that can be connected directly to the graphics card, without using a daisy chain. Such a connection may be required, in particular, for monitors that do not support daisy chaining. If such a mode is supported, the maximum number of screens will be at least twice as high as the number of connectors. However, it is worth considering that the resolutions supported by the video adapter itself may not reach the maximum capabilities of the DisplayPort version used.

Maximum power consumed by the graphics card during operation. This parameter is important for calculating the total power consumed by the entire system and selecting a power supply that provides the appropriate power.

The smallest power supply recommended for a computer with this graphics card.

This parameter, usually, is much higher than the power consumption of the graphics card itself. This is natural — after all, the PSU must provide electricity to the entire system, not just the video adapter. At the same time, the higher the power of the graphics card, the inevitably higher the power consumption of the PC as a whole. Moreover, this is due not only to the “voracity” of the graphics adapter itself, but also to the consumption of other PC components: a high-end graphics card, usually, is combined with an equally powerful (and energy-intensive) system.

With this in mind, manufacturers indicate the minimum recommended power supply. Of course, such recommendations are not mandatory; however, when using a PSU with a power lower than the recommended one, the probability of malfunctions increases significantly — to the point that even a very limited system may simply “not start”.

The total length of the graphics card.

In this case, the length means the size of the device from the plate with connectors (which is attached to the back wall of the system unit) to the opposite side. The plate itself and the outwardly protruding connectors are usually not taken into account.

Data on the length of the graphics card is needed primarily in order to assess whether there is enough space for it in a particular case. In addition, longer boards, usually, have more advanced characteristics (although there is no hard dependence here, and video adapters of similar class may have different lengths). As for specific values, the most compact solutions nowadays have a size of 150 – 200 mm or less ; an indicator of 200 – 250 mm can still be considered relatively small, 250 – 290 mm — medium, and many models (mostly advanced) have a length of more than 290 mm.