ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition Review

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In this article, I give you my Zotac GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition review with specs included. Games benchmarks for this graphics card are also added below. Do you want to play all current games at full HD or 1080p resolution at Ultra-max detail or close to it at 60 frames per second or greater? Well, you’ve come to the right place because this video card will do it. Not only will it do it but it’s under $300 MSRP.

It has a low power draw and compact size so it will fit into most computers without any problems more about that is below. First, let me go ahead and open it up show you the card, and let me talk to you about why I’m actually very excited about this card and not just the GeForce GTX1060 but this card in particular.

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I have reviewed many video cards here before, however, this is one of the better ones. The combination of price-performance features and what computers you can easily install this in make for a very, very compelling argument.

This is the 1000 series of cards from Nvidia released in the summer of 2016 and it is a huge improvement over the 2015 year’s models. I know marketing companies like to use terms like ‘huge’ and ‘massive’ easily but this time they’re justified. Usually, when new cards come out you get anywhere between a 10 or 20 percent performance increase year over year. It’s always an increase but usually, it’s pretty modest but not this time.

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The GeForce GTX 1060 is fully 80% faster than the 960 which came before it. That’s not a small increase, that’s massive. The 1000 series is a big deal, that is a huge increase, it’s almost a doubling of performance. It’s hard to get excited when I say look at the new cards it’s 20% faster than last year.

The graphics card comes in a nice black box. Here is what is inside the box. It’s nothing too special, just some regular stuff. We have a brochure, and a quick installation guide, fair enough, it’s always nice to have these if you’re new to installing graphics cards it’s definitely worth a quick look just to familiarize yourself with what you’re about to do. They gave us an adapter (I wrote more about it below). And then, we have a video card.

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The card comes in a bubble anti-static bag which I like much more than the plain anti-static bags which don’t give you anything to protect the card with. Then here’s what the card looks like. There are two large fans on it and there’s a sticker right across the front ‘remove before first use’ and it’s cautioning you this has what they like to call ‘freeze tech’, which is a fancy name for the fact that this has zero fan speed technology when you are not gaming the fans will not spin.

This card does not need to be cooled just running Windows, that’s great. It means it is completely and totally 100% silent when you’re just doing Windows. When you’re actually playing games the fans will at some point have to turn on but then, of course, you’re listening to sounds and blowing stuff up and having fun so you probably will never hear the card but when you’re just in Windows these fans won’t turn and they’ll be completely silent.

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So we’ll go ahead and take that protective sticker off and there is actually not any other plastic on the card. Usually, when I get video cards they’re covered in plastic and they’re covered in things and you got to pull stuff out but this one is not. Appearance is entirely subjective, it’s a personal opinion but I think it’s an attractive-looking card.

You have got copper heat pipes along the bottom to carry away heat not that this card at 120-watt design power needs them but it has them. It allows you to overclock it and it’s got them up top. It’s got an aluminum heatsink and fins running all the way through it. Basically, just looking at the card, you’ve got two large fans of black fans with a silver shroud design and the Zotac name right on the top.

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The back of the card is just the exposed circuit board which at this price point is what you’re going to get. You won’t get backplates or anything fancy at this price point. You have a single 6-pin PCI-Express power connector very important (more on this below). And then, on the back of the card, we have our standard 4 ports. And yes, this card will drive 4 monitors.

If you’re aiming to drive four monitors simultaneously, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers three DisplayPort 1.4 connectors, each possessing sufficient bandwidth to support 4K monitors running at 120Hz. Although not yet released, these connectors promise robust performance for high-resolution displays.

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Additionally, the device features an HDMI 2.0 B port, capable of driving 4K displays at 60Hz, leveraging the latest HDMI standard for optimal visual output. Notably, the inclusion of a DVI-D connector is significant, as it eliminates the possibility of using adapters to connect VGA monitors, signaling a shift towards digital monitor compatibility. With these connectivity options, users can seamlessly connect to a wide range of monitors, ensuring versatility and compatibility.

In terms of design and build, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is lightweight and compact, making it suitable for installation in various computer setups. Unlike some custom cards that exert significant weight and stress on systems, this card offers a balanced build that won’t strain computers, regardless of their price point or specifications. Its relatively short length ensures compatibility with most computers, providing ease of installation and setup for users.

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Delving into performance, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, particularly the GTX 1060 variant, delivers impressive gaming capabilities, capable of running current games at or near 60 frames per second (fps) with maximum detail settings. Even when dialing back detail levels slightly, users can achieve smooth 60fps gameplay across a wide range of titles, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.

Moreover, the device can handle 1440p gaming adequately, albeit with reduced detail settings, enabling users to enjoy higher resolutions without sacrificing performance. Notable examples include smooth gameplay in Fallout 4 and Grand Theft Auto 5 at 1440p, highlighting the device’s versatility and gaming prowess.

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Furthermore, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts 6 gigabytes of video RAM, a significant upgrade over its predecessors, providing ample memory for demanding games and applications. This ensures future-proofing and longevity, as users can expect smooth performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions for years to come.

Despite retailing at $280, $30 above Nvidia’s reference price of $250, the device offers excellent value for money, given its factory overclocked status and robust feature set. While additional overclocking may yield marginal performance gains, the device’s out-of-the-box performance is more than sufficient for most users’ needs.

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In terms of power requirements, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G’s modest power draw of 120 watts makes it compatible with a wide range of systems, including budget-friendly setups like the Asus M32 CD. Despite Nvidia’s recommendation of a 400-watt power supply, the device runs smoothly on the M32 CD’s 300-watt power supply, further underscoring its versatility and compatibility. Users can expect reliable performance and stable operation, even in low-power systems, thanks to the device’s efficient design and power management capabilities.

Looking ahead, performance testing on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G promises to showcase its gaming capabilities in real-world scenarios, providing users with valuable insights into its performance and potential. By demonstrating actual gameplay rather than pre-recorded benchmarks, users can make informed decisions about the device’s suitability for their gaming needs.

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As such, subscribing to the channel ensures access to future performance testing videos, including comparisons with higher-powered systems and processors. Whether it’s showcasing gaming performance on an i3 or i5 machine, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G promises to deliver impressive results across the board, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a winning combination of affordability, performance, and versatility, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking robust gaming capabilities without breaking the bank. With its impressive connectivity options, lightweight design, and stellar gaming performance, the device stands out as a worthy contender in the mid-range graphics card market. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned enthusiast, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G delivers the goods, providing an immersive gaming experience at an unbeatable price point.

The Zotac GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition offers several advantages and disadvantages, making it a notable option for gamers and enthusiasts. Let’s delve into its pros and cons in detail:

Pros:

  1. Excellent Performance: The GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition delivers impressive gaming performance, capable of running modern games at high settings and resolutions. With its powerful GPU and ample VRAM, users can enjoy smooth gameplay without compromising on visual quality.
  2. Factory Overclocked: This variant comes factory overclocked, providing a boost in performance straight out of the box. The overclocked GPU ensures enhanced frame rates and responsiveness, delivering a better gaming experience compared to stock configurations.
  3. Ample VRAM: With 6GB of VRAM, the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition offers sufficient memory for handling demanding games and applications. The ample VRAM capacity allows for smoother gameplay at higher resolutions and detail settings, making it suitable for gaming enthusiasts.
  4. Compact Form Factor: The Zotac GTX 1060 Amp! Edition features a compact design, making it suitable for small form factor builds and space-constrained setups. Despite its smaller size, it packs a punch in terms of performance, making it ideal for compact gaming rigs.
  5. Multiple Display Outputs: The graphics card comes equipped with multiple display outputs, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-D connectors. This allows users to connect a variety of displays, including monitors, TVs, and projectors, offering flexibility in setup configurations.
  6. Cooling Solution: Zotac’s cooling solution ensures efficient heat dissipation, keeping the GPU temperatures in check during intensive gaming sessions. The dual-fan design and heat pipes help maintain optimal operating temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent performance.
  7. Reliable Build Quality: Zotac is known for its reliable build quality and durable components. The GTX 1060 Amp! Edition is constructed using high-quality materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure long-term reliability and stability.
  8. Value for Money: Despite offering enhanced performance and features, the Zotac GTX 1060 Amp! edition is competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. It provides a cost-effective solution for gamers looking to upgrade their graphics card without breaking the bank.

Cons:

  1. Power Consumption: While the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition is relatively power-efficient compared to higher-end graphics cards, but it still consumes a considerable amount of power under load. Users with lower-wattage power supplies may need to upgrade to ensure adequate power delivery.
  2. Limited Ray Tracing Support: As a Pascal architecture-based GPU, the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition lacks dedicated hardware support for real-time ray tracing. While it can run games with ray tracing enabled, the performance may not be optimal compared to newer RTX series graphics cards.
  3. Noisy Under Load: During intensive gaming sessions, the fans on the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition may ramp up to maintain optimal cooling, resulting in increased noise levels. While the cooling solution is effective, it can be audible under heavy load conditions, potentially affecting the user’s gaming experience.
  4. Limited Future-Proofing: As a previous-generation graphics card, the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition may lack support for newer technologies and features introduced in more recent GPUs. While it remains capable of running modern games, users may miss out on advanced features such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing and DLSS.
  5. No SLI Support: Unlike some higher-end graphics cards, the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition does not support SLI (Scalable Link Interface) configurations. Users looking to leverage multiple GPUs for increased performance will need to consider alternative options.
  6. Lower Performance in 4K Gaming: While the GTX 1060 Amp! Edition excels in 1080p and 1440p gaming, it may struggle to deliver satisfactory performance at 4K resolutions. Users seeking to game at 4K may need to compromise on detail settings or consider upgrading to a more powerful GPU.
  7. Limited Warranty: While Zotac offers a standard warranty on its graphics cards, the warranty period may be shorter compared to some other manufacturers. Users should verify the warranty coverage and terms before making a purchase to ensure adequate protection against defects and malfunctions.

Overall, the Zotac GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and affordability, making it a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts. Despite its limitations, it delivers excellent gaming performance and value for money, making it a worthy investment for those looking to upgrade their gaming rig.

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Zotac GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Amp! Edition
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