Gtx 1060 Vs 1080 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For Gaming In 2024

For many PC gamers still running a GTX 1060, the question isn’t whether their card works—it does. But as modern titles push higher resolutions, ray tracing, and advanced graphical settings, that once-reliable GPU begins to show its age. The natural thought: “Should I upgrade to a GTX 1080?” While both cards belong to NVIDIA’s Pascal generation, released between 2016 and 2017, the performance gap is significant. However, in 2024, the decision isn’t just about raw power—it’s about value, longevity, and what kind of gaming experience you want moving forward.

This comparison dives deep into frame rates, thermal efficiency, VRAM limitations, and real-world usability across current games. Whether you're considering a used 1080 or weighing it against newer budget options, understanding the true return on investment matters—especially when better hardware exists at similar price points today.

Performance Differences: Raw Power and Real-World Gains

The GTX 1060 comes in two main variants: 3GB and 6GB. While the 6GB model remains serviceable for 1080p gaming, it struggles with newer titles at high settings. The GTX 1080, built on the same architecture but with superior specs, features 8GB of GDDR5X memory, a wider 256-bit memory bus, and nearly double the CUDA cores (2560 vs. 1280). This translates to a substantial leap in rendering capability.

In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike, the GTX 1080 scores around 15,000, compared to the GTX 1060 6GB’s ~9,500—a performance uplift of roughly 55–60%. In actual gameplay, this difference manifests clearly:

Game (1080p, High Settings)	GTX 1060 6GB (Avg FPS)	GTX 1080 (Avg FPS)	FPS Gain
Red Dead Redemption 2	42	68	+62%
Cyberpunk 2077 (Path Tracing Off)	38	58	+53%
Elden Ring	54	79	+46%
Fortnite (DX11)	85	130	+53%
Hogwarts Legacy	34	52	+53%

These numbers reveal a consistent 45–60% improvement in average frame rates. For competitive titles or smoother open-world exploration, that boost can mean the difference between choppy stutters and fluid gameplay. However, even the 1080 falls short of consistently hitting 60+ FPS in the most demanding games at ultra settings—something to consider when evaluating long-term viability.

Tip: If you’re playing at 1080p and want stable high-FPS performance in AAA titles, the GTX 1080 gets you closer—but not all the way there.

Thermal Efficiency and Longevity Concerns

Both GPUs were designed before the era of extreme power draw seen in RTX 30/40 series, making them relatively efficient. The GTX 1060 has a TDP of 120W, while the 1080 sits at 180W—still modest by today’s standards. However, thermal degradation becomes a factor after six to seven years of use, especially if cooling systems haven’t been maintained.

A well-maintained GTX 1080 from 2017 may now run hotter due to dried thermal paste or dust-clogged fans. Overclocking headroom has likely diminished. Meanwhile, the 1060, often found in OEM builds with restricted coolers, may already be throttling under load. Upgrading to a 1080 could offer better thermals—if it's a retail model with a quality cooler—but only if properly maintained.

“Even top-tier older GPUs lose performance over time due to thermal wear. A clean, repasted card can regain up to 10% of lost performance.” — Mark Lin, Hardware Technician at PC Revival Labs

Total Cost of Ownership: Is the Upgrade Justified?

In 2024, neither the GTX 1060 nor the 1080 is new. Most units are second-hand, which affects pricing and risk. As of mid-2024, a used GTX 1060 6GB sells for $60–$90, while a GTX 1080 ranges from $130–$180 depending on condition and brand.

Spending $150 to upgrade from a working 1060 to a 1080 yields noticeable gains, but raises questions: Could that money be better spent toward a modern entry-level GPU like the RTX 3050, RX 6600, or even saving for an RTX 4060? These newer cards offer not only better performance than the 1080 but also support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, FSR/Ray Reconstruction, and improved driver optimization.

Moreover, the 1080 lacks NVENC encoder improvements introduced in Turing (RTX 20-series), meaning streamers will see lower encoding quality compared to newer cards—even if game performance is comparable.

Upgrade Path Checklist

• ✅ Assess your current system: Does your PSU support an 180W GPU? Do you have sufficient PCIe spacing?
• ✅ Research used market prices: Avoid inflated listings; look for tested, working units.
• ✅ Consider future-proofing: Will you need DLSS, AV1 encoding, or better driver support soon?
• ✅ Factor in opportunity cost: Could $150 get you closer to a next-gen GPU instead?
• ✅ Test your current setup: Sometimes optimizing settings or cleaning your PC delivers free performance.

Real-World Example: Alex’s Upgrade Dilemma

Alex has used a GTX 1060 6GB since 2017 in a mid-tower gaming rig. By early 2024, he found himself lowering settings in games like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 to maintain playability. After researching, he found a used ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 for $160 locally.

He upgraded, expecting a seamless jump to high-settings 60 FPS. While performance improved—he gained 50% more frames in most titles—he quickly noticed limitations. Ray tracing was unusable, and 1440p remained out of reach. Within four months, he began eyeing an RX 6600, which offered similar performance for slightly more but came with modern features like FSR and better driver updates.

Alex realized the 1080 wasn’t a long-term solution. His $160 delayed a smarter investment. Had he saved an extra $70, he could’ve entered the current generation with better efficiency, features, and support.

Where the GTX 1080 Falls Short in 2024

The biggest limitation of the GTX 1080 today isn’t performance—it’s relevance. Released without support for modern APIs like DirectX Raytracing or Vulkan ray tracing, it cannot leverage advancements in lighting and shadow realism. It also lacks dedicated AI hardware, meaning no DLSS or frame generation.

While NVIDIA did introduce limited “DLSS-like” sharpening via drivers (e.g., NVIDIA Image Scaling), the results are inferior to native DLSS on RTX cards. Additionally, the 1080 predates Resizable BAR support, missing out on minor CPU-side optimizations available even on budget modern motherboards.

VRAM, while 8GB was generous in 2016, is now borderline insufficient for some 1080p textures in games like Alan Wake 2 or Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered at max settings. Texture streaming hiccups and stuttering occur when VRAM fills up—something increasingly common in asset-heavy titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a GTX 1080 run games at 1440p in 2024?

It can, but not comfortably. At 1440p, the 1080 typically delivers 30–45 FPS in demanding AAA titles, requiring medium-to-high settings. For smooth 60+ FPS gaming at this resolution, a modern GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT is recommended.

Is the GTX 1080 still good for esports titles?

Yes. In lighter games like CS2, Valorant, or Overwatch 2, the 1080 can exceed 100 FPS at 1080p. Its age doesn’t hinder performance in well-optimized esports titles, making it viable for competitive play—especially with high-refresh monitors.

Should I buy a GTX 1080 in 2024?

Only if you’re on a tight budget and already own compatible hardware. For under $150, it offers solid 1080p performance. But if you can stretch your budget to $200–$250, modern alternatives provide better longevity, efficiency, and feature sets.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Move

Upgrading from a GTX 1060 to a GTX 1080 does deliver tangible benefits—higher frame rates, better texture handling, and improved thermal design in retail models. For someone stuck at 30 FPS in modern games, the jump to 60 is transformative. But in 2024, that upgrade feels incremental rather than revolutionary.

The real question isn’t just performance—it’s sustainability. The GTX 1080 is nearly eight years old. Driver updates continue, but future support isn't guaranteed. Meanwhile, newer GPUs at similar price points offer features that redefine gaming: ray tracing, AI upscaling, efficient encoders, and longer driver lifecycles.

If you’re upgrading purely for better 1080p gaming and can’t afford more, a GTX 1080 is a reasonable stopgap. But if you’re planning to keep your system for another three years, consider redirecting those funds toward a modern mid-range card. The extra investment pays off in smoother experiences, lower power bills, and readiness for upcoming titles.

🚀 Ready to make your next move? Evaluate your current needs, set a realistic budget, and choose hardware that won’t leave you behind in 2025. Share your upgrade story or ask questions in the comments below.