Before we get talking about the differences between these two, it is important to note that there are only two common versions of the GTX 1060, and they are, one with the 3 GB VRAM and the other with the 6 GB of VRAM, and another that is exclusive to Chinese manufacturers, the 5 GB of VRAM.
Recommended Reading: Best GTX 1050 Ti Review
Both the 3 GB and the 6 GB versions of the GTX 1060 have better bandwidth, higher clock speeds, and more CUDA cores than that of the GTX 1050 Ti. The major difference between these two can be seen in their prices, and your purpose for using these GPUs.
Let us take a look at some of the benchmarks.
On UserBenchmark, the GTX 1060 (3 GB) averaged about 160 FPS (which stands for Frames Per Second) playing Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) at a maximum setting of 1080p, and when playing Grand Theft Auto, it averaged about 61 frames per second, at a maximum setting of 1080p. On an average, the GTX 1060 (3GB) averaged 151 frames per second and 60 frames per second, when put in the same circumstances.
The GTX 1050 Ti had an average of 120 frames per second in CS: GO and 34 frames per second in Grand Theft Auto when they both use the same settings of 1080p. When you compare the benchmark of the GTX 1050 Ti to that of the GTX 1060 (6 GB), you will notice how much power you can get when you decide to spend the extra cash.
But the benchmark that is attained by the GTX 1060 (3 GB) are very close to that of the GTX 1050 Ti, that will make you want to choose the latter, especially when you find yourself scrimping on money.
Which is the Best GPU for You?
The 6 GB GTX 1060 gives great graphics power, and even though it is significantly higher ($115) than the GTX 1050 Ti, it should be the one you go for when it comes to gaming and VR.
Although, between the GTX 1060’s 3 GB and 6 GB, there is a $40 price difference, the stellar Asus GTX 1060 costs about $220, and this would round it all up to a difference of $60.