I am looking at the GTX 1060 for my new graphics card

nathanj_15

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May 26, 2016
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Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could tell my if the new GTX 1060 http://www.geforce.com/hardware/10series/geforce-gtx-1060 is compatible for my PC. Maybe it will bottleneck too much, or if it's not compatible with my mobo or, simply it's a waste of money. Specs below:

Motherboard: MSI A68HM-E33 v2
GPU: Nvidia GT 9800
CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860k (Black Edition)
Ram: Kingston Hyper X 8gb
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80 plus
OS: Windows 10

Thanks: Nathan
 
Solution
It probably is a bit overkill for that rig. Technically it would work, but you're putting a relatively high end graphics card into an entry level rig.

What's the resolution and frame rate of your monitor? If you've got a standard 1080P @ 60hz display you probably don't need something as powerful as a 1060 anyway. Both AMD and Nvidia are poised to release lower tiered cards in the next few weeks. We know the RX 460 and 470 are on the way, and we know Nvidia has a 3GB partially disabled 1060 card releasing soon. Those cards are likely to offer still solid 1080P gaming, at lower price points and would better match your system.

Are you in a big hurry to upgrade?
It probably is a bit overkill for that rig. Technically it would work, but you're putting a relatively high end graphics card into an entry level rig.

What's the resolution and frame rate of your monitor? If you've got a standard 1080P @ 60hz display you probably don't need something as powerful as a 1060 anyway. Both AMD and Nvidia are poised to release lower tiered cards in the next few weeks. We know the RX 460 and 470 are on the way, and we know Nvidia has a 3GB partially disabled 1060 card releasing soon. Those cards are likely to offer still solid 1080P gaming, at lower price points and would better match your system.

Are you in a big hurry to upgrade?
 
Solution
It will bottleneck quite a bit, you would certainly see better performance if you upgraded your cpu, but I think it will still probably be an ok choice. It would be the absolute max i would go with your CPU. You could always look at a gtx960 or r9 380 if you want to save a bit of money but still get good performance. Any of the mentioned cards will be a significant upgrade from a 9800gt.