Even though the majority of media headlines surrounds NVIDIA’s new GTX 1060 3GB model, it’s important to not overlook any new editions featuring a 6GB frame buffer and higher CUDA core count. The GTX 1060 6GB is designed for users with a 1440p monitor or have any intentions to deploy detailed texture packs. Gigabyte’s new XTreme Gaming GTX 1060 features a 1645MHz core clock, 1873MHz boost and 8316MHz effective memory speed. Please remember, this is with the OC mode enabled.
Gigabyte’s latest Windforce 2X cooling solution utilises a twin-stack aluminium fin heatsink with three 8mm copper heat pipes. Not only that, the graphics card has two 100mm fans which rotate in opposite directions to maximise thermal dissipation. As expected, the fans stop spinning in idle usage scenarios to create a silent PC experience although you can manually start the fans via an integrated button. The Gigabyte GTX 1060 XTreme Gaming opts for a hefty 3-slot design and contains an attractive backplate to prevent GPU droop. There’s also customizable RGB illumination and the product is powered by a single 8-pin PCI-E connector. The rear I/O houses three DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0b and a dual-link DVI-D port. 
Given the GTX 1060’s extremely efficient architecture, I’m a little surprised to see custom cards with such a massive cooling solution. Whatever the case, it will be interesting to see the overclocking headroom and thermal performance under load. Expect a detailed review very soon.
