Is there a huge difference between 3GB and 6GB VRAM?

I was about to pull the trigger on a new laptop today, but I realized it only had a 3GB GTX 1060.

It seems there's only 1 laptop in my budget with a 6gb GTX 1060 and quite a few with a 3GB. I play a lot of MMORPGs and other intense online games. Will I see a massive difference between 3gb and 6gb?

 

I recently bought a desktop version for my son, I think it depend upon the resolution you will be playing on as to the performance difference.

 

Depends on the specific models but yes, 3GB is very limiting (as a person with a 3GB card)

 

The 3GB 1060 has 1 fewer SM (1152 CUDA cores vs. 1280) and its VRAM will definitely be a limiting factor in many games, even at 1080p.

 

don't do it, never skimp on the GPU! both of my 1080's in my laptop have 8GB and I see that most newer games are using 4 to 6GB easy.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to at least get a 6gb then.

 

https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/198568-the-video-ram-information-guide/

if you need more information.

 

My understanding is you can't push as much pixel and the screen size will be limited as well. So if you want more pixel on larger let's say 2550x1440 or higher getting something having at least 6GB would give you better screen play. I like to plan on getting at least a OC GTX1060 6GB because a 1070 is getting beyond what I can put together when rebuilding my system with a Rzyen system.

 

^this only applies to the desktop version of the cards. the laptop 3gb vs laptop 6gb has no difference in cuda cores, only difference is the VRAM.

 

I agree with everyone here. 1060 is borderline with 3GB even at 1080p. If it were a 1050 Ti or less I'd say you'd be fine. But 1060 you'll want the 6GB version.

 

Good point.