When it comes to gaming and graphics performance, choosing the right graphics card can make all the difference. Two popular options that often come into contention are NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 and GTX 1660. Both cards have garnered a loyal following, but which one is better? In this article, we will embark on an in-depth comparison of the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660, analyzing their specifications, performance benchmarks, price points, and gaming capabilities. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Graphics Cards: GTX 1070 and GTX 1660
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of performance comparisons, it’s essential to understand what each graphics card brings to the table.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Released in June 2016, the GTX 1070 is part of NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture, representing a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessors. With its 16nm manufacturing process, it provides excellent power efficiency along with impressive performance metrics.
Key Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1683 MHz
- Memory Size: 8 GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
- Memory Bandwidth: 256 GB/s
This combination of specifications ensures that the GTX 1070 can handle a variety of demanding tasks, from high-resolution gaming to 3D rendering.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
Launched in March 2019, the GTX 1660 is built on the newer Turing architecture, albeit without the ray tracing capabilities found in its GTX 20-series siblings. It offers a more budget-friendly option while still delivering solid performance for modern games.
Key Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 1408
- Base Clock Speed: 1530 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1785 MHz
- Memory Size: 6 GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
- Memory Bandwidth: 192 GB/s
While it may not match the GTX 1070 in every metric, the GTX 1660 nevertheless offers a strong performance, particularly at 1080p gaming.
Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Testing
To determine which card is better, we need to examine real-world performance benchmarks as well as synthetic tests.
Gaming Performance
In gaming scenarios, both the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660 shine in their respective segments. However, there are some key differences.
| Game Title | GTX 1070 (FPS) | GTX 1660 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 75 | 60 |
| Far Cry 5 | 80 | 70 |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 70 | 55 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 65 | 50 |
From the table, it is evident that the GTX 1070 consistently outperforms the GTX 1660 across multiple game titles. If you’re planning to run modern, graphics-intensive games at high settings, the GTX 1070 is the superior choice.
Synthetic Benchmarks
In synthetic tests, including benchmarks such as 3DMark Fire Strike and Time Spy, the GTX 1070 often yields higher scores. For example, in the Fire Strike test, it achieves an average score of around 19,000, while the GTX 1660 lands closer to 16,000. This is indicative of the 1070’s stronger overall capabilities when it comes to processing graphical workloads.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
When choosing a graphics card, power consumption is another critical factor to consider, especially for gamers looking to build a power-efficient system.
GTX 1070 Power Specs
The GTX 1070 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of about 150 watts. While efficient for its performance level, it does require a more robust power supply and produces more heat, necessitating decent airflow within the case.
GTX 1660 Power Specs
In contrast, the GTX 1660 features a TDP of only 120 watts, making it a more power-efficient option. This lower power consumption translates into less heat generation, which can be especially beneficial for compact builds or systems lacking advanced cooling solutions.
Price vs. Performance Ratio
When weighing the pros and cons of these graphics cards, price is always a crucial factor. As of October 2023, the GTX 1070 is usually found around $300 to $350, depending on the vendor and condition (new or used).
The GTX 1660, meanwhile, is typically priced between $200 and $250. In terms of price-to-performance ratio, the GTX 1660 is a more budget-friendly option. For casual gamers or those who play less demanding titles, it presents an attractive balance.
Future-Proofing and Longevity
Given the rapid pace of technology advancement, future-proofing is a vital consideration.
Longevity of the GTX 1070
The GTX 1070, despite being several years old, has retained relevance due to its robust performance in modern titles. It is still capable of running games at high settings, especially at resolutions up to 1440p. However, as gaming technology advances, its ability to handle future graphically intensive titles may begin to dwindle.
Longevity of the GTX 1660
The GTX 1660, while newer, is arguably positioned as more of an entry-level option within NVIDIA’s offerings. It performs excellently for 1080p gaming but may struggle with higher resolutions as newer titles demand increased graphical power.
Conclusion: Which Graphics Card Should You Choose?
Deciding between the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660 ultimately boils down to your specific needs, budget, and the types of games you intend to play.
Choose the GTX 1070 if:
– You are a serious gamer looking to play modern titles at high settings.
– You plan to game at higher resolutions, like 1440p.
– You don’t mind spending a bit more for superior performance.
Choose the GTX 1660 if:
– You have a limited budget or are seeking better power efficiency.
– Your primary gaming resolution is 1080p.
– You are playing less demanding titles or older games.
In summary, while both graphics cards offer compelling features and performance, the GTX 1070 emerges as the better choice for high-performance gaming, while the GTX 1660 serves well for budget-focused gamers seeking solid 1080p performance. Evaluate your gaming needs and budget to make the best decision for your setup!
What are the main specifications of the 1070 and 1660 graphics cards?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 features 1920 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1506 MHz, and 8GB of GDDR5 memory. It operates on a 256-bit memory bus, offering a memory bandwidth of 256 GB/s. These specifications allow the 1070 to handle high-resolution gaming and demanding applications quite effectively.
On the other hand, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 has 1408 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1530 MHz, and comes with 6GB of GDDR5 memory. It has a narrower 192-bit memory bus and a bandwidth of 192 GB/s. The 1660, while slightly less powerful than the 1070 in terms of raw specifications, still serves as a competent option for 1080p gaming and some light 1440p gaming.
How does gaming performance compare between the 1070 and 1660?
In terms of gaming performance, the GTX 1070 generally outperforms the GTX 1660, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings. The 1070 excels in demanding titles, allowing for smoother frame rates in 1440p gaming, whereas the 1660 is better suited for 1080p gameplay. Benchmark tests indicate that the 1070 can often provide an average of 30% better performance than the 1660 in intensive scenarios.
However, the GTX 1660 offers great value, specifically for budget-conscious gamers who primarily play at 1080p. It handles most modern games well, ensuring that frame rates remain playable without the need for ultra settings. While the 1070 is the choice for more demanding users, the 1660 can still deliver a satisfying experience for casual gamers.
Which graphics card is more power-efficient?
The GTX 1660 is generally more power-efficient compared to the GTX 1070. The 1660 has a thermal design power (TDP) of around 120 watts, making it easier on power supplies and generating less heat during operation. This efficiency allows users to build quieter systems with less cooling required.
In contrast, the GTX 1070 has a TDP of approximately 150 watts, which means it demands more power and potentially generates more heat. Although the 1070 provides better performance, the trade-off comes in the form of increased energy consumption. For users focused on energy efficiency, especially in compact builds, the 1660 is the preferable option.
Is there a significant price difference between the 1070 and 1660?
Yes, there is typically a noticeable price difference between the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660. The 1070, being an older yet higher-performing card, often falls into a higher price bracket, especially when new stock is limited. Users can find the 1070 at varying price points in the used market, which could be higher than the MSRP depending on demand and availability.
In comparison, the GTX 1660 is positioned as a mid-range card and is generally more affordable, appealing to gamers looking for a solid performance without breaking the bank. The price point makes the 1660 an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers, whether they are purchasing new or considered used models.
What types of gamers or applications suit each graphics card best?
The GTX 1070 is ideal for gamers who seek high-quality performance in demanding titles, particularly at 1440p resolution or for high frame rates in 1080p gaming. It’s also suitable for content creators working with demanding applications like video editing or 3D rendering, where the extra VRAM and CUDA cores can make a significant difference in processing times and workflow efficiency.
On the other hand, the GTX 1660 is best for casual gamers who play less demanding games or primarily enjoy gaming at 1080p. It is a great choice for eSports titles or games that do not require extremely high performance. Additionally, it’s an excellent option for users looking to upgrade from integrated graphics without spending too much, making it versatile for light gaming and everyday applications.
Can both graphics cards support ray tracing and DLSS technology?
Neither the GTX 1070 nor the GTX 1660 supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing or DLSS technology. These features are found in Nvidia’s newer RTX series graphics cards, which utilize dedicated cores for ray tracing effects. While the GTX 1070 can still run some games developed with ray tracing options, it will struggle with performance and quality.
However, both cards can still run a variety of games effectively without these advanced features. Players can enjoy traditional rasterization techniques and find that the GTX 1070 will perform better overall in most scenarios due to its superior specs. The lack of ray tracing support does limit the capability of both cards when it comes to experiencing the latest graphics technologies, but they remain viable options for many gamers.