The world of graphics cards is ever-evolving, with new models and technologies emerging regularly. Two popular options from NVIDIA, the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060, have been subjects of comparison among gamers and tech enthusiasts. The GTX 1060, released in 2016, was a mid-range powerhouse in its time, offering excellent performance for 1080p gaming. On the other hand, the GTX 1660 Super, launched in 2019, is part of the newer Turing lineup, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. In this article, we will delve into the details of both graphics cards, comparing their specifications, performance, power consumption, and overall value to determine if the GTX 1660 Super is indeed better than the GTX 1060.
Introduction to the GTX 1060 and GTX 1660 Super
The GTX 1060 is based on the Pascal architecture, which was a significant leap forward in terms of performance and power efficiency when it was introduced. It features 1280 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1506 MHz, and can boost up to 1708 MHz. The card comes with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, which was ample for gaming at high settings in 1080p and decent performance in 1440p for less demanding titles.
The GTX 1660 Super, on the other hand, is built on the Turing architecture, specifically designed to offer better performance per watt and enhanced features like variable rate shading and improved tensor cores for AI-enhanced graphics. It boasts 1408 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1530 MHz, and a boost clock of up to 1845 MHz. Notably, the GTX 1660 Super comes with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, which provides a significant boost in memory bandwidth compared to the GDDR5 found in the GTX 1060.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to raw performance, the GTX 1660 Super outshines the GTX 1060 in most modern games. The upgrade to GDDR6 memory and the architectural improvements in the Turing lineup contribute to this performance gap. In games that heavily utilize the GPU, such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Cyberpunk 2077, the GTX 1660 Super can offer frame rates that are 10-20% higher than the GTX 1060 at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Moreover, the GTX 1660 Super supports newer technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which can significantly improve performance in supported games by using AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions. This feature is not available on the GTX 1060, making the GTX 1660 Super more future-proof for gamers looking to play the latest titles with advanced graphics features.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Another critical aspect to consider is power consumption. The GTX 1060 has a TDP of 120 watts, while the GTX 1660 Super has a slightly higher TDP of 125 watts. Despite the minor increase in power consumption, the GTX 1660 Super offers substantial performance gains over the GTX 1060, making it more efficient in terms of performance per watt. This efficiency is crucial for gamers who want to minimize their electricity bills and reduce the heat generated by their systems.
Value and Availability
The value proposition of the GTX 1660 Super versus the GTX 1060 also plays a significant role in the decision-making process. At launch, the GTX 1060 was priced around $250 for the 6 GB model, while the GTX 1660 Super launched at a similar price point of around $229. However, market prices can fluctuate based on availability, demand, and the presence of newer models.
As of the last update, the GTX 1660 Super can often be found at a competitive price, sometimes even lower than its launch price, due to sales and discounts. The GTX 1060, being an older model, might be available at lower prices from third-party sellers or as part of older system builds, but its availability as a new product is limited.
Conclusion: GTX 1660 Super vs. GTX 1060
In conclusion, the GTX 1660 Super is indeed better than the GTX 1060 in terms of performance, efficiency, and future-proofing. Its ability to handle modern games at higher frame rates, support for newer technologies like DLSS, and slightly better efficiency make it a more attractive option for gamers. While the GTX 1060 was an excellent choice in its time, the advancements in GPU technology and the competitive pricing of the GTX 1660 Super make it the preferable option for those looking to upgrade or build a new gaming PC.
For those currently using a GTX 1060, upgrading to a GTX 1660 Super can provide a noticeable boost in gaming performance, especially if they’re looking to play at higher resolutions or with more demanding graphics settings. However, the decision to upgrade should also consider the cost and whether the performance gain justifies the expense, especially if the GTX 1060 is still meeting their gaming needs.
| Specification | GTX 1060 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1408 |
| Memory | 6 GB GDDR5 | 6 GB GDDR6 |
| Base Clock | 1506 MHz | 1530 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1708 MHz | 1845 MHz |
| TDP | 120W | 125W |
In the ever-changing landscape of computer hardware, staying informed about the latest developments and how they compare to existing technology is key to making the best decisions for your gaming needs. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting to build your gaming PC, understanding the differences between graphics cards like the GTX 1060 and the GTX 1660 Super can help you choose the right component for your system and enjoy the best possible gaming experience.
What are the key differences between the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060?
The GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060 are two distinct graphics cards from different generations, offering varying levels of performance. The GTX 1660 Super is a more recent model, belonging to the Turing generation, whereas the GTX 1060 is from the Pascal generation. In terms of architecture, the GTX 1660 Super boasts the TU116 chip, which provides improved performance and power efficiency compared to the GP106 chip found in the GTX 1060. This difference in architecture contributes to the enhanced performance of the GTX 1660 Super.
The key differences between the two graphics cards also extend to their memory and clock speeds. The GTX 1660 Super features 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, which offers higher bandwidth and faster speeds than the 6 GB of GDDR5 memory found in the GTX 1060. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super has a higher boost clock speed, allowing it to handle more demanding workloads and provide smoother performance in games and applications. Overall, the combination of a more efficient architecture, faster memory, and higher clock speeds makes the GTX 1660 Super a more powerful and capable graphics card than the GTX 1060.
How does the performance of the GTX 1660 Super compare to the GTX 1060 in modern games?
In modern games, the GTX 1660 Super generally offers better performance than the GTX 1060, thanks to its more efficient architecture and faster memory. The GTX 1660 Super is capable of handling games at higher resolutions and detail settings, providing a more immersive and engaging gaming experience. For example, in games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the GTX 1660 Super can deliver frame rates of up to 100 FPS at 1080p resolution, while the GTX 1060 may struggle to reach 60 FPS at the same resolution. This performance difference is even more pronounced in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, where the GTX 1660 Super can provide up to 20-30% higher frame rates than the GTX 1060.
The performance advantage of the GTX 1660 Super over the GTX 1060 is also evident in games that utilize advanced graphics technologies like ray tracing and artificial intelligence. The GTX 1660 Super supports these technologies, allowing for more realistic lighting, shadows, and animations, whereas the GTX 1060 does not. As a result, gamers who want to experience the latest graphics features and performance will find the GTX 1660 Super to be a better option than the GTX 1060. Overall, the GTX 1660 Super offers a more future-proof gaming experience, making it a better choice for gamers who want to play the latest games at high detail settings and resolutions.
Is the GTX 1660 Super worth the upgrade from the GTX 1060?
For gamers who currently own a GTX 1060 and are looking to upgrade, the GTX 1660 Super is definitely worth considering. The performance difference between the two graphics cards is significant, and the GTX 1660 Super offers a more future-proof gaming experience. With the GTX 1660 Super, gamers can enjoy higher frame rates, better graphics quality, and support for the latest graphics technologies. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for gamers who want to upgrade their graphics card without breaking the bank.
The decision to upgrade from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 Super ultimately depends on individual gaming needs and preferences. If you’re currently playing games at lower resolutions and detail settings, you may not notice a significant difference between the two graphics cards. However, if you’re looking to play games at higher resolutions, such as 1440p or 4K, or want to experience the latest graphics features, the GTX 1660 Super is a worthwhile upgrade. Furthermore, the GTX 1660 Super is a more power-efficient graphics card than the GTX 1060, which can lead to lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, making it a better option for gamers who value energy efficiency and system reliability.
How does the power consumption of the GTX 1660 Super compare to the GTX 1060?
The power consumption of the GTX 1660 Super is relatively similar to that of the GTX 1060, despite its higher performance. The GTX 1660 Super has a typical board power of 125W, which is only slightly higher than the 120W typical board power of the GTX 1060. This means that the GTX 1660 Super can deliver better performance without significantly increasing power consumption. In fact, the GTX 1660 Super is more power-efficient than the GTX 1060, thanks to its more efficient architecture and manufacturing process.
The similar power consumption of the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060 makes the GTX 1660 Super a more attractive option for gamers who want to upgrade their graphics card without increasing their power bill. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super’s lower power consumption can lead to reduced heat generation, which can improve system reliability and reduce the risk of overheating. Overall, the GTX 1660 Super offers a great balance of performance and power efficiency, making it a compelling option for gamers who value both speed and energy efficiency.
Can the GTX 1660 Super handle 4K gaming and video editing?
The GTX 1660 Super is capable of handling 4K gaming and video editing, but its performance may vary depending on the specific application and detail settings. In 4K gaming, the GTX 1660 Super can deliver smooth frame rates in less demanding games, but may struggle to reach 60 FPS in more demanding titles. For example, in games like Fortnite and League of Legends, the GTX 1660 Super can deliver frame rates of up to 60 FPS at 4K resolution, but may drop to around 30-40 FPS in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3.
In video editing, the GTX 1660 Super can handle 4K video editing and color grading, but may not be the best option for more complex tasks like 3D modeling and rendering. The GTX 1660 Super’s 6 GB of GDDR6 memory can handle 4K video editing, but may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks that require larger amounts of memory. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super’s CUDA core count and clock speeds may not be sufficient for more complex video editing tasks, which can lead to longer rendering times and reduced performance. Overall, the GTX 1660 Super is a capable graphics card for 4K gaming and video editing, but may not be the best option for more demanding tasks that require higher levels of performance and memory.
Is the GTX 1660 Super compatible with the latest graphics technologies?
The GTX 1660 Super is compatible with the latest graphics technologies, including DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL. It also supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and Variable Rate Shading, which can improve performance and image quality in supported games. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super supports ray tracing and artificial intelligence, although its performance in these areas may not be as strong as more powerful graphics cards like the RTX 2060 and RTX 2070.
The GTX 1660 Super’s support for the latest graphics technologies makes it a great option for gamers who want to experience the latest graphics features and performance. For example, in games that support DLSS, the GTX 1660 Super can deliver improved frame rates and image quality, thanks to the technology’s ability to accelerate rendering and reduce the workload on the graphics card. Similarly, the GTX 1660 Super’s support for ray tracing and artificial intelligence can enhance the gaming experience, providing more realistic lighting, shadows, and animations. Overall, the GTX 1660 Super is a great option for gamers who want to experience the latest graphics technologies and performance without breaking the bank.