The eternal debate among gamers and tech enthusiasts has been which NVIDIA graphics card is better: the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce GTX 1060. Both cards have their strengths and weaknesses, and in this article, we’ll delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the GeForce GTX 1660 and GTX 1060
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a brief look at each card’s specifications.
GeForce GTX 1660
The GeForce GTX 1660 is a popular mid-range graphics card released in 2019. It’s based on the TU116 architecture and features 1408 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. The GTX 1660 has a boost clock speed of 1784 MHz and supports DirectX 12, Vulkan, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like DLSS and ray tracing.
GeForce GTX 1060
The GeForce GTX 1060 is an older mid-range graphics card released in 2016. It’s based on the GP106 architecture and features 1280 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. The GTX 1060 has a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz and supports DirectX 12, Vulkan, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like NVIDIA Ansel and NVIDIA Surround.
Performance Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the specifications, let’s move on to the performance comparison. We’ll look at various benchmarks and games to see how the GTX 1660 and GTX 1060 stack up against each other.
3DMark Time Spy
In the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the GTX 1660 scores around 7400 points, while the GTX 1060 scores around 6300 points. This represents a 17% performance advantage for the GTX 1660.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the GTX 1660 averages around 60 FPS at 1080p and 40 FPS at 1440p. The GTX 1060 averages around 50 FPS at 1080p and 30 FPS at 1440p. This represents a 20% performance advantage for the GTX 1660 at 1080p and a 33% advantage at 1440p.
Fortnite
In Fortnite, the GTX 1660 averages around 80 FPS at 1080p and 60 FPS at 1440p. The GTX 1060 averages around 70 FPS at 1080p and 50 FPS at 1440p. This represents a 14% performance advantage for the GTX 1660 at 1080p and a 20% advantage at 1440p.
Power Consumption and Temperature
Power consumption and temperature are important factors to consider when choosing a graphics card.
Power Consumption
The GTX 1660 has a TDP of 125W, while the GTX 1060 has a TDP of 120W. This represents a 4% increase in power consumption for the GTX 1660.
Temperature
The GTX 1660 has a maximum temperature of around 80°C, while the GTX 1060 has a maximum temperature of around 85°C. This represents a 5% decrease in temperature for the GTX 1660.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
The GTX 1660 supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, while the GTX 1060 does not.
Ray Tracing
Ray tracing is a technology that allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in games. The GTX 1660 supports ray tracing, but it’s not as fast as the more expensive RTX cards.
DLSS
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a technology that uses AI to improve performance in games. The GTX 1660 supports DLSS, which can provide a significant performance boost in supported games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GeForce GTX 1660 is a better graphics card than the GeForce GTX 1060. It offers better performance, lower power consumption, and support for NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like ray tracing and DLSS. However, the GTX 1060 is still a good option for those on a budget or with older systems.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a mid-range graphics card with good performance and features, the GeForce GTX 1660 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or have an older system, the GeForce GTX 1060 is still a good option.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the choice between the GeForce GTX 1660 and GeForce GTX 1060 depends on your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 1280 |
| Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 | 6 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1784 MHz | 1708 MHz |
| TDP | 125W | 120W |
| Ray Tracing | Supported | Not Supported |
| DLSS | Supported | Not Supported |
Note: The specifications and performance numbers mentioned in this article are subject to change and may not reflect the actual performance of the graphics cards.
What are the main differences between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 and GTX 1060 graphics cards?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 and GTX 1060 are two popular graphics cards that have been widely used for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications. The main differences between the two cards lie in their architecture, performance, and features. The GTX 1660 is based on the newer Turing architecture, while the GTX 1060 is based on the older Pascal architecture. This means that the GTX 1660 has improved performance, power efficiency, and features compared to the GTX 1060.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1660 has a higher boost clock speed and more CUDA cores than the GTX 1060, resulting in better frame rates and faster rendering times. Additionally, the GTX 1660 supports newer technologies such as ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading, which are not available on the GTX 1060. Overall, the GTX 1660 offers significant improvements over the GTX 1060, making it a better choice for gamers and graphics professionals.
Which graphics card is better for 1080p gaming, the GTX 1660 or GTX 1060?
For 1080p gaming, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 is generally considered the better option. With its higher boost clock speed and more CUDA cores, the GTX 1660 is able to deliver smoother frame rates and faster rendering times compared to the GTX 1060. Additionally, the GTX 1660 has improved power efficiency, which means it can handle demanding games at higher frame rates without consuming too much power.
In terms of specific performance, the GTX 1660 is able to deliver frame rates of over 60 FPS in most modern games at 1080p resolution, while the GTX 1060 may struggle to reach 60 FPS in more demanding titles. Overall, the GTX 1660 is the better choice for 1080p gaming, offering improved performance and power efficiency compared to the GTX 1060.
Is the GTX 1660 worth the upgrade from the GTX 1060?
Whether or not the GTX 1660 is worth the upgrade from the GTX 1060 depends on several factors, including your current system configuration, gaming needs, and budget. If you’re currently using a GTX 1060 and are looking to improve your gaming performance, the GTX 1660 may be a good option. With its improved performance, power efficiency, and features, the GTX 1660 can deliver smoother frame rates and faster rendering times compared to the GTX 1060.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need the latest and greatest features, the GTX 1060 may still be a good option. The GTX 1060 is still a capable graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution, and it’s often available at a lower price point than the GTX 1660. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the GTX 1660 depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Can the GTX 1660 handle 1440p and 4K gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 is capable of handling 1440p and 4K gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the specific game and system configuration. At 1440p resolution, the GTX 1660 can deliver smooth frame rates in most modern games, but it may struggle with more demanding titles. At 4K resolution, the GTX 1660 may struggle to reach 60 FPS in most games, and may require reduced graphics settings to achieve smooth performance.
However, the GTX 1660 does support newer technologies such as ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, which can improve performance and image quality in certain games. Additionally, the GTX 1660 has improved power efficiency, which means it can handle demanding games at higher resolutions without consuming too much power. Overall, the GTX 1660 is capable of handling 1440p and 4K gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.
How does the GTX 1660 compare to other NVIDIA graphics cards?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card that sits between the GTX 1650 and GTX 1670 in NVIDIA’s lineup. Compared to the GTX 1650, the GTX 1660 offers improved performance and features, including higher boost clock speeds and more CUDA cores. Compared to the GTX 1670, the GTX 1660 offers similar performance but at a lower price point.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1660 is generally comparable to the GTX 1070, which is a higher-end graphics card from NVIDIA’s previous generation. However, the GTX 1660 has improved power efficiency and features compared to the GTX 1070, making it a more attractive option for gamers and graphics professionals. Overall, the GTX 1660 is a solid mid-range graphics card that offers good performance and value for its price.
Is the GTX 1660 compatible with my system?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 is generally compatible with most modern systems, but there are a few things to check before installing the card. First, make sure your system has a compatible motherboard and power supply. The GTX 1660 requires a PCIe x16 slot and a minimum of 6-pin power connector. Additionally, make sure your system has enough power to handle the GTX 1660, which has a TDP of 125W.
In terms of operating system support, the GTX 1660 is compatible with Windows 10 and Linux. However, it’s always a good idea to check with NVIDIA for the latest driver updates and compatibility information before installing the card. Additionally, make sure your system has enough cooling to handle the GTX 1660, which can run hot during intense gaming sessions. Overall, the GTX 1660 is generally compatible with most modern systems, but it’s always a good idea to double-check compatibility before installing the card.
What are the power requirements for the GTX 1660?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 has a TDP of 125W, which means it requires a minimum of 6-pin power connector to function. In terms of power supply requirements, NVIDIA recommends a minimum of 450W power supply to handle the GTX 1660, but a 550W or higher power supply is recommended for optimal performance.
It’s also worth noting that the GTX 1660 has improved power efficiency compared to the GTX 1060, which means it can handle demanding games at higher frame rates without consuming too much power. However, the GTX 1660 can still run hot during intense gaming sessions, so make sure your system has enough cooling to handle the card. Overall, the GTX 1660 has relatively modest power requirements, but it’s always a good idea to check with NVIDIA for the latest power supply recommendations.