The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super has been a popular choice among gamers looking for a budget-friendly option to power their 1080p gaming experiences. With its impressive performance and affordable price point, it’s no wonder why many have flocked to this graphics card. But the question remains: is the 1660s good for 1080p gaming?
Understanding the 1660s
Before we dive into the performance of the 1660s, it’s essential to understand what makes this graphics card tick. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is based on the TU116 architecture, which is a more-power-efficient version of the TU106 architecture found in the higher-end RTX 2060. The 1660s boasts 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, 1408 CUDA cores, and a boost clock speed of up to 1785 MHz.
One of the primary advantages of the 1660s is its power efficiency. With a TDP of 125W, this graphics card is surprisingly energy-efficient, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a compact or mini-ITX system. Additionally, the 1660s supports NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which can significantly improve performance in games that utilize this feature.
1080p Gaming Demands
To determine if the 1660s is suitable for 1080p gaming, we need to consider the demands of 1080p resolution. At 1920×1080, we’re looking at a pixel count of around 2.07 million pixels. For a smooth gaming experience, most modern games require a frame rate of at least 60 FPS. However, with the increasing popularity of fast-paced games like Fortnite and Overwatch, many gamers aim for frame rates above 144 FPS.
While 1080p may seem like a relatively low resolution compared to 1440p or 4K, it still requires a significant amount of processing power to achieve high frame rates. Modern games often feature complex graphics, physics, and AI, which can put a strain on even the most powerful graphics cards.
Benchmarking the 1660s
To get a better understanding of the 1660s’ performance, we’ve compiled a list of benchmark results from various sources, including Tom’s Hardware, TechPowerUp, and NVIDIA’s own benchmarks.
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 144 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | 144 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 1080p | 120 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 1080p | 100 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 1080p | 80 FPS |
As you can see from the benchmark results, the 1660s is more than capable of handling 1080p gaming with high frame rates. In fast-paced games like Fortnite and Overwatch, the 1660s can easily reach frame rates above 144 FPS. Even in more demanding games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the 1660s can still manage a respectable 100 FPS.
Memory and Bandwidth
One area where the 1660s might struggle is with memory and bandwidth. With only 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, the 1660s may not have enough memory to handle games with extremely high texture quality or those that use a lot of video memory. Additionally, the 1660s’ 192-bit memory bus may become a bottleneck in games that require high bandwidth.
However, it’s essential to note that most modern games are optimized to work within the 6 GB memory confines of the 1660s. Additionally, NVIDIA’s DLSS technology can help reduce memory usage, allowing the 1660s to handle more demanding games.
1080p Gaming with the 1660s: Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the 1660s’ performance, let’s weigh the pros and cons of using this graphics card for 1080p gaming.
Pros:
- Affordability: The 1660s is a budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
- Power Efficiency: With a TDP of 125W, the 1660s is surprisingly energy-efficient, making it perfect for compact systems.
- Performance: The 1660s can easily handle 1080p gaming with high frame rates, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced games.
Cons:
- Memory and Bandwidth: The 1660s’ 6 GB of GDDR6 memory and 192-bit memory bus may become a bottleneck in demanding games.
- Limited Upgradability: The 1660s is a lower-end graphics card, which means it may not be upgradable to more powerful models in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming. With its impressive performance, power efficiency, and affordability, it’s hard to find a better value in the graphics card market. While the 1660s may struggle with memory and bandwidth in certain games, it’s still more than capable of handling 1080p gaming with high frame rates.
If you’re building a new gaming PC or upgrading your current system, the 1660s is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the potential limitations of this graphics card, and you’ll be enjoying smooth 1080p gaming in no time.
What is the main difference between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and the GTX 1660 Super?
The main difference between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and the GTX 1660 Super is the performance and power consumption. The GTX 1660 Super is a more powerful version of the GTX 1660, with higher clock speeds and more CUDA cores. This results in better performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications. The GTX 1660 Super also consumes more power than the GTX 1660, which can be a concern for those with limited power supply units.
In terms of architecture, both cards are based on the TU116 chip, but the GTX 1660 Super has a higher number of CUDA cores, higher boost clock speeds, and faster memory. This makes it better suited for 1080p gaming and other demanding tasks. However, the GTX 1660 is still a capable card and can handle 1080p gaming, albeit at lower frame rates.
Is the GTX 1660 sufficient for 1080p gaming?
The GTX 1660 is capable of handling 1080p gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the game and settings. In general, the GTX 1660 can deliver smooth frame rates at high graphics settings in less demanding games, but may struggle with more demanding titles. For example, in games like Fortnite and Overwatch, the GTX 1660 can deliver frame rates above 60 FPS at high graphics settings. However, in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the GTX 1660 may struggle to reach 60 FPS at high graphics settings.
If you’re looking to play games at 1080p with high graphics settings, the GTX 1660 may not be the best option. However, if you’re willing to compromise on graphics settings or play less demanding games, the GTX 1660 can still provide a good gaming experience.
Can the GTX 1660 Super handle 144Hz monitors?
The GTX 1660 Super is capable of handling 144Hz monitors, but its performance may vary depending on the game and settings. In general, the GTX 1660 Super can deliver smooth frame rates above 144 FPS in less demanding games at high graphics settings. However, in more demanding games, the GTX 1660 Super may struggle to reach 144 FPS at high graphics settings.
To take full advantage of a 144Hz monitor, you’ll need a powerful GPU that can deliver consistent frame rates above 144 FPS. While the GTX 1660 Super is a capable card, it may not be able to handle 144Hz monitors in the most demanding games. However, if you’re playing less demanding games or are willing to compromise on graphics settings, the GTX 1660 Super can still provide a good gaming experience on a 144Hz monitor.
Is the GTX 1660 compatible with my system?
The GTX 1660 is compatible with most modern systems, but you’ll need to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements. The GTX 1660 requires a minimum of 6GB of system memory, a 400W power supply, and a compatible motherboard with a PCIe x16 slot. Additionally, the GTX 1660 requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector, so you’ll need to ensure that your power supply has a 6-pin connector available.
If your system meets these minimum requirements, the GTX 1660 should be compatible. However, it’s always a good idea to check your system specifications and ensure that your system can handle the power consumption and heat generated by the GTX 1660.
Can I use the GTX 1660 for other tasks besides gaming?
Yes, the GTX 1660 can be used for other tasks besides gaming. The GTX 1660 is a capable GPU that can handle a variety of tasks, including video editing, 3D modeling, and cryptocurrency mining. The GTX 1660 also supports Nvidia’s CUDA and OpenCL APIs, which allows it to accelerate tasks in compatible software.
In addition, the GTX 1660 can also be used for tasks like video rendering, scientific simulations, and machine learning. However, the GTX 1660 may not be the best option for these tasks, as more powerful GPUs like the RTX 2070 or RTX 2080 may be better suited. Nevertheless, the GTX 1660 is a capable GPU that can handle a variety of tasks beyond gaming.
Is it worth upgrading from the GTX 1660 to the GTX 1660 Super?
If you already have a GTX 1660 and are considering upgrading to the GTX 1660 Super, it’s worth considering the performance difference between the two cards. The GTX 1660 Super offers around 10-15% better performance than the GTX 1660, which may not be significant enough to justify the upgrade cost. However, if you’re looking to play more demanding games or want to take advantage of higher refresh rates, the GTX 1660 Super may be worth considering.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re happy with your current gaming performance, it may not be worth upgrading to the GTX 1660 Super. However, if you’re looking to improve your gaming performance or want to take advantage of higher refresh rates, the GTX 1660 Super may be a worthwhile upgrade.
Can I use the GTX 1660 with a AMD CPU?
Yes, the GTX 1660 can be used with an AMD CPU. The GTX 1660 is a graphics card that is compatible with a variety of systems, including those with AMD CPUs. As long as your system meets the minimum requirements for the GTX 1660, including a compatible motherboard with a PCIe x16 slot, the GTX 1660 should work with an AMD CPU.
However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 1660 is an Nvidia GPU, which may not be optimized for use with AMD CPUs. Nevertheless, the GTX 1660 should still provide good performance with an AMD CPU, and is a popular choice among gamers regardless of CPU platform.