Are you in the market for a new graphics card, but stuck between two mid-range options from different generations? Look no further! In this article, we’ll delve into the world of NVIDIA’s GTX 1050 and GTX 660, comparing their performance, power consumption, and features to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Overview of the Contenders
The GTX 1050 is a relatively modern mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA’s Pascal generation, released in 2016. It’s a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and those who want to play games at 1080p resolution. On the other hand, the GTX 660 is an older mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA’s Kepler generation, released in 2012. Although it’s an older model, the GTX 660 still has its loyal followers and can be found in many older gaming rigs.
Performance: The GTX 1050 Takes the Lead
When it comes to raw performance, the GTX 1050 is the clear winner. With 640 CUDA cores and a base clock speed of 1354 MHz, it outperforms the GTX 660’s 960 CUDA cores and 980 MHz base clock speed. The GTX 1050 also has a higher memory bandwidth, thanks to its 128-bit memory bus, which allows it to handle more data simultaneously.
In terms of real-world gaming performance, the GTX 1050 can play modern games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Dota 2 at high settings and 1080p resolution, with frame rates ranging from 60-80 FPS. The GTX 660, on the other hand, struggles to keep up, with frame rates ranging from 30-50 FPS at the same settings.
The GTX 1050’s superior performance can be attributed to its more modern architecture, which provides better performance per watt and improved power management.
Power Consumption: The GTX 1050 is More Efficient
One of the key advantages of the GTX 1050 is its lower power consumption. With a TDP of 75W, it’s a more efficient card that can be powered by a single 6-pin power connector. The GTX 660, on the other hand, has a TDP of 140W, requiring a 6-pin and 8-pin power connector.
This difference in power consumption is significant, especially for those who are building a budget gaming PC or upgrading an older system. The GTX 1050’s lower power consumption means it generates less heat, reducing the strain on the system’s power supply and cooling system.
Features: The GTX 1050 Has More to Offer
The GTX 1050 has a number of features that set it apart from the GTX 660. One of the most notable is its support for NVIDIA’s Pascal-based technologies, including:
SIM (Simultaneous Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing): This feature improves anti-aliasing performance by combining multiple samples from different frames.
DX12 and Vulkan Support: The GTX 1050 is compatible with the latest graphics APIs, including DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which provide better performance and efficiency.
GPUAccelerated Encoding and Decoding: This feature allows the GTX 1050 to accelerate video encoding and decoding tasks, reducing the load on the CPU.
The GTX 660, on the other hand, lacks these features, making it a less attractive option for those who want to take advantage of the latest graphics technologies.
Price and Availability
When it comes to pricing, the GTX 1050 is generally more expensive than the GTX 660. However, the GTX 1050’s superior performance and feature set make it a better value in the long run.
The GTX 1050 can be found for around $150-$200, while the GTX 660 can be found for around $100-$150.
Availability is another factor to consider. The GTX 1050 is still widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces, while the GTX 660 is becoming increasingly harder to find.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GTX 1050 is the clear winner when it comes to performance, power consumption, and features. While the GTX 660 is an older mid-range graphics card that still has its loyal followers, it can’t compete with the GTX 1050’s modern architecture and advanced features.
If you’re building a new gaming PC or upgrading an older system, the GTX 1050 is the better choice. It’s a more efficient card that provides better performance and support for the latest graphics technologies.
| Specification | GTX 1050 | GTX 660 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Count | 640 | 960 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1354 MHz | 980 MHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | 128 GB/s | 144 GB/s |
| TDP | 75W | 140W |
| Features | SIM, DX12, Vulkan, GPU-accelerated encoding and decoding | None |
Remember, when it comes to mid-range graphics cards, the GTX 1050 is the better choice. Its superior performance, lower power consumption, and advanced features make it a better value for those looking to play games at 1080p resolution.
What are the main differences between GTX 1050 and GTX 660 in terms of performance?
The GTX 1050 and GTX 660 are both mid-range graphics cards, but they belong to different generations and have distinct performance capabilities. The GTX 1050 is based on the Pascal architecture, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency compared to the Kepler architecture of the GTX 660. The GTX 1050 has more CUDA cores, higher clock speeds, and faster memory bandwidth, making it a more powerful card overall.
In terms of real-world performance, the GTX 1050 is capable of handling more demanding games at higher resolutions and detail settings than the GTX 660. It also supports newer graphics technologies like DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which can provide better performance and compatibility with modern games. However, the GTX 660 is still a capable card and can handle less demanding games and older titles at high resolutions and frame rates.
How do the power consumption and heat generation of GTX 1050 and GTX 660 compare?
The GTX 1050 has a lower TDP (thermal design power) rating than the GTX 660, which means it consumes less power and generates less heat. The GTX 1050 has a TDP of around 75W, while the GTX 660 has a TDP of around 140W. This makes the GTX 1050 a more efficient and cooler-running card, which can be beneficial for systems with limited power supplies or for those who want to reduce their energy costs.
The lower power consumption of the GTX 1050 also makes it a more suitable option for laptops and smaller form factor systems, where heat and power consumption are critical concerns. However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 660 may require more power, but it can also provide more performance and overclocking headroom for those who need it.
What are the differences in terms of memory configuration and bandwidth?
The GTX 1050 typically comes with 2GB or 3GB of GDDR5 memory, while the GTX 660 usually comes with 2GB of GDDR5 memory. The GTX 1050 also has a wider 128-bit memory bus, which provides faster memory bandwidth and allows for more data to be transferred between the GPU and system memory. The GTX 660, on the other hand, has a 192-bit memory bus, but its memory bandwidth is still lower than that of the GTX 1050.
The faster memory bandwidth of the GTX 1050 is particularly important for modern games that use more memory-intensive graphics features like high-resolution textures and complex shaders. The GTX 660’s lower memory bandwidth may result in reduced performance and more frequent memory bottlenecks, especially at higher resolutions and detail settings.
Can the GTX 1050 and GTX 660 handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 1050 is not well-suited for 4K gaming, as it lacks the processing power and memory bandwidth to handle the high resolution and detail settings required for smooth 4K performance. It may be able to handle some 4K titles at lower detail settings, but it’s generally not recommended for 4K gaming.
The GTX 660 is also not well-suited for 4K gaming, and it may struggle to handle even the lowest detail settings at 4K resolutions. It’s generally recommended to use a more powerful graphics card, such as the GTX 1070 or higher, to achieve smooth 4K performance.
Do the GTX 1050 and GTX 660 support DirectX 12 and Vulkan?
The GTX 1050 supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which are the latest graphics APIs used in many modern games. DirectX 12 provides better performance and multi-threading capabilities, while Vulkan offers improved performance and compatibility with Linux and Android platforms. The GTX 1050’s support for these APIs makes it a more future-proof option for those who want to play the latest games.
The GTX 660, on the other hand, only supports up to DirectX 11.2 and does not support Vulkan. This may limit its compatibility and performance with newer games that use these APIs. However, it’s worth noting that many older games still use DirectX 11.2, so the GTX 660 may still be a viable option for those who primarily play older titles.
How do the prices of the GTX 1050 and GTX 660 compare?
The prices of the GTX 1050 and GTX 660 vary depending on the region, retailer, and availability. However, in general, the GTX 1050 tends to be priced around $100-$150, while the GTX 660 is often priced around $150-$200. The GTX 1050 is generally the more affordable option, especially considering its better performance and power efficiency.
It’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate over time, and availability may be limited for certain models or regions. It’s always a good idea to check current prices and availability before making a purchase.
Which graphics card is recommended for those on a budget?
Based on performance, power efficiency, and price, the GTX 1050 is the recommended option for those on a budget. It provides better performance and power efficiency than the GTX 660, while also being more affordable. The GTX 1050 is a great option for those who want to play modern games at high resolutions and detail settings without breaking the bank.
However, it’s worth noting that the GTX 660 may still be a viable option for those who primarily play older games or less demanding titles. It’s always a good idea to evaluate your specific needs and budget before making a purchase.