Choosing the right power supply unit (PSU) is a crucial step when building or upgrading a gaming PC. Selecting an inadequate PSU can lead to system instability, crashes, and even hardware damage. If you’re planning to use an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, understanding its power requirements and how to match it with a suitable PSU is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Understanding The GTX 1660 Power Requirements
The GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card known for its excellent performance-per-watt. It’s a popular choice for gamers who want a solid 1080p gaming experience without breaking the bank. However, like all components, it has specific power needs.
The GTX 1660’s TDP And Actual Power Draw
The Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the GTX 1660 is officially rated at 120W. TDP is a guideline for the maximum heat a component is expected to generate under typical workloads. While it provides an indication of power consumption, it’s not a precise measurement of the actual power draw.
In real-world gaming scenarios, the GTX 1660 will often draw slightly less than its rated TDP. Benchmarks and reviews consistently show that the card typically consumes between 80W and 120W during gaming. However, overclocking the card, even slightly, can push the power draw closer to, or even slightly above, the 120W mark.
Accounting For Other Components
The GTX 1660 isn’t the only component drawing power in your system. Your CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, fans, and peripherals all contribute to the overall power consumption. Calculating the total system power draw is crucial for selecting a PSU with sufficient headroom.
A modern mid-range CPU, such as an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5, typically consumes between 65W and 95W. High-end CPUs, especially when overclocked, can draw considerably more. Motherboards generally consume between 25W and 50W. RAM modules consume relatively little power, typically around 5W to 15W per stick. SSDs and HDDs consume around 5W to 15W each. Case fans usually consume a few watts each.
Therefore, a system with a GTX 1660, a mid-range CPU, and other standard components will likely have a total power draw of between 250W and 350W under load.
Determining The Ideal PSU Wattage
While you could technically get away with a PSU that only provides the bare minimum power required for your components, this is not recommended. It’s always better to have some headroom to ensure stable performance, prevent overheating, and accommodate future upgrades.
The Importance Of Headroom
A PSU operating at its maximum capacity will generate more heat and be less efficient. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and tear, potentially shortening the lifespan of the PSU. Furthermore, a PSU running close to its limit may not be able to handle sudden power spikes, which can cause system crashes.
Having ample headroom allows the PSU to operate more efficiently and quietly. It also provides flexibility for future upgrades, such as adding more storage or upgrading to a more power-hungry CPU or GPU.
Recommended PSU Wattage For A GTX 1660 System
Taking into account the GTX 1660’s power requirements and the need for headroom, a 500W PSU is generally recommended for a system built around this graphics card. This provides sufficient power for the GTX 1660, a mid-range CPU, and other typical components. It also leaves some room for overclocking and future upgrades.
If you are using a high-end CPU, multiple storage devices, or plan on overclocking your components extensively, a 550W or even a 600W PSU might be a better choice. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a PSU with a slightly higher wattage than you think you need.
Calculating Your System’s Power Requirements
To get a more accurate estimate of your system’s power requirements, you can use an online PSU calculator. These calculators allow you to input all of your components and estimate the total power draw. While these calculators are not perfect, they can provide a helpful starting point.
Remember to factor in any additional components or peripherals you plan to use. Also, consider the efficiency rating of your PSU, as this will affect its overall performance and power consumption.
Choosing A Quality PSU
Wattage is not the only factor to consider when choosing a PSU. The quality of the PSU is equally important. A cheap, low-quality PSU can be unreliable and potentially damage your components.
Understanding PSU Certifications
PSU certifications, such as 80+ Bronze, 80+ Gold, 80+ Platinum, and 80+ Titanium, indicate the PSU’s energy efficiency. A PSU with an 80+ certification is guaranteed to be at least 80% efficient at various load levels. Higher certifications indicate greater efficiency.
While a higher certification doesn’t necessarily mean a higher-quality PSU, it’s a good indicator of overall quality and efficiency. A PSU with an 80+ Gold or higher certification is generally recommended for gaming PCs.
Key Features To Look For
- Over Voltage Protection (OVP): Protects your components from excessive voltage.
- Over Current Protection (OCP): Protects your components from excessive current.
- Short Circuit Protection (SCP): Protects your components from short circuits.
- Over Power Protection (OPP): Protects your PSU from overloading.
- Under Voltage Protection (UVP): Protects your components from insufficient voltage.
- High-Quality Capacitors: Ensure stable power delivery and longevity.
- Reputable Brand: Choose a PSU from a reputable brand known for quality and reliability.
Recommended PSU Brands
Several PSU brands are known for producing high-quality and reliable units. Some of the most popular and well-regarded brands include:
- Corsair
- Seasonic
- EVGA
- Cooler Master
- be quiet!
Research reviews and ratings before purchasing a PSU to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
PSU Connectors And Compatibility
Ensure the PSU you choose has the necessary connectors for your GTX 1660 and other components.
PCIe Connectors
The GTX 1660 typically requires a single 8-pin PCIe power connector. Make sure the PSU you choose has at least one 8-pin PCIe connector. Some higher-wattage PSUs may have multiple PCIe connectors, which can be useful for future upgrades.
Other Connectors
Ensure the PSU has enough SATA connectors for your storage devices and Molex connectors for any older components or peripherals. Also, make sure it has the appropriate connectors for your motherboard (24-pin ATX and 4/8-pin EPS).
Modular Vs. Non-Modular PSUs
Modular PSUs allow you to detach unused cables, which can improve cable management and airflow inside your case. Non-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached. While modular PSUs are generally more expensive, they can be worth the investment for a clean and organized build. Semi-modular PSUs offer a compromise, with some cables permanently attached and others detachable.
Final Considerations And Tips
Choosing the right PSU for your GTX 1660 system is a critical decision that can impact the stability, performance, and longevity of your components.
Overclocking
If you plan to overclock your GTX 1660 or CPU, it’s essential to factor in the increased power draw. Overclocking can significantly increase the power consumption of these components, so you’ll need a PSU with sufficient headroom to accommodate the increased load.
Future Upgrades
Consider your future upgrade plans when choosing a PSU. If you anticipate upgrading to a more powerful GPU or CPU in the future, it’s best to choose a PSU with enough wattage to handle the upgrades. This will save you the cost and hassle of having to replace your PSU later.
Read Reviews
Before purchasing a PSU, read reviews from reputable sources. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the PSU’s performance, reliability, and noise levels. Pay attention to reviews that specifically test the PSU under heavy loads.
Buy From A Reputable Retailer
Purchase your PSU from a reputable retailer to ensure you are getting a genuine product and have access to warranty support if needed.
In summary, a 500W PSU is generally sufficient for a system with a GTX 1660. However, a 550W or 600W PSU might be a better choice if you have a high-end CPU, multiple storage devices, or plan on overclocking. Always prioritize quality over wattage and choose a PSU from a reputable brand with the necessary connectors and features. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your GTX 1660 system has the power it needs to perform optimally and reliably.
What’s The Minimum Wattage Power Supply I Need For A GTX 1660?
The minimum recommended power supply (PSU) wattage for a GTX 1660 is generally around 450 watts. This recommendation takes into account the power draw of the GTX 1660 itself, which typically sits around 120 watts, and provides enough headroom for other components in your system like the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, and cooling solutions. Operating below this wattage risks system instability, crashes, or even damage to your components.
However, simply meeting the minimum wattage isn’t always sufficient. The overall quality of the PSU is just as important. A poorly built 450-watt PSU might not deliver its rated power reliably, especially under sustained load. It’s always best to opt for a reputable brand and a PSU with good reviews that demonstrate its ability to provide stable power delivery and sufficient protection features.
Does The Type Of CPU Affect The Recommended PSU Wattage For A GTX 1660?
Yes, the type of CPU significantly impacts the recommended PSU wattage for a GTX 1660. Different CPUs have vastly different power consumption figures (TDP), ranging from low-power mobile processors to high-end desktop CPUs. If you’re pairing the GTX 1660 with a high-end CPU like an Intel Core i7 or i9, or an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9, you’ll need a more powerful PSU than if you’re using a lower-end CPU like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
The more powerful the CPU, the more wattage it will draw, especially during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Therefore, when selecting a PSU for your GTX 1660, consider the CPU’s TDP and add it to the GPU’s power consumption, along with a buffer for other components, to determine the appropriate wattage. For high-end CPUs, a 500-watt or even a 550-watt PSU may be more suitable.
What Other Components Should I Consider When Choosing A PSU For A GTX 1660?
Beyond the CPU and GPU, several other components contribute to the overall power consumption of your system and should be factored into your PSU selection. These include the motherboard, RAM modules, storage devices (SSDs and HDDs), and any additional peripherals connected to the system, such as USB devices, cooling solutions (fans and liquid coolers), and sound cards.
Each of these components, while individually consuming less power than the CPU or GPU, collectively add to the total power demand. For instance, multiple hard drives and high-speed RAM modules can significantly increase power draw. Overlooking these factors can lead to an undersized PSU, resulting in system instability or potential hardware damage. A good rule of thumb is to add approximately 50-100 watts to your estimated power consumption to account for these additional components and provide a comfortable safety margin.
What PSU Certifications (like 80+ Bronze, Gold, Etc.) Are Important For A GTX 1660 Build?
PSU certifications, such as 80+ Bronze, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, indicate the efficiency of the power supply unit. These certifications guarantee that the PSU will convert a certain percentage of AC power from the wall outlet into DC power that your components can use. Higher certifications mean greater efficiency and less wasted energy, which translates to lower electricity bills and less heat generation.
For a GTX 1660 build, an 80+ Bronze or Gold certified PSU is generally recommended. While higher certifications like Platinum or Titanium offer even greater efficiency, they often come at a higher price point. An 80+ Bronze or Gold PSU strikes a good balance between efficiency and cost-effectiveness for this level of graphics card and provides sufficient performance and reliability for most users.
Will A Modular Or Non-modular PSU Affect The GTX 1660’s Performance?
Whether a PSU is modular or non-modular doesn’t directly affect the GTX 1660’s performance. The key factor impacting performance is the PSU’s wattage and ability to deliver stable power. Modular PSUs allow you to detach unnecessary cables, leading to a cleaner and more organized build with better airflow. Non-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached, which can sometimes make cable management more challenging.
The performance of the GTX 1660 relies on a stable and sufficient power supply. A modular PSU offers only cable management advantages, resulting in a cleaner build and potentially improved airflow, leading to better cooling for all components, indirectly affecting performance by maintaining optimal temperatures. Choose based on budget and desired ease of building and cable management, focusing primarily on its wattage and reliability for optimal GPU performance.
What Are The Risks Of Using An Underpowered PSU With A GTX 1660?
Using an underpowered PSU with a GTX 1660 can lead to a multitude of problems, ranging from minor inconveniences to severe hardware damage. One common issue is system instability, manifested as random crashes, freezes, or unexpected shutdowns. These problems occur because the PSU cannot provide enough power to meet the demands of the components, especially during graphically intensive tasks like gaming.
Furthermore, an underpowered PSU can permanently damage the components in your system. When the PSU is constantly operating at or near its maximum capacity, it can overheat and fail prematurely. The voltage fluctuations and power surges can also damage sensitive components like the GPU, CPU, motherboard, and RAM. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a PSU that provides ample wattage and headroom.
How Can I Calculate My System’s Total Power Consumption To Choose The Right PSU For My GTX 1660?
Calculating your system’s total power consumption involves identifying the power draw of each component and adding them together. Start with the GTX 1660, which typically consumes around 120 watts. Next, determine the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of your CPU. CPU TDP values are usually readily available on the manufacturer’s website or in the product specifications.
Then, estimate the power consumption of other components. Motherboards generally consume between 25-50 watts, RAM modules consume about 5-10 watts per stick, SSDs consume around 5-10 watts, and HDDs consume about 10-20 watts. Add a buffer of 50-100 watts for cooling solutions, peripherals, and potential overclocking. Online PSU calculators can also assist in this calculation by providing estimated power consumption based on your component selection. This estimated total will help determine the appropriate wattage for your PSU.