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Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with a plethora of options available in the mid-range market. Two cards that often get pitted against each other are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 and the GTX 1660. Both have served gamers well, but which one offers better performance and value in today’s gaming landscape? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right decision.
A Look At The Core Specifications
Understanding the technical specifications is crucial for gauging a graphics card’s potential. The GTX 1060, launched in 2016, came in two main variants: a 3GB model and a 6GB model. It’s based on the Pascal architecture and boasts 1280 CUDA cores, a boost clock of around 1.7 GHz, and a memory bandwidth of 192 GB/s.
The GTX 1660, released in 2019, utilizes the newer Turing architecture but without ray tracing capabilities. It houses 1408 CUDA cores, a boost clock around 1.8 GHz, and the same memory bandwidth of 192 GB/s when equipped with GDDR5 memory (there’s also a 1660 SUPER which changes things). Importantly, the 1660 leverages Turing’s architectural improvements, which significantly contribute to its performance.
Architecture: Pascal Vs. Turing
The architectural differences between Pascal and Turing are significant. Turing boasts several key enhancements, including a unified cache architecture and improved memory compression. These advancements allow the GTX 1660 to perform more efficiently than the GTX 1060, even with seemingly similar specifications. The Turing architecture is inherently more optimized for modern games and APIs.
Memory Configuration: A Tale Of Two Models
The GTX 1060’s 3GB and 6GB variants present a bit of a dilemma. The 3GB version, while cheaper, can struggle with newer games that demand more video memory. The 6GB model is naturally the better choice, but it also comes at a higher cost. The GTX 1660 typically features 6GB of GDDR5 memory, providing a more consistent experience across different games.
Gaming Performance: Benchmarking The Beasts
Ultimately, the gaming performance is what matters most. Let’s analyze how these cards perform in various games and resolutions.
1080p Gaming: The Sweet Spot
Both the GTX 1060 and GTX 1660 are well-suited for 1080p gaming. However, the GTX 1660 generally offers a noticeable performance advantage. In most titles, you can expect to see frame rates that are 10-20% higher with the GTX 1660 compared to the 6GB GTX 1060. The gap widens further when comparing it to the 3GB GTX 1060, which can suffer from stuttering in some games due to its limited memory.
Consider a game like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The GTX 1660 can achieve a smoother experience at high settings compared to the GTX 1060. Similarly, in graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, the GTX 1660 will generally offer a more playable frame rate.
1440p Gaming: Pushing The Limits
While both cards can handle 1440p gaming, you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates. The GTX 1660 still holds a performance lead, but the difference becomes less pronounced. Expect to run games at medium to high settings to maintain a stable 30-60 FPS. For a truly enjoyable 1440p experience, you might want to consider a more powerful graphics card.
Performance In Specific Games
- Fortnite: Both cards will easily handle Fortnite at 1080p with high frame rates. The GTX 1660 will provide a slightly smoother experience and potentially allow for higher settings.
- Apex Legends: Similar to Fortnite, both cards are capable of running Apex Legends at 1080p. The GTX 1660 will offer a modest performance improvement.
- Cyberpunk 2077: This game is incredibly demanding. The GTX 1660 will offer a slightly better experience at 1080p, but you’ll likely need to lower the settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. The 3GB GTX 1060 will struggle considerably.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Another demanding title where the GTX 1660’s advantages become apparent. Expect to adjust settings to achieve a smooth 1080p experience.
Power Consumption And Thermals
Power consumption is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a limited power supply. The GTX 1060 typically has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of around 120W. The GTX 1660 has a slightly lower TDP of around 120W. This means that both cards are relatively energy-efficient and won’t put a significant strain on your power supply.
In terms of thermals, both cards should remain relatively cool under normal gaming conditions. However, the specific temperatures will depend on the cooler design used by the manufacturer. Generally, you can expect temperatures to stay below 80°C with both cards.
Pricing And Availability
The GTX 1060 is an older card, so finding it new might be challenging. It’s more likely to be available on the used market. The price of a used GTX 1060 will vary depending on its condition and the specific model.
The GTX 1660 is still available new from some retailers, although its price has fluctuated due to supply chain issues. Used models are also readily available. Generally, expect to pay a bit more for a GTX 1660 compared to a used GTX 1060.
Features And Technologies
While the GTX 1060 supports DirectX 12, the GTX 1660 benefits from the Turing architecture’s enhancements for DirectX 12 performance. The 1660 has support for adaptive shading and other Turing features.
The Verdict: Which Card Should You Choose?
So, is the GTX 1060 or GTX 1660 the better choice?
In most cases, the GTX 1660 is the better option. It offers superior performance, thanks to its Turing architecture. It also typically features 6GB of memory, which is becoming increasingly important for modern games.
However, there are a few scenarios where the GTX 1060 might be a viable option. If you can find a used GTX 1060 at a significantly lower price than a GTX 1660, and you primarily play older or less demanding games, it could be a budget-friendly choice. But you need to consider future games and their minimum requirements.
Ultimately, the best decision depends on your budget, your gaming needs, and the availability of each card in your area.
Detailed Specification Table
| Feature | GTX 1060 (6GB) | GTX 1660 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1408 |
| Boost Clock | ~1.7 GHz | ~1.8 GHz |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| TDP | 120W | 120W |
Alternatives To Consider
If you’re considering the GTX 1660, you might also want to look at the GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1660 Ti. These cards offer even better performance at a slightly higher price point. On the AMD side, the RX 580 or RX 5500 XT could be viable alternatives, depending on pricing and availability. Newer cards like the RTX 3050 and RX 6600 also offer significant performance improvements but come at a higher cost. Always compare prices and benchmarks before making a final decision.
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What Are The Key Differences Between The GTX 1060 And GTX 1660 GPUs?
The GTX 1060, based on the Pascal architecture, primarily relies on CUDA cores for processing and supports traditional rendering techniques. It comes in two main versions: a 3GB and a 6GB model, affecting its performance in memory-intensive tasks. Its architecture is older, meaning it lacks some of the newer features and optimizations found in later generations.
The GTX 1660, on the other hand, is built on the Turing architecture but without the ray tracing and DLSS capabilities of the RTX series. Its key advantage is the architectural improvements of Turing, including concurrent execution of integer and floating-point operations, and a unified cache architecture, which contribute to better performance compared to the GTX 1060. It boasts improved power efficiency and overall performance at a similar price point when it was initially released.
Which GPU Offers Better Gaming Performance At 1080p Resolution?
The GTX 1660 generally provides superior gaming performance at 1080p resolution compared to the GTX 1060. This is largely due to the architectural improvements in the Turing architecture, allowing it to handle modern game engines and newer graphical effects more efficiently. Expect to see higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in most titles when using the GTX 1660.
While the GTX 1060 is still a capable 1080p gaming card, it will struggle more with demanding modern games at higher settings. The performance difference between the two becomes more noticeable in graphically intensive titles or when aiming for higher refresh rates on monitors. The GTX 1660 provides a more future-proof experience at 1080p.
Does The GTX 1660 Support Ray Tracing Or DLSS?
No, the GTX 1660 does not support Ray Tracing or DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). These features are primarily reserved for NVIDIA’s RTX series of graphics cards, which include dedicated hardware cores (RT Cores and Tensor Cores) to handle those tasks efficiently. The GTX 1660 lacks these dedicated cores.
While technically possible to enable Ray Tracing on the GTX 1660, the performance impact would be significant and would render most games unplayable. DLSS, which aims to improve performance by rendering games at a lower resolution and then upscaling them using AI, is also exclusive to the RTX series due to its reliance on Tensor Cores.
Which GPU Is More Power Efficient?
The GTX 1660 is generally more power efficient than the GTX 1060. This is another benefit stemming from its newer Turing architecture. It achieves similar or better performance while consuming less power, resulting in lower operating temperatures and potentially quieter operation.
The GTX 1060, while still relatively efficient for its time, is based on an older process node and architecture. This means it requires more power to achieve comparable performance levels to the GTX 1660. The lower power consumption of the GTX 1660 makes it a more appealing choice for users concerned about power usage and heat generation.
Which GPU Is A Better Choice For Budget-conscious Gamers?
In the current market, the better choice for budget-conscious gamers is heavily influenced by current pricing and availability in the used market. If a used GTX 1060 is significantly cheaper and meets the required performance level for targeted games and settings, it could be a viable option. However, considering the improvements offered by the GTX 1660, it’s wise to carefully weigh the performance difference against the price difference.
The GTX 1660 typically delivers better value for its performance if found at a reasonable price. It offers a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency, making it a more future-proof option. If the price difference is not substantial, investing in the GTX 1660 is generally the recommended choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a better overall experience.
Does The Amount Of VRAM (3GB Vs 6GB) On A GTX 1060 Significantly Impact Performance?
Yes, the amount of VRAM on a GTX 1060 (3GB vs. 6GB) can significantly impact performance, especially in newer and more demanding games. Games that require more texture data or higher resolution textures can quickly exceed the 3GB VRAM limit, leading to stuttering, texture pop-in, and reduced overall performance.
The 6GB version of the GTX 1060 provides a noticeable advantage in such scenarios, allowing the GPU to store more data locally and reducing the need to frequently fetch data from system memory. This results in smoother gameplay and better overall performance, especially at higher resolutions or with higher graphics settings. Therefore, if you are considering a GTX 1060, the 6GB version is generally recommended for a better gaming experience.
Which GPU Is More Readily Available In The Current Market (new)?
Currently, finding either a new GTX 1060 or a new GTX 1660 is challenging in the retail market. Both cards are older generations and are no longer actively manufactured. Availability primarily depends on existing stock held by retailers and the secondary (used) market.
The used market is the most common place to find both cards. Pricing and availability fluctuate considerably depending on the specific model, condition, and local market conditions. Check reputable online marketplaces and local listings for the best deals, but exercise caution when buying used hardware to ensure functionality and avoid potential scams.