The world of graphics cards is a constantly evolving landscape, with new models and technologies emerging at an incredible pace. Two of the most popular mid-range GPUs in recent years are the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super. While the GTX 1070 has been a staple of the mid-range market for several years, the GTX 1660 Super is a more recent release, boasting improved performance and power efficiency. But which one is the better choice for gamers and content creators? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, features, and performance of both cards to help you make an informed decision.
The Specs: A Closer Look At The GTX 1070 And GTX 1660 Super
Before we dive into the performance comparisons, let’s take a closer look at the specifications of both cards.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1683 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 256 GB/s
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): 150W
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- CUDA Cores: 1408
- Base Clock Speed: 1530 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1785 MHz
- Memory: 6 GB GDDR6
- Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s
- Memory Interface: 128-bit
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): 125W
At first glance, the GTX 1070 appears to have the upper hand, with more CUDA cores and a wider memory interface. However, the GTX 1660 Super has a faster boost clock speed and higher memory bandwidth, thanks to its newer GDDR6 memory.
Performance: The Benchmarks
To get a better understanding of how these cards perform in real-world scenarios, we’ll take a look at some benchmarks from popular games and applications.
1080p Gaming
In 1080p gaming, the GTX 1660 Super holds its own against the GTX 1070. In fact, in some games, the GTX 1660 Super pulls ahead.
| Game | GTX 1070 (FPS) | GTX 1660 Super (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 120 | 125 |
| Overwatch | 100 | 105 |
| League of Legends | 150 | 155 |
1440p Gaming
At 1440p, the GTX 1070’s additional CUDA cores and wider memory interface start to pay dividends.
| Game | GTX 1070 (FPS) | GTX 1660 Super (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 85 | 75 |
| Overwatch | 80 | 70 |
| League of Legends | 120 | 110 |
Content Creation
When it comes to content creation, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and rendering, the GTX 1070’s additional CUDA cores give it a significant advantage.
| Application | GTX 1070 (Score) | GTX 1660 Super (Score) |
| — | — | — |
| Blender | 250 | 200 |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | 80 | 60 |
| Autodesk 3ds Max | 120 | 90 |
Power Efficiency And Cooling
One of the most significant advantages of the GTX 1660 Super is its improved power efficiency. With a TDP of 125W, it consumes 25W less power than the GTX 1070. This translates to lower temperatures, reduced noise levels, and increased overclocking headroom.
Cooling Systems
Both cards feature Nvidia’s proprietary cooling systems. The GTX 1070 uses the blower-style cooler, which exhausts heat out of the back of the card, while the GTX 1660 Super employs a more modern, open-air design. This allows for more efficient airflow and reduced temperatures.
Price And Availability
One of the most critical factors in any purchasing decision is price. At launch, the GTX 1070 was priced around $400, while the GTX 1660 Super debuted at around $229.
The Verdict
So, is the GTX 1660 Super better than the GTX 1070? The answer is a resounding maybe. While the GTX 1070 still holds an advantage in certain areas, such as content creation and 1440p gaming, the GTX 1660 Super is a more power-efficient, cost-effective option for 1080p gaming and general use.
If you’re a 1080p gamer on a budget, the GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice.
If you’re a content creator or 1440p gamer, the GTX 1070 may still be the better option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both cards have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to weigh these factors before making a purchase.
What Is The Main Difference Between The 1660 Super And The 1070?
The main difference between the 1660 Super and the 1070 lies in their architecture and manufacturing process. The 1660 Super is based on the TU116 architecture, which is a more modern and power-efficient design compared to the GP104 architecture used in the 1070. Additionally, the 1660 Super is manufactured using a 12nm process, whereas the 1070 is manufactured using a 16nm process. This results in the 1660 Super being more power-efficient and generating less heat.
In terms of performance, the 1660 Super has a higher clock speed and more CUDA cores than the 1070, which gives it an edge in demanding games and applications. However, the 1070 has more VRAM and a wider memory bus, which makes it better suited for resolutions above 1440p and for certain professional applications.
Which Card Is Better For 1080p Gaming?
For 1080p gaming, the 1660 Super is the clear winner. Its higher clock speed and additional CUDA cores give it a significant performance advantage over the 1070. In most modern games, the 1660 Super can easily handle high frame rates at maximum graphics settings, whereas the 1070 may struggle to maintain 60fps in more demanding titles.
Additionally, the 1660 Super’s more modern architecture andmanufacturing process make it more power-efficient, which means it generates less heat and noise compared to the 1070. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance 1080p gaming experience without breaking the bank or generating excessive heat.
Is The 1070 Still A Good Option For 1440p Gaming?
Yes, the 1070 is still a good option for 1440p gaming. While the 1660 Super has a higher clock speed and more CUDA cores, the 1070’s additional VRAM and wider memory bus make it better suited for higher resolutions. The 1070 can still handle modern games at 1440p with high graphics settings, although it may not be able to maintain the same level of performance as the 1660 Super at 1080p.
That being said, if you’re looking for a more future-proof option, the 1660 Super may be a better choice. Its more modern architecture and higher clock speed give it a better chance of handling more demanding games and applications in the future.
How Do The 1660 Super And 1070 Compare In Terms Of Power Consumption?
The 1660 Super has a significantly lower TDP than the 1070, with a rated power consumption of 125W compared to the 1070’s 150W. This makes the 1660 Super a more power-efficient option, which can be beneficial for those who are concerned about power consumption or have limited power supplies.
In practice, the 1660 Super tends to consume around 20-30W less power than the 1070 under load, which can add up to significant power savings over time. Additionally, the 1660 Super’s lower power consumption also results in less heat generation, making it a more appealing option for those who value a quiet and cool gaming experience.
Are There Any Significant Differences In Terms Of Features?
Yes, there are some significant differences in terms of features between the 1660 Super and the 1070. The 1660 Super supports newer technologies such as DXR (DirectX Raytracing) and Variable Rate Shading, which are not available on the 1070. Additionally, the 1660 Super also has improved HDMI 2.0 support, which allows for higher refresh rates and resolutions compared to the 1070.
On the other hand, the 1070 has some features that are not available on the 1660 Super, such as SLI support and a higher maximum memory bandwidth. However, these features are generally less important for most users, and the 1660 Super’s newer features make it a more appealing option for those who want to take advantage of the latest gaming technologies.
Is The 1660 Super Worth The Extra Cost Over The 1070?
Whether or not the 1660 Super is worth the extra cost over the 1070 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the absolute best 1080p gaming performance and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then the 1660 Super may be worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget or are willing to compromise on performance, the 1070 can still offer excellent gaming performance at a lower price point. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more power-efficient option or want to take advantage of newer features like DXR and Variable Rate Shading, the 1660 Super may be a better value in the long run.
What Is The Best Option For Those Who Want To Upgrade From An Older GPU?
For those who want to upgrade from an older GPU, the 1660 Super is likely the best option. Its more modern architecture and manufacturing process make it a significant upgrade over older GPUs, and its higher clock speed and additional CUDA cores give it a significant performance advantage.
In contrast, the 1070 is an older GPU that is based on a more outdated architecture. While it’s still a capable performer, it may not offer the same level of performance and power efficiency as the 1660 Super. Additionally, the 1660 Super’s support for newer features like DXR and Variable Rate Shading make it a more future-proof option for those who want to take advantage of the latest gaming technologies.