The world of Virtual Reality (VR) has been rapidly evolving, with new technologies and hardware emerging every year. One of the most crucial components of a VR setup is the graphics card, which plays a vital role in delivering a seamless and immersive experience. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a popular mid-range graphics card that has been widely adopted by gamers and VR enthusiasts alike. But is the 1660ti good for VR? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the 1660ti’s performance, features, and compatibility to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your VR needs.
Understanding The 1660ti’s Specifications
Before we dive into the 1660ti’s VR performance, let’s take a look at its specifications. The 1660ti is based on the TU116 GPU architecture and features 1408 CUDA cores, 88 texture units, and 32 ROPs. It has a base clock speed of 1500 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1770 MHz. The card also comes with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, which provides a memory bandwidth of 336 GB/s.
In terms of power consumption, the 1660ti has a TDP of 120W, which is relatively low compared to other graphics cards in its class. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to build a VR-ready PC without breaking the bank.
VR Performance: A Closer Look
So, how does the 1660ti perform in VR applications? To answer this, we’ll look at its performance in various VR benchmarks and games.
In the SteamVR Performance Test, the 1660ti scores around 6.5, which is a respectable score for a mid-range graphics card. For comparison, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 scores around 8.5, while the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT scores around 5.5.
In terms of VR games, the 1660ti can handle most titles at medium to high settings. For example, in the popular VR game Beat Saber, the 1660ti can deliver smooth performance at 90 FPS with medium settings. However, in more demanding games like Half-Life: Alyx, the 1660ti may struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially at high settings.
VR-Ready Features
The 1660ti supports several VR-ready features, including:
- Variable Rate Shading (VRS): This feature allows the graphics card to adjust the shading rate on a per-pixel basis, which can improve performance in VR applications.
- Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (MFAA): This feature provides improved anti-aliasing performance in VR applications, which can help reduce the appearance of aliasing and improve overall image quality.
- NVIDIA VRWorks: This is a suite of technologies that provides improved performance, lower latency, and enhanced graphics quality in VR applications.
Compatibility With VR Headsets
The 1660ti is compatible with most VR headsets on the market, including the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. However, it’s essential to ensure that your VR headset is compatible with the 1660ti before making a purchase.
Here’s a summary of the 1660ti’s compatibility with popular VR headsets:
| VR Headset | Compatibility |
| — | — |
| Oculus Rift | Yes |
| HTC Vive | Yes |
| Valve Index | Yes |
| Windows Mixed Reality | Yes |
System Requirements
To run the 1660ti with a VR headset, you’ll need a system that meets the following requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
- Memory: 8 GB or more of RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Linux
- Power Supply: 650W or higher
Upgrading Your System
If you’re planning to upgrade your system to run the 1660ti with a VR headset, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a compatible motherboard: Ensure that your motherboard supports the 1660ti and has the necessary features, such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 and HDMI 2.0.
- Upgrade your power supply: The 1660ti requires a minimum of 650W of power, so ensure that your power supply can handle the load.
- Add more RAM: 8 GB of RAM is the minimum recommended, but 16 GB or more is recommended for smooth performance.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a capable mid-range graphics card that can deliver smooth performance in VR applications. While it may not be the most powerful graphics card on the market, it offers excellent value for its price and is compatible with most VR headsets.
If you’re looking to build a VR-ready PC on a budget, the 1660ti is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.
Ultimately, the decision to choose the 1660ti for VR depends on your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Is The 1660ti Good For VR?
The 1660ti is a popular mid-range graphics card that can handle VR applications, but its performance may vary depending on the specific VR headset and the complexity of the VR content. In general, the 1660ti can provide a smooth VR experience with lower to medium graphics settings.
However, if you’re looking for a more immersive VR experience with higher graphics settings, you may encounter some performance issues with the 1660ti. This is because the card’s VRAM and processing power may not be sufficient to handle the demands of more complex VR applications.
What Are The System Requirements For VR With The 1660ti?
To run VR applications smoothly with the 1660ti, you’ll need a system with a relatively powerful processor, at least 16 GB of RAM, and a fast storage drive. The processor should be at least a quad-core Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and the RAM should be DDR4 with a speed of at least 3200 MHz.
Additionally, you’ll need a VR headset that is compatible with the 1660ti. Most modern VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, are compatible with the 1660ti, but you should check the system requirements for your specific headset to ensure compatibility.
Can The 1660ti Handle High-End VR Games?
The 1660ti can handle some high-end VR games, but its performance may vary depending on the specific game and graphics settings. Games with lower graphics requirements, such as Beat Saber and Job Simulator, can run smoothly on the 1660ti with higher graphics settings.
However, more demanding games like Asgard’s Wrath and Boneworks may require lower graphics settings to run smoothly on the 1660ti. This is because these games require more processing power and VRAM to render complex graphics and physics.
How Does The 1660ti Compare To Other Graphics Cards For VR?
The 1660ti is a mid-range graphics card that is comparable to other mid-range cards like the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT. In terms of VR performance, the 1660ti is generally better than the RX 5600 XT, but it may not be as good as higher-end cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.
If you’re looking for a more powerful graphics card for VR, you may want to consider a higher-end card like the RTX 2060 or RX 6700 XT. However, if you’re on a budget, the 1660ti can still provide a good VR experience with lower to medium graphics settings.
Can The 1660ti Run VR Applications At High Refresh Rates?
The 1660ti can run VR applications at high refresh rates, but its performance may vary depending on the specific application and graphics settings. In general, the 1660ti can handle refresh rates of up to 144 Hz with lower to medium graphics settings.
However, if you’re looking for a more immersive VR experience with higher refresh rates, you may encounter some performance issues with the 1660ti. This is because the card’s processing power and VRAM may not be sufficient to handle the demands of higher refresh rates.
Is The 1660ti Compatible With All VR Headsets?
The 1660ti is compatible with most modern VR headsets, including the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. However, you should check the system requirements for your specific headset to ensure compatibility.
Additionally, some VR headsets may require specific graphics card features, such as NVIDIA’s Variable Rate Supersampling (VRS) or AMD’s Radeon Image Sharpening. The 1660ti supports some of these features, but you should check the specifications of your headset to ensure compatibility.
Is The 1660ti A Good Choice For VR Beginners?
The 1660ti is a good choice for VR beginners who are looking for a mid-range graphics card that can handle VR applications. The card is relatively affordable and can provide a smooth VR experience with lower to medium graphics settings.
However, if you’re looking for a more immersive VR experience with higher graphics settings, you may want to consider a higher-end graphics card. Additionally, you should also consider the cost of a VR headset and other system components when building a VR-ready PC.