In the ever-evolving world of graphics cards, the competition to offer the best performance at an affordable price is fierce. In this article, we delve into a head-to-head comparison between two popular contenders: the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060. Both cards have gained a substantial following, but which one ultimately reigns supreme in terms of graphics power? Join us as we explore the details and uncover the answer to this burning question.
Overview Of The GTX 1660 Super And GTX 1060 Graphics Cards
The first subheading provides an overview of the GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060 graphics cards. These two graphics cards from NVIDIA are popular choices among gamers and offer impressive performance in their respective price ranges.
The GTX 1660 Super is the newer of the two, released in October 2019. It features the Turing architecture and is based on the 12nm manufacturing process. With 1408 CUDA cores, a boost clock of 1785 MHz, and 6GB of GDDR6 memory, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
On the other hand, the GTX 1060 was released in July 2016 and is built on the Pascal architecture. It has 1280 CUDA cores, a boost clock of 1708 MHz, and comes in both 3GB and 6GB variants of GDDR5 memory. While slightly older, the GTX 1060 still offers excellent performance for 1080p gaming.
Both cards come with DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI connectors, making them compatible with a wide range of monitors. They also support technologies like NVIDIA Ansel and GameStream for enhanced gaming experiences.
In the upcoming sections, we will dive deeper into the specifications, gaming performance, pricing, power consumption, future-proofing capabilities, overclocking potential, and conclude with recommendations to help you choose between these two graphics cards based on your specific needs and preferences.
Specifications Comparison: Analyzing The Key Differences
The specifications of a graphics card play a crucial role in determining its performance. In this section, we will delve into the key differences between the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060, shedding light on their technical capabilities.
The GTX 1660 Super boasts a newer GPU architecture compared to the GTX 1060, which results in a significant performance boost. It features a higher base clock speed of 1530MHz, while the GTX 1060 starts at 1506MHz. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super offers more CUDA cores, with 1408 compared to the 1060’s 1280. This translates to better parallel processing capabilities and overall improved performance.
Memory is another important aspect to consider. The GTX 1660 Super comes equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which is faster and more efficient compared to the 6GB of GDDR5 memory found in the GTX 1060. This difference in memory type and speed allows the GTX 1660 Super to handle higher resolutions and more demanding games with ease.
Furthermore, the memory bandwidth of the GTX 1660 Super is significantly higher at 336GB/s, compared to the 192GB/s of the GTX 1060. This enables smoother gameplay and better handling of data-intensive tasks.
Overall, when it comes to specifications, the GTX 1660 Super outshines the GTX 1060 in terms of clock speeds, CUDA cores, memory type, speed, and bandwidth. These differences result in a notable performance advantage for the GTX 1660 Super.
Gaming Performance: Benchmarking The GTX 1660 Super And GTX 1060
When it comes to gaming, the performance of a graphics card is of utmost importance. In this section, we will compare the gaming performance of the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060.
The GTX 1660 Super features a significant improvement in performance over its predecessor, the GTX 1060. With its upgraded architecture, more CUDA cores, and faster memory, the GTX 1660 Super is able to deliver better frame rates and smoother gameplay in most modern games.
In benchmark tests, the GTX 1660 Super consistently outperforms the GTX 1060 across a wide range of games. It provides a noticeable boost in performance, particularly at higher resolutions and graphics settings. Gamers can expect to see significant improvements in image quality and overall gaming experience when upgrading to the GTX 1660 Super.
While the GTX 1060 may still be capable of running many games at decent frame rates, the GTX 1660 Super offers a more future-proof solution. With newer and more demanding games being released, the GTX 1660 Super ensures that your system can handle them without any compromises in performance.
Overall, if gaming performance is your priority, the GTX 1660 Super is undoubtedly the superior choice compared to the GTX 1060. It provides a significant boost in performance, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience for modern games.
**Pricing and value for money: which card offers the best bang for your buck?**
When it comes to purchasing a graphics card, pricing and value for money are crucial factors to consider. In this section, we will compare the GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060 in terms of their affordability and overall performance.
The GTX 1660 Super is priced slightly higher than the GTX 1060, but it offers significant improvements in terms of graphics power. With its newer architecture and faster memory, the GTX 1660 Super delivers better performance in modern games and can even handle some demanding AAA titles at 1080p resolution.
On the other hand, the GTX 1060 is still a capable card and can handle most games at 1080p with medium to high settings. If you are on a tight budget or primarily play less demanding games, the GTX 1060 could still be a viable option.
However, considering the long-term value for money, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear winner. Its improved performance and compatibility with newer technologies make it a more future-proof investment. Moreover, with the diminishing availability and support for the GTX 1060, the GTX 1660 Super becomes an even more attractive option.
In conclusion, while the GTX 1060 may offer decent performance at a lower price point, the GTX 1660 Super provides better value for money with its improved performance and future-proofing capabilities.
Power Consumption And Thermals: Examining The Efficiency Of The GTX 1660 Super And GTX 1060
When it comes to graphics cards, power consumption and thermals are crucial factors to consider. The GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060 both have their own efficiency levels in terms of power consumption and thermal management.
The GTX 1660 Super boasts a higher power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the GTX 1060. It utilizes the latest Turing architecture, which is known for its enhanced power optimization. This translates to lower power consumption and cooler temperatures during intensive tasks.
On the other hand, the GTX 1060, while still a capable card, falls slightly behind in terms of power efficiency. It requires a bit more power and tends to generate more heat under heavy workloads.
In terms of thermals, the GTX 1660 Super outperforms the GTX 1060 thanks to its improved cooling solutions and optimized architecture. It maintains lower temperatures even during prolonged gaming sessions or demanding graphical tasks.
Overall, the GTX 1660 Super showcases significant improvements in power consumption and thermal management compared to the GTX 1060. This makes it a more efficient choice for gamers and content creators who prioritize energy efficiency and cooler operating temperatures.
Ray Tracing And DLSS Support: Exploring The Future-proofing Capabilities Of Both Cards
Ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) have emerged as key technologies in the gaming industry, offering improved visual quality and performance. When it comes to these cutting-edge features, the GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060 differ significantly.
The GTX 1660 Super, based on the Turing architecture, supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which allows for more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games. Although it lacks the dedicated ray tracing cores found in higher-end cards, it still provides a noticeable improvement over the GTX 1060 in ray-traced titles.
DLSS, on the other hand, is exclusive to the RTX series of GPUs and is absent in both the GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060. DLSS uses AI-powered upscaling to enhance game performance while maintaining image quality. While this is a significant advantage for the RTX series, it may not be a deal-breaker for many gamers.
Considering these future-proofing capabilities, if you are interested in experiencing ray tracing and DLSS, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear choice. However, for gamers solely focused on raw gaming performance at a lower price point, the GTX 1060 still offers a solid gaming experience without these advanced features.
Overclocking Potential: Pushing The Limits And Enhancing Performance
When it comes to squeezing out every last bit of performance from your graphics card, overclocking is the way to go. In this section, we’ll explore the overclocking potential of both the GTX 1660 Super and GTX 1060.
The GTX 1660 Super takes a lead in this aspect, thanks to its newer architecture and improved power delivery. With its boost clock speed of 1785 MHz, it offers a solid starting point for overclocking enthusiasts. Users have reported achieving stable overclocks of 2000 MHz and above, resulting in a significant boost in gaming performance.
On the other hand, the GTX 1060 also has decent overclocking capabilities, albeit not as impressive as the GTX 1660 Super. With a boost clock speed of 1708 MHz, it offers a narrower headroom for overclocking. Users have reported stable overclocks of around 1900-1950 MHz, providing a noticeable improvement in performance.
However, it’s worth noting that the overclocking potential can vary from card to card due to the silicon lottery. Some GTX 1060 models might overclock better than others, just like with the GTX 1660 Super. So, if you’re lucky enough to get a highly capable unit, the overclocking potential of the GTX 1060 might surprise you.
Overall, in terms of overclocking potential, the GTX 1660 Super clearly outshines the GTX 1060. If you’re looking to maximize performance and are willing to tinker with settings, the GTX 1660 Super offers a better platform for achieving higher clock speeds and enhancing your gaming experience.
Final Verdict: Which Card Should You Choose? Considerations And Recommendations
When it comes to choosing between the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, in terms of gaming performance, the GTX 1660 Super offers significant improvements over the GTX 1060. It delivers higher frame rates and smoother gameplay, especially in more demanding titles. If you are a avid gamer looking for the best possible graphics performance, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear winner in this regard.
However, if budget is a concern, the GTX 1060 is still a solid option. It offers decent performance at a more affordable price point. It can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution without any issues.
In terms of power consumption and thermals, the GTX 1660 Super is more efficient compared to the GTX 1060. It consumes less power and runs cooler, making it a better choice for those who prioritize energy efficiency and lower temperatures.
Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super supports newer technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, which provide better visuals and enhanced performance in compatible games. It offers a more future-proof option for gamers who want to experience these advanced features.
Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1660 Super and the GTX 1060 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you can afford the extra cost, the GTX 1660 Super is definitely the superior choice in terms of performance and future-proofing. However, if you are on a tighter budget, the GTX 1060 still offers a capable gaming experience at a more affordable price.
FAQ
FAQ 1: Does the GTX 1660 Super offer better graphics power compared to the GTX 1060?
Answer: Yes, the GTX 1660 Super provides better graphics power than the GTX 1060. With improved performance and newer technologies, the GTX 1660 Super offers faster frame rates, higher resolutions, and better overall visual quality.
FAQ 2: How does the GTX 1660 Super compare in terms of power consumption?
Answer: The GTX 1660 Super is more power-efficient than the GTX 1060. It consumes less energy while delivering superior performance, making it a more favorable option for those concerned about power consumption and heat generation.
FAQ 3: Are there any additional features that make the GTX 1660 Super a better choice?
Answer: Yes, the GTX 1660 Super comes with several additional features that make it a better choice over the GTX 1060. These features include hardware encoding for improved streaming capabilities, enhanced VR performance, and support for newer technologies like DirectX 12 and Vulkan.
Final Words
In conclusion, the GTX 1660 Super proves to be a superior choice when compared to the GTX 1060 in terms of graphics power. The GTX 1660 Super offers higher performance and better optimization, allowing for smoother gameplay and improved visuals. With a higher core count and faster memory, it provides a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super comes at an affordable price point, making it a great choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience without breaking the bank.