In the world of gaming graphics cards, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 has been a popular choice for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of computer hardware, gamers are always on the lookout for the next best thing. So, what’s better than a GTX 1660?
A Brief Overview of the GTX 1660
Before we dive into the alternatives, it’s essential to understand what makes the GTX 1660 so popular. Launched in 2019, the GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card based on the TU116 GPU architecture. It features 1408 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1785 MHz.
The GTX 1660 is designed to handle modern games at high settings and resolutions up to 1440p. It’s an excellent option for those who want to play popular titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch without breaking the bank. The card’s power efficiency and compact design also make it an attractive choice for small-form-factor builds and laptops.
Limitations of the GTX 1660
Despite its strengths, the GTX 1660 has some limitations that might make gamers consider upgrading or exploring alternative options. Some of the key drawbacks include:
Limited Ray Tracing Performance
The GTX 1660 only supports basic ray tracing, which can result in reduced performance and limited detail in games that heavily utilize this feature. If you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience with advanced lighting effects, the GTX 1660 might not be the best choice.
Inadequate VRAM
The GTX 1660’s 6 GB of GDDR6 memory might not be sufficient for games with high textures and detailed graphics. This can lead to reduced performance, stuttering, and increased loading times.
No DLSS Support
The GTX 1660 does not support NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, which is a significant advantage offered by higher-end GeForce RTX cards. DLSS enables faster rendering and improved image quality in supported games.
Better Alternatives to the GTX 1660
Now that we’ve discussed the limitations of the GTX 1660, let’s explore some better alternatives that offer improved performance, features, and value for money.
GTX 1660 Super
The GTX 1660 Super is a natural upgrade to the GTX 1660, offering improved performance and features. It boasts 1408 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1845 MHz. The Super variant also supports NVIDIA’s Adaptive Shading technology, which enhances performance in supported games.
GTX 1670
The GTX 1670 is another popular option in the NVIDIA GeForce lineup, offering a notable performance boost over the GTX 1660. It features 2048 CUDA cores, 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1875 MHz. The GTX 1670 also supports ray tracing, albeit with some performance compromises.
AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
If you’re open to exploring AMD options, the Radeon RX 5600 XT is a strong competitor to the GTX 1660. It offers 2304 Stream processors, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1560 MHz. The RX 5600 XT is known for its excellent performance in popular games and competitive pricing.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
If you’re looking for a more significant upgrade, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is a powerful option that offers advanced features like ray tracing, DLSS, and AI-enhanced graphics. It features 1920 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1680 MHz. The RTX 2060 is ideal for 1440p and 4K gaming, as well as content creation and other graphics-intensive tasks.
| Model | CUDA Cores/Stream Processors | Memory | Boost Clock Speed | Ray Tracing | DLSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1660 | 1408 | 6 GB GDDR6 | up to 1785 MHz | Basic | No |
| GTX 1660 Super | 1408 | 6 GB GDDR6 | up to 1845 MHz | Basic | No |
| GTX 1670 | 2048 | 8 GB GDDR6 | up to 1875 MHz | Supported | No |
| Radeon RX 5600 XT | 2304 | 6 GB GDDR6 | up to 1560 MHz | No | No |
| GeForce RTX 2060 | 1920 | 6 GB GDDR6 | up to 1680 MHz | Supported | Supported |
Conclusion
While the GTX 1660 is an excellent mid-range graphics card, there are better alternatives available that offer improved performance, features, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for a minor upgrade like the GTX 1660 Super or a more substantial boost with the GeForce RTX 2060, there’s a graphics card out there to suit your gaming needs and budget.
Remember to consider factors like power consumption, noise levels, and compatibility when choosing your next graphics card. With the right upgrade, you can unlock faster frame rates, higher resolutions, and a more immersive gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
The gaming graphics landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and innovations. As new technologies emerge, we can expect even more impressive performance and features from future graphics cards.
For now, the options listed above offer a significant upgrade over the GTX 1660, catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s a better alternative waiting to take your gaming experience to the next level.
What is the GTX 1660 and why is it considered a mid-range GPU?
The GTX 1660 is a popular graphics processing unit (GPU) from NVIDIA that was released in 2019. It is based on the TU116 chip and is considered a mid-range GPU due to its performance and price point. The GTX 1660 is designed to offer a balance between performance and power consumption, making it a suitable option for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
As a mid-range GPU, the GTX 1660 is positioned between entry-level and high-end GPUs. It offers better performance than entry-level GPUs like the GTX 1650, but falls short of the performance offered by high-end GPUs like the RTX 2070. The mid-range classification is also reflected in its price, which is generally lower than that of high-end GPUs but higher than that of entry-level GPUs.
What are some limitations of the GTX 1660?
One of the main limitations of the GTX 1660 is its lack of ray tracing and artificial intelligence (AI) acceleration. Ray tracing is a technology that allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in games, while AI acceleration enables features like deep learning super sampling (DLSS). The GTX 1660 does not support these features, which may limit its ability to run certain games at high settings.
Another limitation of the GTX 1660 is its memory bandwidth. The GTX 1660 has a memory bandwidth of 336 GB/s, which is lower than that of some other mid-range GPUs. This may limit its ability to handle games with high texture quality and resolution. Additionally, the GTX 1660 has a maximum power consumption of 125W, which may limit its overclocking potential.
What are some alternatives to the GTX 1660?
One alternative to the GTX 1660 is the AMD RX 5600 XT. The RX 5600 XT is a mid-range GPU that offers similar performance to the GTX 1660, but at a lower price point. It also has a higher memory bandwidth and more memory (6GB GDDR6 vs 6GB GDDR6 on the GTX 1660). Another alternative is the NVIDIA GTX 1670, which offers slightly better performance than the GTX 1660 but at a higher price point.
Both of these alternatives offer different strengths and weaknesses compared to the GTX 1660. The RX 5600 XT is a better option for those on a budget, while the GTX 1670 is a better option for those who prioritize performance. Ultimately, the choice between these alternatives will depend on individual needs and preferences.
What is the GTX 1660 Super and how does it differ from the standard GTX 1660?
The GTX 1660 Super is a variant of the GTX 1660 that was released in 2019. It differs from the standard GTX 1660 in several key ways. Firstly, it has faster memory (14GB/s GDDR6 vs 12GB/s GDDR6 on the GTX 1660), which improves its performance in memory-bound games. Secondly, it has a higher boost clock speed (1785 MHz vs 1725 MHz on the GTX 1660), which also improves its performance.
The GTX 1660 Super is generally around 10-15% faster than the standard GTX 1660, making it a better option for those who want the best possible performance without breaking the bank. However, it is also more expensive than the standard GTX 1660, which may make it less attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
What is the RTX 2060 and how does it differ from the GTX 1660?
The RTX 2060 is a high-end GPU from NVIDIA that was released in 2019. It differs from the GTX 1660 in several key ways. Firstly, it has ray tracing and AI acceleration, which enable features like real-time ray tracing and DLSS. Secondly, it has a higher number of CUDA cores (1920 vs 1408 on the GTX 1660), which improves its performance in compute-bound tasks.
The RTX 2060 is generally around 30-40% faster than the GTX 1660, making it a better option for those who want the best possible performance and are willing to pay for it. However, it is also much more expensive than the GTX 1660, which may make it less attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
What are some key features to look for when choosing a GPU?
When choosing a GPU, there are several key features to look for. Firstly, consider the performance of the GPU, which is measured in frames per second (FPS). A higher FPS generally indicates better performance. Secondly, consider the power consumption of the GPU, which is measured in watts (W). A lower power consumption generally indicates lower electricity costs and heat generation.
Other key features to consider include the memory bandwidth and memory size of the GPU, as well as its support for features like ray tracing and AI acceleration. Additionally, consider the price and warranty of the GPU, as well as its compatibility with your system. By considering these features, you can choose a GPU that meets your needs and budget.