In the world of online gaming and streaming, having the right hardware can make all the difference. One of the most critical components of any gaming setup is the graphics processing unit (GPU). With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one, especially for those on a budget. That’s why we’re diving into the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super, a popular mid-range GPU that promises to deliver exceptional performance for both gaming and streaming. But is it really worth the investment?
What Makes the GTX 1660 Super a Popular Choice?
The GTX 1660 Super is a part of NVIDIA’s 16 series, which is designed to offer a balance between performance and affordability. This GPU is particularly appealing to those who want to enjoy 1080p and 1440p gaming without breaking the bank. Here are some key features that make it a popular choice:
- 6 GB of GDDR6 memory: The GTX 1660 Super comes with 6 GB of fast GDDR6 memory, which provides a significant performance boost compared to the previous generation’s GDDR5.
- 1408 CUDA cores: The GPU boasts 1408 CUDA cores, which handle complex graphics tasks and ensure smooth performance.
- 12 Gbps memory clock: The GTX 1660 Super has a memory clock speed of 12 Gbps, which enables faster data transfer and improves overall performance.
- Support for NVIDIA’s DLSS and DXR: The GPU supports NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and DirectX Raytracing (DXR), which can enhance gaming performance and visuals.
- Competitive pricing: The GTX 1660 Super is generally priced around $229, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Gaming Performance: Can the GTX 1660 Super Handle Demanding Games?
Gaming performance is a critical aspect of any GPU, and the GTX 1660 Super doesn’t disappoint. Here are some benchmarks to give you an idea of its capabilities:
- Fortnite: At 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super can handle Fortnite at an average frame rate of 144 FPS, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced games.
- Overwatch: In Overwatch, the GPU can maintain an average frame rate of 120 FPS at 1080p, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
- Apex Legends: At 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super can handle Apex Legends at an average frame rate of 110 FPS, making it suitable for competitive gamers.
- The Witcher 3: At 1440p, the GPU can maintain an average frame rate of 60 FPS in The Witcher 3, a graphically demanding game.
These benchmarks demonstrate that the GTX 1660 Super is more than capable of handling popular games at high frame rates. However, it’s essential to note that the performance may vary depending on the game’s graphics settings and the system’s overall configuration.
How About 4K Gaming?
While the GTX 1660 Super is not designed for 4K gaming, it can still handle some games at lower graphics settings. However, don’t expect to play demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Red Dead Redemption 2 at 4K resolutions (3840 x 2160) with high frame rates. For 4K gaming, you’ll need a more powerful GPU like the RTX 3070 or RTX 3080.
Streaming Performance: Can the GTX 1660 Super Handle 1080p 60 FPS Streaming?
For streamers, the GTX 1660 Super’s performance is crucial for delivering high-quality streams at 1080p 60 FPS. The good news is that this GPU is more than capable of handling streaming tasks. Here are some key benefits:
- Low latency: The GTX 1660 Super’s low latency ensures that your stream will have minimal delay, making it ideal for real-time interactions with your audience.
- High-quality video encoding: The GPU’s hardware-accelerated video encoding can handle H.264 and H.265 encoding, which reduces the load on your CPU and ensures high-quality video.
- Support for NVIDIA’s NVENC: The GTX 1660 Super supports NVIDIA’s NVENC, a hardware-based video encoding technology that reduces the load on your CPU and ensures faster video encoding.
To give you a better idea of the GTX 1660 Super’s streaming performance, here are some benchmarks:
- 1080p 60 FPS streaming: The GPU can handle 1080p 60 FPS streaming with ease, making it an excellent choice for streamers.
- 1440p 30 FPS streaming: The GTX 1660 Super can also handle 1440p 30 FPS streaming, although the performance may vary depending on the game and system configuration.
Is the GTX 1660 Super Suitable for Twitch Streaming?
Twitch streaming is a popular platform for gamers, and the GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice for Twitch streamers. The GPU can handle the demanding requirements of Twitch streaming, including:
- 1080p 60 FPS video quality: The GTX 1660 Super can maintain 1080p 60 FPS video quality, which is essential for delivering high-quality streams on Twitch.
- Low latency: The GPU’s low latency ensures that your stream will have minimal delay, making it ideal for real-time interactions with your audience on Twitch.
Power Consumption and Cooling: How Does the GTX 1660 Super Perform?
Power consumption and cooling are critical aspects of any GPU, and the GTX 1660 Super performs well in these areas:
- Power consumption: The GPU has a TDP of 125W, which is relatively low compared to other GPUs in its class. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to build a power-efficient gaming PC.
- Cooling: The GTX 1660 Super’s cooling system is designed to provide efficient heat dissipation, ensuring that the GPU runs at a safe temperature even during extended gaming sessions.
Is the GTX 1660 Super a Good Choice for Small Form Factor Builds?
The GTX 1660 Super is a compact GPU, making it an excellent choice for small form factor builds. Its compact design and low power consumption make it ideal for building a powerful gaming PC in a small chassis.
Conclusion: Is the GTX 1660 Super Good for Streaming and Gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice for those who want a balance between performance and affordability. Its impressive gaming performance, low latency, and high-quality video encoding make it an ideal GPU for streamers and gamers. While it may not be suitable for 4K gaming, it can handle 1080p and 1440p gaming with ease.
If you’re looking for a GPU that can deliver high-quality streams at 1080p 60 FPS and handle demanding games at high frame rates, the GTX 1660 Super is an excellent option. With its competitive pricing and impressive performance, it’s a great value for those on a budget.
| GPU | Memory | CUDA Cores | Memory Clock | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1660 Super | 6 GB GDDR6 | 1408 | 12 Gbps | $229 |
In conclusion, the GTX 1660 Super is a great choice for streaming and gaming, offering an excellent balance between performance and affordability. With its impressive features and competitive pricing, it’s an excellent option for those who want to elevate their gaming and streaming experience without breaking the bank.
What is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super and what makes it special?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for gaming and streaming. It’s an upgraded version of the GTX 1660, with improved performance, cooling, and power management. The GTX 1660 Super is built using the TU116 architecture and features 1408 CUDA cores, 6GB of GDDR6 memory, and a boost clock speed of up to 1785 MHz.
What makes the GTX 1660 Super special is its balance of performance and price. It offers competitive frame rates in popular games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Overwatch, without breaking the bank. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Super has a number of features that enhance the gaming experience, including NVIDIA’s DLSS (deep learning super sampling) and ray tracing.
What kind of performance can I expect from the GTX 1660 Super?
The GTX 1660 Super is capable of delivering smooth frame rates at high resolutions, making it an excellent choice for 1080p and 1440p gaming. In popular titles like Fortnite and PUBG, you can expect frame rates of up to 120 FPS and 80 FPS, respectively, at high graphics settings. The GTX 1660 Super also handles more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, with frame rates ranging from 40-60 FPS at high settings.
Keep in mind that performance may vary depending on the specific game, system configuration, and other factors. However, overall, the GTX 1660 Super is well-suited for mainstream gaming and can handle most modern titles at high graphics settings.
Is the GTX 1660 Super compatible with my system?
The GTX 1660 Super is compatible with most modern systems, provided they meet the minimum requirements. You’ll need a PC with a compatible motherboard, at least 6GB of RAM, and a power supply that can deliver a minimum of 125W of power. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure your system has a PCIe x16 slot available for the GPU.
It’s also important to check the physical dimensions of your system’s case to ensure the GTX 1660 Super fits comfortably. The GPU measures 9.8 inches in length, 4.4 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height. If you’re unsure about compatibility, consult with your system manufacturer or a trusted retailer for guidance.
How does the GTX 1660 Super compare to other GPUs in its class?
The GTX 1660 Super is positioned as a mid-range GPU, competing with other popular options like the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT and NVIDIA’s own GTX 1670. Compared to these GPUs, the GTX 1660 Super offers competitive performance, with some advantages in terms of power efficiency and noise levels.
However, the GTX 1660 Super may trail behind more powerful GPUs like the RTX 2060 and RX 5700 XT in terms of raw performance. Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1660 Super and other GPUs will depend on your specific needs, budget, and priorities.
What kind of power consumption can I expect from the GTX 1660 Super?
The GTX 1660 Super has a TDP (thermal design power) of 125W, which is relatively low for a GPU in its class. This means it won’t draw as much power from your system’s power supply, reducing heat generation and energy costs.
In practice, the GTX 1660 Super’s power consumption varies depending on the system configuration, usage, and other factors. However, you can expect the GPU to draw around 100-120W of power during intense gaming sessions, and significantly less during idle or low-usage scenarios.
Is the GTX 1660 Super suitable for 4K gaming and video editing?
While the GTX 1660 Super is capable of handling 4K resolutions, it may not be the best choice for 4K gaming due to its limited VRAM (6GB) and bandwidth. You may experience reduced frame rates and detail levels at 4K resolutions, especially in demanding games.
For video editing and other creative workloads, the GTX 1660 Super may be suitable, depending on the specific software and workflow. However, more demanding applications may benefit from more powerful GPUs with larger VRAM and higher memory bandwidth.
What kind of warranty and support does NVIDIA offer for the GTX 1660 Super?
NVIDIA typically offers a 3-year warranty for its GeForce GPUs, including the GTX 1660 Super. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, as well as technical support and repair or replacement services.
Additionally, NVIDIA provides extensive support resources, including driver updates, documentation, and community forums. You can also contact NVIDIA’s customer support team directly for assistance with any issues or concerns related to the GTX 1660 Super.