1660 Super vs 2060: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with so many options vying for your attention. If you’re currently torn between two popular contenders, you’re in the right place. This comparison dives deep into the battle of the budget-friendly champion, the 1660 super, against the more powerful RTX 2060.
Both the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super and the RTX 2060 have earned their places in the hearts of gamers. They offer a significant leap in performance over older generations, but they cater to different needs and budgets. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
We will examine the performance, features, and value proposition of both cards. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which GPU best suits your gaming needs and budget. Get ready to discover which card emerges victorious in the 1660 super vs 2060 showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 1660 Super | 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 1920 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1785 MHz | Up to 1680 MHz |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | 125W | 160W |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| Ray Tracing | No | Yes |
| Tensor Cores | No | Yes |
| Manufacturing Process | 12 nm | 12 nm |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 500W |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- 1660 Super: Based on the Turing architecture, utilizing the TU116 GPU. It offers a solid performance for its price point and focuses on efficiency. However, it lacks the ray tracing and DLSS capabilities of the RTX series.
- 2060: Also based on the Turing architecture but with a more powerful TU106 GPU. It introduces ray tracing and DLSS support, enhancing visual fidelity in supported games. However, it’s still an entry-level RTX card, with limited ray tracing performance compared to higher-end RTX cards.
- Winner: 2060
CUDA Cores/Stream Processors
- 1660 Super: Features 1408 CUDA cores, providing ample processing power for 1080p and some 1440p gaming. This translates to good performance in a wide range of games.
- 2060: Equipped with 1920 CUDA cores, offering a significant boost in processing power compared to the 1660 Super. This leads to higher frame rates and smoother gameplay, especially at higher resolutions.
- Winner: 2060
Memory (VRAM)
- 1660 Super: Generally comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which is sufficient for many modern games at 1080p and some at 1440p, but can be a bottleneck in demanding titles at higher settings.
- 2060: Also typically has 6GB of GDDR6 memory. While the amount is the same, the 2060’s higher core count can sometimes make better use of the available memory.
- Winner: Tie
Ray Tracing
- 1660 Super: Does not support ray tracing.
- 2060: Supports ray tracing, allowing for more realistic lighting and reflections in compatible games. However, the ray tracing performance is limited.
- Winner: 2060
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
- 1660 Super: Does not support DLSS.
- 2060: Supports DLSS, which can improve performance in games that utilize it by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling. This offers a performance boost with minimal visual degradation.
- Winner: 2060
Performance (Gaming)
- 1660 Super: Excels at 1080p gaming, capable of high frame rates in most titles. It can handle some 1440p gaming, but may require lowering settings.
- 2060: Offers significantly better performance than the 1660 Super, allowing for smoother gameplay at 1080p and comfortable gaming at 1440p in many titles.
- Winner: 2060
Power Consumption
- 1660 Super: Generally more power efficient, with a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power), leading to less heat generation and lower electricity costs.
- 2060: Consumes more power due to its higher performance. This results in a higher TDP and requires a more powerful power supply.
- Winner: 1660 super
Price
- 1660 Super: Typically more affordable, making it a great value for budget-conscious gamers.
- 2060: More expensive than the 1660 Super, reflecting its higher performance and added features.
- Winner: 1660 super
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1080p Gaming Performance | 2060 (marginally) |
| 1440p Gaming Performance | 2060 |
| Ray Tracing | 2060 |
| Value for Money | 1660 Super |
| Overall Performance | 2060 |
| Power Efficiency | 1660 Super |
What They Have in Common
- Architecture: Both the 1660 Super and the 2060 are built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, offering improvements over older generations. This architecture provides a foundation for modern gaming features.
- Memory: Both cards are equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, ensuring smooth performance in various games and applications. This amount of memory is sufficient for many modern titles.
- Memory Bus: Both cards share a 192-bit memory bus, which contributes to the overall memory bandwidth and data transfer rates. This helps in handling textures and other game assets.
- Directx Support: Both GPUs support DirectX 12, allowing them to take advantage of the latest gaming technologies and features. This ensures compatibility with modern games.
- Manufacturing Process: Both cards utilize a 12nm manufacturing process, contributing to their efficiency and performance. This process allows for a good balance between power consumption and performance.
1660 Super Vs 2060 Buying Guide
Performance for Gaming
The 2060 generally outperforms the 1660 Super in gaming, offering higher frame rates, especially at higher resolutions and with more demanding games. The 1660 Super, however, provides excellent value and can still handle most games at 1080p and even some at 1440p with respectable settings. The performance gap becomes more noticeable in games utilizing ray tracing, a feature the 2060 supports, albeit at a basic level, while the 1660 Super lacks this capability.
Price and Value
Historically, the 1660 Super has been the more budget-friendly option, providing excellent price-to-performance. The 2060, being a higher-tier card, typically comes with a higher price tag. Considering current market conditions and the availability of both cards, the value proposition depends on the specific prices at the time of purchase. It’s crucial to weigh the performance gains against the cost difference to determine the best value for your needs.
Features and Technology
The 2060 benefits from the newer Turing architecture, offering features like ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which can improve visual quality and performance. The 1660 Super, based on the same architecture but lacking the ray tracing hardware, focuses on raw performance without those advanced features. The 2060’s features can provide a more immersive gaming experience in compatible games, giving it an edge in terms of technology.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Both cards are relatively efficient in terms of power consumption. However, the 2060 might draw slightly more power due to its higher performance. The cooling requirements are generally manageable for both cards, with most models employing dual-fan or even triple-fan designs. Ensure your power supply has sufficient wattage to handle either card, and consider the cooling capabilities of your case to maintain optimal temperatures.
Availability and Market Trends
The availability of both cards can fluctuate depending on market conditions, including the supply of newer graphics cards. While the 1660 Super might be more readily available and potentially cheaper, the 2060’s stock could be more limited. Research current prices and availability before making a decision. Consider looking at both new and used markets to find the best deal, depending on your budget.
Ideal User Scenarios
The 1660 Super is an excellent choice for gamers primarily focused on 1080p gaming and budget-conscious builds. It offers a great balance of performance and value. The 2060 is ideal for gamers aiming for 1080p or 1440p gaming and wanting access to features like ray tracing and DLSS, even if at a basic level, or seeking a more future-proof card. Consider your target resolution and desired visual settings when choosing.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 1660 Super If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want excellent 1080p gaming performance.
- You prioritize value for money and want a card that offers a strong performance-to-price ratio.
- You don’t need ray tracing or the advanced features of higher-end cards.
- Your power supply is limited, as the 1660 Super has a lower TDP.
Buy 2060 If…
- You want to experience ray tracing and DLSS in supported games.
- You want better performance at 1080p or want to consider 1440p gaming.
- You want a boost in performance for demanding games and applications.
- You are willing to spend more for a more powerful card with additional features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 1660 Super and the 2060?
The primary difference lies in performance and features. The 2060 generally offers higher frame rates due to its more powerful GPU. It also supports ray tracing and DLSS, technologies absent in the 1660 Super. The 1660 Super, while less powerful, provides excellent value and is a great option for budget-minded gamers.
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
Both cards are excellent for 1080p gaming. The 1660 Super provides a smooth experience at high settings in most games, while the 2060 offers even higher frame rates, allowing for higher refresh rates or more demanding visual settings. The choice depends on your budget and desired level of performance.
Does the 2060 support ray tracing?
Yes, the 2060 supports ray tracing, although its implementation is basic compared to higher-end RTX cards. This means it can render realistic lighting effects in compatible games. The performance impact of enabling ray tracing on the 2060 can be significant, so you may need to adjust settings.
Which card is more power efficient?
Both cards are relatively power-efficient. The 1660 Super typically consumes less power than the 2060, making it slightly more energy-efficient. However, the difference in power consumption is not significant enough to be a major factor in most purchasing decisions.
Is the 1660 Super still a good buy in 2024?
Yes, the 1660 Super remains a good buy in 2024, particularly if you’re on a budget and focused on 1080p gaming. Its performance-to-price ratio is excellent. However, make sure to consider the prices of other cards and if you can stretch your budget a bit more.
Can I upgrade from the 1660 Super to the 2060? Is it worth it?
Yes, you can upgrade from the 1660 Super to the 2060. Whether it’s worth it depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a noticeable performance boost, especially at higher resolutions or with ray tracing, the upgrade can be worthwhile. Assess the price difference and the improvements you will get.
What is DLSS, and does the 2060 support it?
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a technology that uses AI to improve performance and image quality in games. The 2060 supports DLSS. It boosts frame rates while maintaining a high level of visual fidelity. DLSS can improve performance without sacrificing visual quality in supported games.
Final Verdict
The 2060 offers superior performance, especially at higher resolutions and when utilizing ray tracing. While the 1660 Super provides excellent value for its price and is a strong contender for budget builds, the 2060’s added features and performance make it the better choice for those seeking a more immersive and capable gaming experience, provided the budget allows. It offers a more future-proof solution.
Winner: 2060