1660 Super vs 3050: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super and the RTX 3050 for your next gaming rig? You’re not alone! These two graphics cards offer compelling performance at different price points, making the decision a tough one. This comparison will break down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your needs.
The GTX 1660 Super has been a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers for years, known for its excellent 1080p performance. Meanwhile, the RTX 3050 brings the power of the newer Ampere architecture, including ray tracing capabilities, to the entry-level market. We’ll delve into the specs, performance, and features of both cards.
We will examine the core differences, focusing on gaming benchmarks, features, and overall value. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or building a new PC, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the 1660 super vs 3050 is crucial. Let’s dive in and find out which card deserves a spot in your system!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 1660 Super | 3050 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 2560 |
| Boost Clock | 1785 MHz | 1777 MHz |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 128-bit |
| TDP | 125W | 130W |
| Ray Tracing | No | Yes (RT Cores) |
| Tensor Cores | No | Yes (Tensor Cores) |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 Ultimate |
| PCIe | 3.0 x16 | 4.0 x8 |
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm | 8nm |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 550W |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- 1660 Super: Based on the Turing architecture, the 1660 Super offers a mature and well-optimized design. It’s known for its good price-to-performance ratio and efficient power consumption. However, it lacks the advanced features of newer architectures.
- 3050: Built on the Ampere architecture, the 3050 introduces features like ray tracing and DLSS, though at a limited scale compared to higher-end RTX cards. It benefits from improved efficiency and performance compared to older generations.
- Winner: 3050
Ray Tracing
- 1660 Super: Does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, limiting its ability to render realistic lighting and reflections.
- 3050: Includes dedicated ray tracing cores, enabling basic ray tracing capabilities in supported games. The performance impact of ray tracing can be significant.
- Winner: 3050
DLSS/Upscaling
- 1660 Super: Does not support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), so it cannot benefit from AI-powered upscaling for improved performance.
- 3050: Supports DLSS, allowing for increased frame rates and improved image quality in supported games by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling.
- Winner: 3050
VRAM
- 1660 Super: Typically comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which can be a limiting factor in modern games at higher resolutions or with demanding textures.
- 3050: Usually equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, providing more headroom for higher resolutions and more demanding games.
- Winner: 3050
Performance (1080p Gaming)
- 1660 Super: Excels at 1080p gaming, delivering smooth frame rates in many titles. Performance can vary depending on the game and settings.
- 3050: Offers generally better performance at 1080p than the 1660 Super, especially in games that benefit from its architecture and features.
- Winner: 3050
Power Consumption
- 1660 Super: Known for its relatively low power consumption, making it a good choice for systems with smaller power supplies.
- 3050: Typically consumes more power than the 1660 Super, but still remains relatively efficient compared to higher-end cards.
- Winner: 1660 super
Price
- 1660 Super: Historically more affordable, though the availability and pricing can fluctuate.
- 3050: Generally more expensive than a 1660 Super, but offers more features and generally better performance.
- Winner: 1660 super
Features (Advanced)
- 1660 Super: Lacks features like Reflex and other advanced technologies found in newer architectures.
- 3050: Supports Nvidia’s latest features, including Reflex (for reduced latency) and other software enhancements.
- Winner: 3050
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1080p Gaming (Raw Performance) | 1660 Super (Slightly) |
| 1080p Gaming (Ray Tracing) | 3050 |
| Features | 3050 |
| Value (Price vs. Performance) | Depends on Current Pricing |
| Power Efficiency | 1660 Super |
| Future Proofing | 3050 |
What They Have in Common
- Vram Type: Both cards utilize GDDR6 memory, offering a balance of speed and efficiency for gaming and other graphical tasks.
- Directx Support: Both GPUs support DirectX 12, ensuring compatibility with modern games and applications that utilize this graphics API.
- Multiple Monitor Support: Both cards are designed to support multiple displays, enabling users to set up multi-monitor configurations for increased productivity or immersive gaming experiences.
- Connectivity: Both cards typically offer similar connectivity options such as DisplayPort and HDMI ports for connecting to monitors and other display devices.
- Base Clock: Both cards have a base clock speed, which represents the minimum operational speed of the GPU core.
1660 Super Vs 3050 Buying Guide
Price and Availability
The 1660 Super and the 3050 both offer compelling value, but pricing fluctuates. The 1660 Super, being an older card, often appears at lower prices in the used market, making it an attractive budget option. The 3050, as a newer generation card, typically has a higher MSRP, though actual retail prices can vary wildly depending on market conditions and availability. Scrutinize current market prices and availability before making a decision. Consider the overall cost, including the total system build.
Performance in 1080p Gaming
Both cards excel at 1080p gaming, which is the resolution most gamers target. The 3050, leveraging newer architecture and features, generally offers a slight performance edge in most modern games. However, the 1660 Super remains a strong contender, capable of delivering smooth frame rates. The specific game and settings will influence the performance, so checking benchmarks for your favorite games is critical. Consider the impact of ray tracing, although the 3050’s ray tracing capabilities are limited.
Ray Tracing Capabilities
Ray tracing is a feature that enhances visual fidelity by simulating realistic lighting and reflections. The RTX 3050 supports ray tracing, whereas the 1660 Super does not. However, the 3050’s ray tracing performance is limited, and enabling it can significantly impact frame rates. Consider whether ray tracing is a priority for you. If it is, the 3050 is the only choice, but be prepared to compromise on performance. If not, the 1660 Super delivers great performance.
DLSS vs. Similar Technologies
Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a crucial technology that improves frame rates by rendering games at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale them. The 3050 supports DLSS, providing a significant performance boost in supported games. The 1660 Super does not have DLSS. Consider games that support DLSS if it is crucial to you. DLSS is a significant advantage for the 3050, as it allows for smoother gameplay.
Power Consumption and System Requirements
Both cards are relatively power-efficient, making them suitable for various PC builds. However, it’s essential to check the power supply requirements of your system. The 3050 might require a slightly more powerful power supply due to its more advanced features. Ensure your power supply has the necessary wattage and connectors. Check the manufacturers’ recommendations. Also, check the physical dimensions of the cards to ensure they fit in your case.
Future-Proofing and Longevity
The 3050, being the newer card, likely offers better future-proofing due to its more modern architecture and feature set. It supports technologies like DLSS, which will become more prevalent in future games. The 1660 Super, while still capable, may struggle to maintain playable frame rates in future graphically demanding titles. However, the 1660 Super provides excellent performance today. Consider your upgrade cycle and intended lifespan of the card.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 1660 super If…
- You are on a tight budget and want a cost-effective option for 1080p gaming.
- You prioritize raw performance over features like ray tracing and DLSS.
- You already have a compatible power supply and don’t want to upgrade.
- You are looking for a card that offers excellent value for its performance in older titles.
Buy 3050 If…
- You want to experience ray tracing and DLSS in supported games, even at lower resolutions.
- You are looking for a newer architecture with improved features and performance.
- You plan to upgrade your system in the future and want a card with more modern technologies.
- You want a card that may offer better performance in newer titles and future-proof your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for the price?
The answer depends on current market conditions. The 1660 Super can often be found at lower prices, making it a budget-friendly choice. The 3050 has a higher MSRP, but the price might be worth it for the improved performance and features if you are aiming for a new card. Check prices at the time of purchase.
Does the 3050 support ray tracing?
Yes, the RTX 3050 does support ray tracing, offering improved visual fidelity in games that support the feature. However, the ray tracing performance is limited, and enabling it can significantly reduce frame rates. It is a good feature to have at its price range.
How much power does each card consume?
Both cards are relatively power-efficient. The 1660 Super typically has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of around 125W, while the 3050 is around 130W. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact power requirements, and ensure your power supply meets the needs of your entire system.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
Neither card is ideal for 1440p gaming at high settings. Both excel at 1080p. While the 3050 might offer a slightly better experience due to its newer architecture, you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates at 1440p. Consider a more powerful card if 1440p is your target.
What is DLSS, and does the 1660 Super support it?
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an Nvidia technology that uses AI to upscale images, improving performance. The 3050 supports DLSS, offering a significant frame rate boost in compatible games. The 1660 Super does not support DLSS, meaning it lacks this performance-enhancing feature. DLSS is an advantage for the 3050.
Is the 3050 worth the extra cost?
Whether the 3050 is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize ray tracing, DLSS, and slightly better performance, the 3050 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if your budget is tight, and you primarily play at 1080p, the 1660 Super remains a strong and cost-effective option.
Which card is better for future games?
The 3050 is likely better for future games because of its more modern architecture and support for advanced features like DLSS. The 1660 Super may struggle to maintain playable frame rates in the most demanding future titles. The 3050 is the better choice for future-proofing.
Final Verdict
The RTX 3050 offers a slight performance edge, supports ray tracing, and benefits from DLSS. The 1660 Super remains a strong contender, offering excellent value, especially if found at a lower price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, desired features, and gaming resolution. Consider your priorities to make the best decision for your needs. Both are excellent choices.
Winner: RTX 3050