Rtx 3050 vs Gtx 1660 Super: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with so many options available. Are you looking for the best performance for your budget? This comparison dives deep into the battle of the mid-range GPUs.
Today, we’re putting two popular contenders head-to-head: the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 and the GeForce GTX 1660 Super. Both cards aim to deliver excellent 1080p gaming experiences. We’ll analyze their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to PC gaming, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each card is crucial. We’ll explore their architectural differences, ray tracing capabilities (or lack thereof), and how they stack up in real-world gaming scenarios. Get ready to find out which card is the champion!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | RTX 3050 | GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Turing |
| Process Size | 8nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 2560 | 1408 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1.78 GHz | Up to 1.78 GHz |
| Memory Size | 8GB | 6GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| TDP | 130W | 125W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | Yes | No |
| Tensor Cores | Yes | No |
| DirectX Support | 12 Ultimate | 12 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rtx 3050: Based on the Ampere architecture, the RTX 3050 offers improved ray tracing performance and DLSS capabilities. It benefits from newer features and generally better efficiency. The downside is it can be pricier depending on availability.
- Gtx 1660 Super: Built on the Turing architecture, the GTX 1660 Super focuses on strong rasterization performance. It lacks ray tracing and DLSS, but it’s generally a more budget-friendly option, especially used. Its age shows in some newer titles.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Ray Tracing
- Rtx 3050: The RTX 3050 includes dedicated ray tracing cores, enabling realistic lighting and reflections in supported games. Performance can vary significantly depending on the game and settings, and it can impact frame rates.
- Gtx 1660 Super: The GTX 1660 Super does not support ray tracing.
- Winner: RTX 3050
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
- Rtx 3050: The RTX 3050 supports DLSS, which can boost frame rates by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale it. This can significantly improve performance without a noticeable loss in visual quality.
- Gtx 1660 Super: The GTX 1660 Super does not support DLSS.
- Winner: RTX 3050
VRAM (Video RAM)
- Rtx 3050: Typically comes with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, providing sufficient memory for modern games at 1080p and some 1440p settings.
- Gtx 1660 Super: Typically equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which can be a limiting factor in some demanding games at higher resolutions or with high texture settings.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Performance (Rasterization)
- Rtx 3050: Offers solid 1080p gaming performance, often outperforming the GTX 1660 Super, but the margin isn’t always significant. Performance can vary based on the specific game and settings.
- Gtx 1660 Super: Delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance and can still handle many games at high settings. It remains a capable card for its price range, especially in games that don’t heavily utilize ray tracing.
- Winner: Tie
Power Consumption
- Rtx 3050: Generally has a higher power draw than the GTX 1660 Super. Requires a more powerful power supply.
- Gtx 1660 Super: More power-efficient, making it easier to fit into smaller systems and requiring a less powerful power supply.
- Winner: GTX 1660 Super
Price & Availability
- Rtx 3050: Can be found at varying prices, often influenced by supply and demand. Availability has improved but can still be higher priced than the 1660 Super.
- Gtx 1660 Super: Generally available at a lower price point, especially if purchased used. Can be a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: GTX 1660 Super
Overall Value
- Rtx 3050: Offers a better feature set with ray tracing and DLSS, but the value depends on the price. If priced competitively, offers better future-proofing.
- Gtx 1660 Super: Provides excellent value for its performance, especially at a lower price point. Still a viable option for budget-conscious gamers.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ray Tracing | RTX 3050 |
| DLSS | RTX 3050 |
| Raw Performance (1080p) | Depends on the game, often a tie or slight advantage to RTX 3050 |
| Value | GTX 1660 SUPER |
| Features | RTX 3050 |
What They Have in Common
- Memory Type: Both GPUs utilize GDDR6 memory, offering a balance of speed and efficiency for gaming and other demanding tasks.
- Pcie Interface: Both cards connect to the motherboard via a PCIe interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
- Multiple Display Support: Both cards support multiple displays, allowing users to connect several monitors for an expanded workspace or immersive gaming experience.
- Driver Support: Both GPUs are supported by NVIDIA drivers, providing regular updates and optimizations for games and applications.
- Power Requirements: Both cards require a power supply unit (PSU) with sufficient wattage to handle their power demands, ensuring stable performance.
Rtx 3050 Vs Gtx 1660 Super Buying Guide
Performance Expectations
When considering performance, the RTX 3050 generally offers a slight edge over the GTX 1660 Super in modern games, particularly at 1080p resolution. This is largely due to the RTX 3050’s newer architecture and access to features like ray tracing and DLSS. However, the performance difference isn’t always significant, and in some games, the 1660 Super can hold its own, especially if ray tracing isn’t a priority. Both cards are well-suited for 1080p gaming, with the 3050 providing potentially smoother frame rates in more demanding titles.
Ray Tracing and DLSS Considerations
The RTX 3050’s primary advantage lies in its support for ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). Ray tracing, which simulates realistic lighting and reflections, can significantly enhance visual fidelity in supported games, but it also demands considerable processing power. DLSS uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images, boosting performance without a noticeable loss in visual quality. The GTX 1660 Super lacks these features, making it less capable in newer games that utilize them.
Price and Availability
The price and availability of both cards have fluctuated considerably. The RTX 3050, being the newer card, often carries a higher price tag. The GTX 1660 Super, now a few years old, can sometimes be found at a more competitive price, particularly in the used market. However, actual pricing depends on current market conditions and retailer pricing strategies. Consider your budget and the availability of both cards before making a decision.
Power Consumption and System Requirements
The RTX 3050 typically has a slightly higher power consumption than the GTX 1660 Super. While both cards are relatively efficient, it’s essential to ensure your power supply unit (PSU) has enough wattage to handle the graphics card and the rest of your system components. Check the recommended PSU wattage for each card and consider other components in your system before purchasing. Both cards should work with a wide range of CPUs.
Features and Technologies
Beyond ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 3050 benefits from other advancements in NVIDIA’s technology, such as improved encoding and decoding capabilities. This can be beneficial for content creators or streamers. The GTX 1660 Super, while lacking these latest features, still offers solid performance and supports technologies like NVIDIA’s Game Ready Drivers, which optimize performance in various games. These drivers constantly updated to improve your gaming experience.
Value Proposition
The value proposition for each card depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize ray tracing, DLSS, and the latest technologies, the RTX 3050 offers a better value, even if the price is higher. If budget is a primary concern, and you’re primarily focused on 1080p gaming without ray tracing, the GTX 1660 Super can still provide excellent value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Consider your gaming habits and budget when determining which offers better value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RTX 3050 If…
- You want to experience ray tracing and DLSS for enhanced visual quality and performance in supported games.
- You prioritize having the latest features and architectural advancements.
- You are looking for a card with slightly more modern features.
- You are willing to spend a bit more for the potential of improved performance.
Buy GTX 1660 SUPER If…
- You are on a tighter budget and want a cost-effective option.
- You primarily play games at 1080p resolution and don’t need ray tracing.
- You are upgrading from an older card and want a significant performance boost without breaking the bank.
- You want a card with slightly better value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution is the RTX 3050 best for?
The RTX 3050 is ideally suited for 1080p gaming. It can handle most modern games at this resolution with high or ultra settings, often achieving smooth frame rates. While it can also handle some games at 1440p, performance may be less consistent, and you might need to lower graphical settings. The 3050 excels at 1080p gaming.
Does the GTX 1660 Super support ray tracing?
No, the GTX 1660 Super does not support ray tracing. This feature is exclusive to NVIDIA’s RTX series graphics cards, which utilize dedicated ray tracing cores. While the 1660 Super can still play games with ray tracing, it won’t be able to render them with the same visual quality. It’s a key differentiator.
Is the RTX 3050 better than the GTX 1660 Super?
Generally, yes, the RTX 3050 is better than the GTX 1660 Super. It offers better performance in most games, particularly when ray tracing or DLSS is enabled. However, the performance difference isn’t always huge, and the GTX 1660 Super can still provide a good gaming experience, especially for older titles. The 3050 has a slight edge.
What is DLSS, and why is it important?
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an NVIDIA technology that uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to a higher resolution, improving performance without sacrificing visual quality. This is important because it allows you to maintain high frame rates while still enjoying visually stunning graphics, especially in ray-traced games. It is a key feature.
What is the recommended power supply for these cards?
For the RTX 3050, a 550W or higher power supply is typically recommended. For the GTX 1660 Super, a 450W or higher power supply should suffice. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific card model. Consider the power draw of your other components when choosing a PSU.
Can I upgrade from a GTX 1660 Super to an RTX 3050?
Yes, you can upgrade from a GTX 1660 Super to an RTX 3050. It’s a straightforward process of removing the old card and installing the new one. Ensure your power supply is adequate, and install the latest drivers. This upgrade will bring performance improvements, especially in newer games.
Which card is better for streaming?
The RTX 3050 has an advantage for streaming due to its improved encoding capabilities, specifically the NVENC encoder. This allows for higher-quality streams with less performance impact on your gaming experience. While the GTX 1660 Super can also stream, the 3050 offers a more optimized experience for streamers.
Final Verdict
The RTX 3050 offers a slight performance advantage over the GTX 1660 Super, particularly with features like ray tracing and DLSS. While the GTX 1660 Super remains a capable card for 1080p gaming, the RTX 3050’s newer architecture and technology make it the better choice overall, assuming the price difference isn’t too significant. It provides a more future-proof experience.
Winner: RTX 3050