1660 Ti vs 1650 Super: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head showdown to help you make the best decision for your gaming needs: the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti versus the GTX 1650 Super.
Both cards offer compelling performance at different price points, but which one truly delivers the best bang for your buck? We’ll examine their specifications, benchmark results, and real-world gaming performance to give you a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Prepare to discover which card emerges victorious in this epic battle.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, this comparison will provide the insights you need to choose the perfect GPU. Get ready to explore the intricacies of the 1660 Ti and the 1650 Super, and find out which one deserves a place in your gaming rig.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 1660 Ti | 1650 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1536 | 1280 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1770 MHz | Up to 1725 MHz |
| Memory Size | 6GB | 4GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 128-bit |
| TDP | 120W | 100W |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 350W |
| Manufacturing Process | 12 nm | 12 nm |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- 1660 Ti: Based on the Turing architecture, offering improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations. Features more CUDA cores and RT cores, though the latter are not fully utilized in this card. The architecture allows for better gaming performance at higher resolutions.
- 1650 Super: Also based on the Turing architecture, but with fewer CUDA cores and a lower memory bandwidth. It provides a good value for entry-level gaming, but is less powerful than the 1660 Ti. It is a good option for budget-conscious gamers.
- Winner: 1660 ti
CUDA Cores
- 1660 Ti: Boasts a significantly higher number of CUDA cores, resulting in superior parallel processing capabilities. This translates to faster frame rates in games and improved performance in GPU-accelerated applications.
- 1650 Super: Has a considerably lower number of CUDA cores compared to the 1660 Ti. This limits its ability to handle complex graphical workloads, leading to lower performance in demanding games.
- Winner: 1660 ti
Memory (VRAM)
- 1660 Ti: Typically comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, providing ample space for texture data and improved performance at higher resolutions and with more demanding games. This larger memory buffer helps prevent stuttering.
- 1650 Super: Usually equipped with 4GB of GDDR6 memory. While sufficient for many games at 1080p, it can become a bottleneck in titles that require more VRAM, particularly at higher settings.
- Winner: 1660 ti
Memory Bandwidth
- 1660 Ti: Offers a higher memory bandwidth due to its wider memory bus and faster memory clock speeds. This allows for quicker data transfer between the GPU and the memory, resulting in smoother gameplay.
- 1650 Super: Has a lower memory bandwidth, which can limit its ability to quickly access and process texture data. This can impact performance, especially in graphically intensive games.
- Winner: 1660 ti
Performance (Gaming)
- 1660 Ti: Delivers significantly better gaming performance across a wide range of titles, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. It provides higher frame rates and smoother gameplay experiences.
- 1650 Super: Offers decent gaming performance for entry-level gaming at 1080p. However, it struggles to maintain high frame rates in more demanding titles and at higher resolutions.
- Winner: 1660 ti
Power Consumption
- 1660 Ti: Consumes more power than the 1650 Super, requiring a higher-wattage power supply. This can affect system build costs and heat output.
- 1650 Super: Is more power-efficient, making it suitable for smaller form factor builds and systems with lower-wattage power supplies. It generates less heat as well.
- Winner: 1650 super
Price
- 1660 Ti: Typically costs more due to its superior performance. This higher price reflects its higher-end features and capabilities.
- 1650 Super: Is more budget-friendly, making it a good choice for gamers on a tight budget. It provides excellent value for its price point.
- Winner: 1650 super
Overclocking Potential
- 1660 Ti: Offers decent overclocking potential, allowing for further performance gains. Overclocking can push the card to achieve even higher frame rates.
- 1650 Super: Also has overclocking potential, but the gains are generally less significant compared to the 1660 Ti. This is due to the inherent limitations of the card’s design.
- Winner: 1660 ti
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | 1660 Ti |
| Value for Money | 1650 Super |
| Power Efficiency | 1650 Super |
| 1080p Gaming | 1660 Ti |
| 1440p Gaming | 1660 Ti |
What They Have in Common:
- Architecture: Both the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the GTX 1650 SUPER are based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, which focuses on improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations.
- Manufacturing Process: Both cards utilize a 12nm manufacturing process, contributing to their power efficiency and performance capabilities.
- Directx Support: Both GPUs support DirectX 12, ensuring compatibility with modern games and graphics features.
- Opengl Support: Both cards support OpenGL 4.6, allowing them to run applications that utilize this graphics API.
- No Ray Tracing: Neither card features dedicated ray tracing hardware, a technology that enhances visual realism in games.
1660 Ti Vs 1650 Super Buying Guide
Performance Needs
Determining your performance expectations is the first step. The 1660 Ti offers significantly better performance than the 1650 Super, especially at higher resolutions and more demanding games. If you’re aiming for 1080p at high or ultra settings, or if you’re considering 1440p gaming, the 1660 Ti is the superior choice. The 1650 Super is a solid budget option, suitable for 1080p gaming at medium settings or esports titles.
Budget Considerations
Your budget plays a crucial role in the decision. The 1650 Super is generally more affordable than the 1660 Ti. If you’re on a tight budget, the 1650 Super offers excellent value for its price. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, the performance gains of the 1660 Ti are well worth the extra cost. Consider the long-term cost and how long you plan to use the card before upgrading.
Power Supply Requirements
Consider your power supply unit (PSU). The 1660 Ti typically requires a higher wattage PSU compared to the 1650 Super. Ensure your PSU has the necessary power connectors and sufficient wattage to handle the graphics card and the rest of your system components. The 1650 Super is more power-efficient, making it a better option if you have a lower-wattage PSU or want to minimize power consumption.
Monitor Resolution and Refresh Rate
The resolution and refresh rate of your monitor should guide your choice. For a 1080p 60Hz monitor, the 1650 Super might suffice for many games. However, for 1080p 144Hz or 1440p monitors, the 1660 Ti is better equipped to deliver a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. Matching your graphics card’s capabilities to your monitor’s specifications is key to avoiding bottlenecks.
Game Selection and Settings
The games you play and the desired graphics settings are important. If you primarily play less demanding games or esports titles, the 1650 Super can handle them well. For modern AAA titles, especially at higher settings, the 1660 Ti provides a substantial performance advantage. Research benchmarks for the games you’re interested in to see how each card performs.
Future-Proofing
Consider the longevity of your investment. The 1660 Ti offers better future-proofing due to its superior performance. As games become more demanding, the 1660 Ti is more likely to maintain playable frame rates at acceptable settings for a longer period. While the 1650 Super is a good budget option, it may become obsolete sooner. Think about how long you intend to keep the card before upgrading.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 1660 Ti If…
- You want significantly better performance in games at 1080p and even 1440p resolution.
- You prioritize higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
- You are willing to spend more for a noticeable performance upgrade.
- You need 6GB of VRAM for more demanding games and higher texture settings.
Buy 1650 Super If…
- You are on a tight budget.
- You are looking for a good entry-level card for 1080p gaming.
- You have limited power supply capacity in your system.
- You want a more power-efficient card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is faster?
The 1660 Ti is significantly faster than the 1650 Super. It offers a higher core clock, more CUDA cores, and more memory bandwidth, resulting in improved performance in most games. You’ll experience higher frame rates and better visual quality with the 1660 Ti, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings. The performance difference can be substantial, especially in demanding titles.
What is the price difference?
The 1650 Super is generally more affordable than the 1660 Ti. The price difference can vary depending on the specific models and current market conditions. However, the 1650 Super is typically positioned as a budget-friendly option, while the 1660 Ti falls into a mid-range price category. Always compare prices from different retailers before making a decision.
What power supply do I need?
The 1650 Super typically requires a lower wattage power supply than the 1660 Ti. A 450W PSU is usually sufficient for the 1650 Super, while a 500W or 550W PSU is recommended for the 1660 Ti, depending on the rest of your system components. Ensure your PSU has the necessary PCIe power connectors for the graphics card.
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
Both cards are suitable for 1080p gaming, but the 1660 Ti offers a better experience. The 1650 Super can handle 1080p gaming at medium settings or in less demanding games. The 1660 Ti allows for higher settings and smoother frame rates in more games, making it the superior choice for 1080p gaming overall, especially if you have a high refresh rate monitor.
Does the 1650 Super support Ray Tracing?
No, neither the 1650 Super nor the 1660 Ti support Ray Tracing. Ray Tracing is a feature introduced with the RTX series of graphics cards. If you’re interested in Ray Tracing, you’ll need to consider an RTX card. Both cards can still deliver excellent gaming performance without Ray Tracing in many modern games.
Which card is more power efficient?
The 1650 Super is generally more power-efficient than the 1660 Ti. It consumes less power, resulting in lower heat output and potentially quieter operation. This can be beneficial if you have a small case, limited cooling, or want to minimize your electricity bill. The 1660 Ti still offers good power efficiency, but it consumes more power due to its higher performance.
What is the memory capacity of each card?
Both the 1650 Super and the 1660 Ti typically come with 4GB or 6GB of GDDR6 memory. 6GB is more common for the 1660 Ti. More memory can be beneficial for higher resolutions and more demanding textures in games. The amount of memory is an important factor to consider when choosing between the two cards, especially if you plan to play at higher settings.
Final Verdict
The 1660 Ti emerges as the clear winner, offering superior performance across the board. While the 1650 Super provides excellent value for budget-conscious gamers, the 1660 Ti’s higher frame rates and better overall gaming experience make it the preferred choice for those seeking a more powerful graphics card.
Winner: 1660 Ti