1660 Super vs 5700 Xt: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you’re aiming for the best performance without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into two popular contenders: the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and the Radeon RX 5700 XT. Get ready to discover which one truly deserves a spot in your gaming rig.
We’ll dissect their specifications, analyze their real-world performance in various games, and examine their value proposition. The 1660 SUPER is known for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it a favorite among budget-conscious gamers. On the other hand, the 5700 XT offers a significant leap in power, promising a more immersive and smoother gaming experience.
This head-to-head battle will help you decide which card aligns best with your needs and budget. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both the 1660 SUPER and 5700 XT is crucial before making your final decision. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 1660 Super | 5700 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | RDNA |
| Process Size | 12 nm | 7 nm |
| CUDA Cores / Stream Processors | 1408 | 2560 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1785 MHz | Up to 1905 MHz |
| Memory Size | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP | 125W | 225W |
| DirectX Support | 12 | 12 |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| Release Date | October 2019 | July 2019 |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 600W |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
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Architecture
- 1660 Super: Based on the NVIDIA Turing architecture, the 1660 Super offers improved performance over previous generations, particularly in power efficiency. However, it lacks ray tracing capabilities.
- 5700 Xt: Utilizing AMD’s RDNA architecture, the 5700 XT provides a modern design with improved performance per clock. It generally offers better performance in rasterization compared to the 1660 Super.
- Winner: 5700 XT
-
Performance (Gaming)
- 1660 Super: A strong performer at 1080p and capable at 1440p in some games, the 1660 Super provides a smooth gaming experience. It’s often a good value for its price.
- 5700 Xt: Outperforms the 1660 Super significantly, especially at higher resolutions like 1440p, offering a more premium gaming experience with higher frame rates.
- Winner: 5700 XT
-
VRAM
- 1660 Super: Comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which is sufficient for 1080p gaming and some 1440p titles, but can be a limiting factor in more demanding games.
- 5700 Xt: Features 8GB of GDDR6 memory, providing more headroom for higher resolutions and textures, leading to better performance in memory-intensive games.
- Winner: 5700 XT
-
Ray Tracing
- 1660 Super: Does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a feature found in newer NVIDIA cards.
- 5700 Xt: Does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
- Winner: Tie
-
Price
- 1660 Super: Generally more affordable, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious gamers.
- 5700 Xt: Typically priced higher, reflecting its superior performance.
- Winner: 1660 Super
-
Power Consumption
- 1660 Super: Generally more power-efficient, requiring less wattage from the power supply.
- 5700 Xt: Consumes more power, which needs a higher-wattage power supply.
- Winner: 1660 Super
-
Cooling
- 1660 Super: Generally runs cooler due to lower power consumption, although this depends on the specific cooler design.
- 5700 Xt: Can run warmer, especially with reference designs, requiring good airflow in the case. Aftermarket coolers can mitigate this.
- Winner: 1660 Super
-
Features (Software)
- 1660 Super: Utilizes NVIDIA’s software suite, including GeForce Experience, with features like driver optimization, game recording (ShadowPlay), and more.
- 5700 Xt: Employs AMD’s Radeon Software, offering features like Radeon ReLive for recording gameplay, performance monitoring, and driver updates.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Gaming Performance | 5700 XT |
| Value for Money | 1660 Super |
| Power Efficiency | 1660 Super |
| 1080p Gaming | Tie |
| 1440p Gaming | 5700 XT |
What They Have in Common
- Memory Type: Both cards utilize GDDR6 memory, providing fast data transfer rates for improved gaming performance.
- Directx Support: Both the 1660 Super and 5700 XT support DirectX 12, ensuring compatibility with modern games and graphics features.
- Memory Size: Both cards feature a good amount of memory, providing smooth gaming at high resolutions.
- Pcie Interface: Both cards use the PCIe interface, ensuring compatibility with modern motherboards.
- Multiple Monitor Support: Both cards support multiple monitor setups, enhancing productivity and providing immersive gaming experiences.
1660 Super Vs 5700 XT Buying Guide
Performance and Gaming Experience
The 5700 XT dominates the 1660 Super in raw performance. Expect significantly higher frame rates, especially at 1440p and even at 1080p with demanding games. The 1660 Super is a solid 1080p performer, capable of handling most games at high settings. The 5700 XT offers a smoother, more visually appealing experience, allowing for higher settings and potentially higher refresh rate monitors.
Price and Value
The 1660 Super typically costs considerably less than the 5700 XT, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious gamers. The 5700 XT, while more expensive, provides a substantial performance boost, potentially justifying the increased cost for users prioritizing higher frame rates and resolutions. Consider your budget and desired performance level when evaluating the price-to-performance ratio.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
For 1080p gaming, the 1660 Super is a strong contender, delivering smooth frame rates in most titles. The 5700 XT excels at 1440p gaming and can even handle some games at 4K. If you’re targeting a high refresh rate monitor (144Hz or higher), the 5700 XT provides a better experience, allowing you to take full advantage of the monitor’s capabilities.
Features and Technology
The 1660 Super lacks features like ray tracing, which is available on some higher-end Nvidia cards. The 5700 XT supports AMD’s FreeSync technology, which can improve the gaming experience by reducing screen tearing. Consider whether these features are important to you. The 5700 XT offers more advanced features for a more premium experience.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The 1660 Super generally consumes less power and generates less heat than the 5700 XT. This can be a factor if you’re building a small form factor PC or have concerns about noise levels. The 5700 XT requires a more robust cooling solution to manage its higher thermal output. Ensure your power supply and case have adequate cooling capabilities for the chosen card.
Availability and Compatibility
Both cards are widely available, though prices can fluctuate. Ensure your power supply has enough wattage and the correct connectors for your chosen card. Check your case dimensions to ensure the graphics card will fit. Consider looking at reviews of specific models to determine the best cooling and clock speeds. Availability can also vary between regions.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 1660 super If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a good 1080p gaming experience.
- You prioritize power efficiency and lower power consumption.
- You want a card that’s readily available and easy to find.
- You are upgrading from a much older card.
Buy 5700 xt If…
- You want significantly better performance for 1440p gaming or high refresh rate 1080p gaming.
- You are willing to spend more for superior performance.
- You don’t mind a higher power draw.
- You want the best possible performance within a mid-range budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The 1660 Super is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming, offering great performance for its price. The 5700 XT also excels at 1080p but is better suited for higher resolutions. The 5700 XT can handle 1080p at higher refresh rates and with more demanding graphics settings.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The 5700 XT is the clear winner for 1440p gaming, providing significantly higher frame rates and a smoother experience. The 1660 Super can struggle at this resolution with demanding titles. The 5700 XT is designed for this higher resolution and offers a better overall experience.
Does the 5700 XT support ray tracing?
No, the 5700 XT does not support ray tracing. This feature is primarily available on higher-end Nvidia cards. While it doesn’t support ray tracing, the 5700 XT still delivers excellent performance in games and can use other advanced graphical features.
What is the power consumption difference?
The 1660 Super consumes less power than the 5700 XT. This can result in lower electricity bills and less heat generated within the PC case. The 5700 XT requires a more powerful power supply due to its higher power consumption.
What about driver issues on the 5700 XT?
Historically, the 5700 XT had some driver issues, but AMD has released numerous updates to address these problems. Most users now report a stable and reliable gaming experience. It’s important to keep your drivers updated for the best performance and stability.
Which card is better for a budget build?
The 1660 Super is the better choice for a budget build due to its lower price point. It still offers excellent performance for 1080p gaming. The 5700 XT is better suited for builds where a higher budget is available and higher performance is desired.
What is FreeSync? Does the 5700 XT support it?
FreeSync is AMD’s adaptive sync technology that reduces screen tearing and stuttering. The 5700 XT fully supports FreeSync, providing a smoother gaming experience on FreeSync-compatible monitors. This feature can significantly improve visual quality in games.
Final Verdict
The 5700 XT delivers superior performance, especially at higher resolutions and refresh rates, making it the better choice for gamers who prioritize maximum frame rates and visual fidelity. However, the 1660 Super offers excellent value for its price, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers focused on 1080p gaming. Ultimately, the best card depends on your budget and gaming needs.
Winner: 5700 XT