Rtx 3050 vs 1660 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 putting two popular contenders head-to-head: the RTX 3050 and the GTX 1660 Super. This comparison aims to clarify which card offers the best value and performance for your gaming needs.
The RTX 3050, representing the newer generation, brings with it features like ray tracing and DLSS. However, the GTX 1660 Super, a well-established card, is known for its excellent performance in its price range. We’ll delve into their specifications, performance in games, and overall value proposition.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting to build your PC, this comparison of the rtx 3050 vs 1660 super will help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which GPU is the ultimate winner for your specific requirements and budget.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | RTX 3050 | GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 2560 | 1408 |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1.78 GHz | Up to 1.785 GHz |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| TDP | 130W | 125W |
| Ray Tracing | Yes | No |
| Tensor Cores | Yes | No |
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 |
| PCIe | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Manufacturing Process | 8nm | 12nm |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 450W |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rtx 3050: Based on the Ampere architecture, offering improved performance per watt and support for features like ray tracing and DLSS. However, ray tracing performance is limited on this card, and it can be bottlenecked in some games.
- 1660 Super: Uses the Turing architecture, focusing on efficient performance for its generation. It lacks ray tracing and DLSS capabilities, making it less future-proof than the RTX 3050 in some ways.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Ray Tracing
- Rtx 3050: Includes dedicated ray tracing cores, enabling real-time ray tracing in supported games. Performance can be impacted significantly when ray tracing is enabled, especially at higher resolutions.
- 1660 Super: Does not support ray tracing.
- Winner: RTX 3050
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
- Rtx 3050: Supports DLSS, which can boost frame rates in supported games by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling using AI. This can significantly improve performance.
- 1660 Super: Does not support DLSS.
- Winner: RTX 3050
VRAM (Video RAM)
- Rtx 3050: Typically comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, offering a decent amount of VRAM for modern games, especially at 1080p.
- 1660 Super: Typically comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which can be a limiting factor in some newer games or at higher resolutions.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Performance (1080p Gaming)
- Rtx 3050: Generally offers slightly better performance in 1080p gaming, especially in games that benefit from its architecture and features like DLSS.
- 1660 Super: Provides strong 1080p gaming performance, often matching or slightly trailing the RTX 3050 in games without ray tracing or DLSS.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Performance (1440p Gaming)
- Rtx 3050: Can handle 1440p gaming in some titles at lower settings, but performance may be inconsistent. VRAM can be a limiting factor.
- 1660 Super: Not ideal for 1440p gaming. Performance will likely be subpar at this resolution.
- Winner: RTX 3050
Power Consumption
- Rtx 3050: Generally consumes more power than the 1660 Super, leading to a higher TDP.
- 1660 Super: More power efficient, requiring less power and often producing less heat.
- Winner: 1660 Super
Price & Availability
- Rtx 3050: Availability has improved, but pricing can still fluctuate. Generally, it’s priced competitively for its performance.
- 1660 Super: Often available at lower prices, especially used. However, it’s becoming harder to find new.
- Winner: 1660 Super
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ray Tracing | RTX 3050 |
| DLSS | RTX 3050 |
| Raw 1080p Gaming Performance (in some games) | GTX 1660 SUPER |
| Features | RTX 3050 |
| Value | Depends on Price |
What They Have in Common:
- Vram Type: Both cards utilize GDDR6 memory, offering a balance of speed and efficiency for gaming.
- Display Output: Both cards support multiple display outputs, allowing for flexible multi-monitor setups.
- Target Audience: Both GPUs are designed for 1080p gaming, aiming to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience at that resolution.
- Power Efficiency: While the RTX 3050 has a slightly higher TDP, both cards are relatively power-efficient compared to higher-end models.
- Driver Support: Both cards benefit from NVIDIA’s robust driver support, ensuring compatibility and optimization for various games and applications.
RTX 3050 vs 1660 Super Buying Guide
Performance Considerations
When deciding between the RTX 3050 and the GTX 1660 Super, the primary factor is performance. The RTX 3050, leveraging the newer Ampere architecture, generally offers a performance advantage, especially in games that support ray tracing and DLSS. However, the 1660 Super remains a capable card, particularly for 1080p gaming. This advantage is often marginal, depending on the game and settings. Consider the resolution and desired frame rates when assessing which card suits your needs.
Ray Tracing and DLSS Support
A key differentiator is the RTX 3050’s support for ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). Ray tracing enhances visual fidelity by simulating realistic lighting effects, while DLSS uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images, boosting performance without sacrificing image quality. The 1660 Super lacks these features. While the 3050’s ray tracing capabilities are limited compared to higher-end RTX cards, it still offers a noticeable improvement in supported games. DLSS provides a significant performance boost.
Price and Availability
The price and availability of these cards fluctuate significantly depending on market conditions. The GTX 1660 Super, being an older card, can sometimes be found at a lower price, making it a budget-friendly option. However, the RTX 3050, despite its newer technology, may also be available at competitive prices, especially if found used. Research current market prices and availability before making a decision, as these factors play a crucial role in the value proposition.
Power Consumption and System Requirements
Power consumption is another important factor. The RTX 3050 generally requires a slightly higher power supply than the GTX 1660 Super. Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the demands of the chosen graphics card and other components. Check the recommended PSU wattage for each card before purchasing. Also, consider the available space inside your PC case to ensure the card fits. Compatibility with your motherboard is also critical.
Future-Proofing
Considering the rapid advancements in graphics technology, future-proofing is a valid concern. The RTX 3050, with its newer architecture and features like ray tracing and DLSS, offers better future-proofing compared to the GTX 1660 Super. As games become more demanding, the 3050’s capabilities will likely remain relevant for a longer period. While the 1660 Super is still capable, its performance may diminish quicker in newer titles.
Specific Gaming Needs
The ideal choice also depends on your specific gaming preferences. If you prioritize ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 3050 is the clear winner. If you primarily play older games or prioritize budget over cutting-edge features, the GTX 1660 Super remains a viable option. Consider the types of games you play, the desired resolution, and the target frame rates when making your final decision. Consider the game settings you wish to use as well.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RTX 3050 If…
- You want access to modern features like ray tracing and DLSS, even if performance is limited.
- You are looking for a card that supports the latest DirectX features.
- You plan to upgrade in the future and want a card with a newer architecture.
- You prioritize a slightly better gaming experience in newer titles.
Buy GTX 1660 SUPER If…
- You prioritize pure gaming performance at 1080p and don’t care about ray tracing.
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save money.
- You want a card that may perform slightly better in some older titles.
- You don’t need the latest features and want a reliable and proven card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
Both cards are excellent for 1080p gaming. The RTX 3050 generally offers slightly better performance, especially in games that utilize ray tracing and DLSS. However, the GTX 1660 Super can still deliver smooth frame rates at 1080p, particularly in less demanding titles. The choice depends on the specific games and desired settings.
Does the RTX 3050 support ray tracing?
Yes, the RTX 3050 does support ray tracing. However, its ray tracing performance is not as strong as higher-end RTX cards. Expect a performance hit when enabling ray tracing, so experiment with settings. It still offers a visual upgrade in games that utilize the technology, enhancing lighting and shadows.
Is the GTX 1660 Super still a good card in 2024?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid card in 2024, especially for budget-conscious gamers. It can comfortably handle most games at 1080p. While it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, its performance-per-dollar ratio makes it a competitive option. Its age means it might struggle with the most demanding new titles.
What is DLSS and why is it important?
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-powered upscaling technology by NVIDIA that boosts performance without significantly sacrificing image quality. It renders games at a lower resolution and then uses AI to upscale the image. This results in higher frame rates, especially beneficial for ray tracing. The RTX 3050 supports this, the 1660 Super does not.
What is the power consumption of each card?
The RTX 3050 typically consumes slightly more power than the GTX 1660 Super. The RTX 3050 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of about 130W, while the GTX 1660 Super is around 125W. Always ensure your power supply unit (PSU) has sufficient wattage to handle the graphics card and other components.
Which card is better for content creation?
The RTX 3050 offers a slight advantage in content creation tasks due to its newer architecture and support for features like CUDA cores and ray tracing, which can accelerate rendering and other tasks in some applications. However, the specific performance difference will depend on the software used and the complexity of the projects.
Is the RTX 3050 worth the upgrade from the GTX 1660 Super?
It depends on your needs. If you want ray tracing, DLSS, or slightly better performance, the RTX 3050 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you are happy with your current performance at 1080p or are on a very tight budget, the upgrade may not be necessary. Consider your budget and your gaming habits.
Final Verdict
The RTX 3050 generally offers better performance, especially with ray tracing and DLSS support, making it the superior choice for most gamers seeking a modern graphics card. While the GTX 1660 Super remains a capable option, particularly for budget-conscious users, the 3050’s enhanced features and performance provide a more future-proofed experience.
Winner: RTX 3050