Is the GTX 1660 worth it?

by

Is the GTX 1660 Worth It in [Current Year]? A Comprehensive Review

Quick answer
This page answers Is the GTX 1660 worth it? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

  • Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
  • Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
  • Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
  • Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
  • Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
  • Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Is the GTX 1660 worth it? The answer is a resounding “it depends” but generally leans towards “yes,” especially for budget-conscious gamers and those upgrading from older hardware. While newer graphics cards offer superior performance, the GTX 1660 remains a viable option for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings in many titles, and its affordability makes it attractive. Its value proposition hinges on current market prices, the games you intend to play, and your tolerance for lower graphical settings in demanding titles. If you can find a good deal on a used or new GTX 1660, it still delivers a solid gaming experience.

GTX 1660: A Closer Look at Its Capabilities

The GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card based on the Nvidia Turing architecture, but without the ray tracing and DLSS capabilities found in its RTX counterparts. This results in a lower price point while still offering a significant performance boost over older cards like the GTX 960 or GTX 1050 Ti. Its key specifications include:

  • GPU: TU116
  • CUDA Cores: 1408
  • Base Clock: 1530 MHz
  • Boost Clock: 1785 MHz
  • Memory: 6GB GDDR5
  • Memory Interface: 192-bit
  • Memory Bandwidth: 192 GB/s
  • TDP: 120W

These specifications allow the GTX 1660 to deliver respectable performance in a wide range of games.

Performance in Modern Games

The GTX 1660 shines at 1080p gaming. In less demanding titles, such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and Valorant, you can expect to achieve high framerates (100+ FPS) at high settings. More demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or Red Dead Redemption 2 may require adjusting settings to medium or even low to maintain a playable framerate (30-60 FPS). Ultimately, the performance will vary depending on the game’s optimization and your other system components.

Alternatives to the GTX 1660

Several alternatives to the GTX 1660 exist, each with its own pros and cons:

  • RTX 2060: Offers significantly better performance, including ray tracing and DLSS capabilities, but at a higher price.
  • AMD Radeon RX 6600: Generally outperforms the GTX 1660 in most games and offers a better price-to-performance ratio, depending on market availability.
  • Intel Arc A580/A750: Intel’s newest competitors are increasingly becoming better options for budget gaming, exceeding both the GTX 1660 and sometimes even the RTX 2060 in performance for similar pricing. However, driver maturity and game compatibility are still improving.
  • Used RTX 2060/2070: The used market can be a great place to find a bargain on a higher-end card, but remember to check for any potential issues before purchasing.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before making a decision, consider the advantages and disadvantages of the GTX 1660:

Pros:

  • Affordable: The GTX 1660 is one of the most budget-friendly options in the current market.
  • Good 1080p performance: Capable of running many games at 1080p with playable framerates.
  • Relatively low power consumption: With a TDP of 120W, it doesn’t require a high-end power supply.
  • Wide Availability: Can still be found both new and on the used market.

Cons:

  • Lacks ray tracing and DLSS: It doesn’t support Nvidia’s ray tracing or DLSS technologies.
  • Outdated Architecture: Newer cards offer significantly better performance for the price.
  • Struggles with demanding titles: May require lower settings to achieve playable framerates in modern AAA games.
  • GDDR5 Memory: Uses the older GDDR5 memory, which is slower than GDDR6 found in newer cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the GTX 1660, providing more detailed insights:

  1. Is the GTX 1660 good for 1080p gaming? Yes, the GTX 1660 is generally good for 1080p gaming. You can expect to play most games at medium to high settings with playable framerates.

  2. Can the GTX 1660 run modern AAA games? Yes, but you might need to lower the graphical settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth framerate (30-60 FPS) in demanding titles.

  3. How does the GTX 1660 compare to the GTX 1060? The GTX 1660 is a significant upgrade over the GTX 1060, offering roughly 20-30% better performance.

  4. What power supply do I need for the GTX 1660? A 450W power supply is generally recommended for a system with a GTX 1660.

  5. Does the GTX 1660 support ray tracing? No, the GTX 1660 does not support ray tracing.

  6. Does the GTX 1660 support DLSS? No, the GTX 1660 does not support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).

  7. How much VRAM does the GTX 1660 have? The GTX 1660 has 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM.

  8. What is the difference between the GTX 1660 and the GTX 1660 Ti? The GTX 1660 Ti is a more powerful version of the GTX 1660, offering better performance in games, but also comes at a higher price point. It uses faster GDDR6 memory.

  9. Is the GTX 1660 good for video editing? The GTX 1660 can handle basic video editing tasks, but for more demanding projects, a more powerful card with more VRAM is recommended.

  10. Can the GTX 1660 be overclocked? Yes, the GTX 1660 can be overclocked to squeeze out additional performance. However, be careful and monitor temperatures.

  11. What are the temperature ranges for the GTX 1660 under load? Under load, expect the GTX 1660 to reach temperatures between 65°C and 75°C, depending on the cooler design and ambient temperature.

  12. Is the GTX 1660 suitable for streaming? The GTX 1660 can handle streaming at lower resolutions (720p or 1080p) and bitrates, but a dedicated streaming PC or a more powerful graphics card is recommended for higher quality streams. Using NVENC encoding can help offload the streaming workload from the CPU to the GPU.

  13. What motherboards are compatible with the GTX 1660? The GTX 1660 is compatible with any motherboard that has a PCIe x16 slot, which is standard on most modern motherboards.

  14. Where can I buy a GTX 1660? The GTX 1660 can be found at online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay, as well as local computer stores. Availability may vary. Check both new and used markets for the best deals.

  15. Should I buy a used GTX 1660? Buying a used GTX 1660 can be a good way to save money, but be sure to check the card’s condition and test it thoroughly before purchasing. Ask the seller about its usage history and any potential issues. Look for cards that have been well-maintained and not heavily overclocked.

Conclusion

The GTX 1660 remains a decent entry-level graphics card in [Current Year], particularly if you’re on a tight budget and primarily play games at 1080p. While it lacks the advanced features of newer cards like ray tracing and DLSS, it still offers a significant performance boost over older hardware. However, consider alternatives like the AMD Radeon RX 6600 or Intel Arc A580/A750, especially if you can find them at a similar price. Weigh your options carefully and choose the card that best suits your gaming needs and budget. Check the used market, as there are still some great deals to be found. Ultimately, the worth of the GTX 1660 depends on your individual circumstances and what you expect from your gaming experience.

Leave a Comment