What is the Highest FPS on GTX 1660? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of the highest attainable Frames Per Second (FPS) on an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 series graphics card isn’t straightforward, as it’s heavily influenced by various factors. However, we can provide a detailed answer based on available data and real-world scenarios. In short, the highest FPS you can expect from a GTX 1660, and its variants like the 1660 Super and 1660 Ti, typically ranges from 120 FPS to 150 FPS in less demanding games at 1080p resolution with low to medium settings. It can also push higher FPS numbers in eSports titles and older games when paired with a strong CPU. On the other hand, in more modern, graphically intense games at high or ultra settings, expect to see averages between 60-80 FPS at 1080p.
The GTX 1660 Super often sits slightly higher in performance than the base 1660 model, and is capable of reaching the 144Hz mark, depending on the title. Achieving a true, consistent 144 FPS or even higher on a GTX 1660 requires specific conditions like playing less demanding games, using lower graphical settings, and having a strong supporting system. The card excels at delivering smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution, often offering a good balance between visual fidelity and performance. However, demanding AAA titles, especially at higher resolutions or settings, will certainly challenge the card and lead to lower FPS.
To maximize your FPS on a GTX 1660, consider optimizing your game settings, ensuring your CPU is capable, using faster RAM, and keeping the card well-cooled. A combination of all of these factors can significantly improve your gaming experience.
Understanding the GTX 1660 Lineup
Before diving into specific FPS figures, it’s crucial to understand the variations within the GTX 1660 family. We have the standard GTX 1660, the slightly more powerful GTX 1660 Super, and the GTX 1660 Ti. All are based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and target the 1080p gaming market. The GTX 1660 Super is often considered the best value of the three, thanks to its faster GDDR6 memory which offers more performance over the base 1660 that uses GDDR5 memory. The 1660 Ti is generally the most powerful of the three but, in many cases, there isn’t a big difference compared with the 1660 Super.
Factors Influencing FPS
Several factors besides the GPU itself affect the FPS you’ll experience. These include:
CPU
A powerful CPU is crucial to avoid bottlenecking the GPU. Games that are CPU-intensive, like simulation or strategy games, require a high-end processor to maintain higher FPS. An older or weaker CPU can hold back even a decent GPU like the GTX 1660.
RAM
The amount and speed of your RAM also contribute to performance. 16GB of RAM is ideal for most modern games, with dual-channel configuration further enhancing performance. While 32GB is supported, the increase in gaming performance over 16GB will be negligible in most scenarios with a 1660.
Game Settings
Lowering game settings like shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing can dramatically increase your FPS, particularly in games that are demanding. Running games on lower settings is the fastest and most straightforward way to get higher FPS.
Display Resolution
The resolution at which you play greatly affects performance. 1080p (1920×1080) is the sweet spot for the GTX 1660 series, but pushing to higher resolutions like 1440p (2560×1440) will reduce the average FPS significantly. Playing at a lower resolution is often the simplest way to significantly increase your FPS.
Game Optimization
Some games are better optimized than others. Poorly optimized games will run with lower FPS, even on powerful hardware. This can be alleviated over time with game patches but there is nothing a user can do beyond lowering settings.
Overclocking
Overclocking your GPU can provide additional FPS, but requires a good cooling setup and careful monitoring to avoid instability. Overclocking can be intimidating to a beginner but it is generally worth the small performance gain.
FPS Expectations in Specific Games
Here are some benchmarks of what you can generally expect on a GTX 1660 or GTX 1660 Super, with the understanding that exact numbers will vary.
- eSports Titles (Fortnite, CS:GO, Valorant): 120-200+ FPS at 1080p, Low/Medium Settings. These games are usually optimized for high framerates.
- Modern AAA Games (Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2): 45-70 FPS at 1080p, Medium Settings. Expect lower FPS on high settings.
- Older Games (Witcher 3, GTA V): 60-90 FPS at 1080p, High Settings. Often optimized and run well on a 1660.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a GTX 1660 Super run 144 FPS?
The GTX 1660 Super can reach 144 FPS in less demanding games and at lower settings. However, it struggles to maintain that in graphically intense modern titles at higher settings, especially without a good supporting CPU.
2. How much FPS can a GTX 1660 Super run at 1080p?
The GTX 1660 Super can typically achieve 60-120+ FPS at 1080p, depending on the game and settings. Expect to see 60+ FPS on higher graphics and up to 120+ on low to medium graphic settings.
3. Can a GTX 1660 Super run 240Hz?
The GTX 1660 Super can drive a 240Hz monitor but maintaining 240 FPS in most games would require low graphical settings in older, less demanding games or titles that can easily push high frame rates, like eSports titles. You should consider the performance in the games you play, in relation to the refresh rate of your monitor.
4. How much RAM do I need with a GTX 1660 Super?
16GB of RAM is ideal for use with a GTX 1660 Super. While 32GB is supported, you’ll likely not see a large performance increase over 16GB in the vast majority of situations.
5. Is the GTX 1660 Super good for gaming in 2023?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super remains a capable 1080p gaming card in 2023. It can handle most modern titles with good performance at medium to high settings, though it won’t deliver peak performance on new AAA titles.
6. Can the GTX 1660 Super handle 1440p?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super can handle 1440p gaming, especially at 60Hz. However, you may need to lower settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. 1440p gaming with 144hz is possible in less graphically demanding titles or titles where lower graphical fidelity isn’t noticeable.
7. Can the GTX 1660 Super run 1440p at 144Hz?
The GTX 1660 Super is unlikely to maintain 144 FPS at 1440p in demanding games. However, some esports titles and older games, when combined with a powerful CPU, can reach 144 FPS at 1440p at lower graphical settings.
8. Is the GTX 1660 Super a low-end graphics card?
The GTX 1660 Super is considered a mid-range graphics card, not a low-end one. It offers a good balance of performance and price for 1080p gaming.
9. Can the GTX 1660 handle 2K gaming?
The GTX 1660 can handle 2K (1440p) gaming, but you’ll likely have to lower settings to maintain decent FPS. For 1440p, a more powerful GPU like the RTX 2060 or RX 5700 is generally recommended.
10. Is the GTX 1660 good for Fortnite?
The GTX 1660 Super is a great card for Fortnite, typically delivering around 90-100+ FPS at 1080p. It’s more than capable of delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
11. Should I buy the 1660 or 1660 Super?
The GTX 1660 Super is generally the better buy due to its faster GDDR6 memory, which gives a performance boost over the base 1660. The GTX 1660 Super is usually only a little more expensive, making it the better value.
12. How long will a GTX 1660 Super last?
With proper care and a cooling system, a GTX 1660 Super should continue performing well for several years. Expect to be able to comfortably play games for at least another 3-5 years at mid to low graphical settings.
13. Can a GTX 1660 run Warzone?
Yes, a GTX 1660 is more than capable of running Warzone at 1080p. Expect to see performance at around 120 FPS, although this is not consistent.
14. Does the GTX 1660 support 4K?
The GTX 1660 is not really suited for 4K gaming. While it might be able to output a 4K image, the frame rate will be very low in demanding games. For 4K gaming, a more powerful card is recommended.
15. Is the GTX 1660 future proof?
No graphics card is truly future proof, and the GTX 1660 is no exception. It remains a good choice for budget-conscious gamers, but its performance will inevitably decline with the release of new, more demanding titles.