Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti vs GTX 1660 Super: A Detailed Comparison
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 Super are part of Nvidia’s Turing architecture, offering solid performance for 1080p gaming. While they share similarities, they differ in terms of memory, clock speeds, and price-to-performance ratio. This article highlights their differences to help you make an informed choice.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | GTX 1660 Ti | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Turing (12nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 1536 | 1408 |
| Base Clock | 1500 MHz | 1530 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1770 MHz | 1785 MHz |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 12 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Memory Bandwidth | 288 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| Power Draw (TDP) | 120W | 125W |
| Price at Launch | $279 | $229 |
Key Differences
1. Performance
- GTX 1660 Ti:
With slightly more CUDA cores and lower clock speeds, the GTX 1660 Ti performs slightly better in scenarios that benefit from higher computational power. It excels in gaming at 1080p ultra settings and performs decently at 1440p. - GTX 1660 Super:
Despite having fewer CUDA cores, the GTX 1660 Super compensates with faster memory (14 Gbps vs. 12 Gbps), giving it better memory bandwidth. This makes it highly competitive with the GTX 1660 Ti, especially in memory-intensive games.
2. Gaming Resolutions
- GTX 1660 Ti: Ideal for 1080p ultra settings and capable of handling 1440p with medium-to-high settings in most modern titles.
- GTX 1660 Super: Also excellent for 1080p ultra settings, but slightly less capable than the Ti for 1440p gaming, requiring more settings adjustments.
3. Memory and Bandwidth
- GTX 1660 Ti: Equipped with 12 Gbps GDDR6 memory and a bandwidth of 288 GB/s, it handles most textures and workloads effectively.
- GTX 1660 Super: Features faster 14 Gbps GDDR6 memory with a higher bandwidth of 336 GB/s, allowing for quicker data transfer and better performance in memory-intensive games.
4. Power Consumption
- GTX 1660 Ti: With a TDP of 120W, it is slightly more power-efficient than the GTX 1660 Super.
- GTX 1660 Super: Consumes 125W, requiring a similar power supply (450W recommended).
5. Price and Value
- GTX 1660 Ti: Positioned as a higher-end option within the GTX 16 series, it costs more but delivers marginally better performance.
- GTX 1660 Super: Offers nearly identical performance at a lower price, making it a better value for most gamers.
Use Cases
| Scenario | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| 1080p Gaming (Ultra Settings) | Both are suitable |
| 1440p Gaming (Medium Settings) | GTX 1660 Ti |
| Esports Titles | GTX 1660 Super |
| Memory-Intensive Games | GTX 1660 Super |
| Budget-Conscious Builds | GTX 1660 Super |
| Energy Efficiency | GTX 1660 Ti |
Pros and Cons
GTX 1660 Ti
Pros:
- Higher CUDA core count for better raw computational power.
- Slightly better performance in 1440p gaming.
- More power-efficient.
Cons:
- More expensive with only a small performance gain.
- Lower memory bandwidth compared to the GTX 1660 Super.
GTX 1660 Super
Pros:
- Faster GDDR6 memory with higher bandwidth.
- Excellent value for money.
- Competitive performance for 1080p gaming at a lower cost.
Cons:
- Slightly fewer CUDA cores, resulting in marginally lower raw performance.
- Higher power consumption compared to the GTX 1660 Ti.
Benchmarks Comparison
| Game (1080p Ultra) | GTX 1660 Ti (FPS) | GTX 1660 Super (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 78 | 76 |
| The Witcher 3 | 84 | 82 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 61 | 59 |
| Fortnite | 134 | 131 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 52 | 50 |
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 Super are remarkably similar in performance, making it difficult to distinguish a clear winner. For those seeking the best 1080p performance and slightly better 1440p capability, the GTX 1660 Ti is a great choice. However, the GTX 1660 Super delivers nearly identical performance at a lower price, offering better value for gamers on a budget.
If cost is not a concern, the GTX 1660 Ti is the better card overall. But for most gamers, the GTX 1660 Super strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability.
