The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a mid-range graphics card released in 2019, designed to deliver a great gaming experience without breaking the bank. NVIDIA has consistently been at the forefront of gaming technology, and the 1660 Super is no exception. It builds on the success of its predecessor, the GTX 1660, by offering enhanced performance, improved cooling, and better power efficiency. In this guide, we will explore the 1660 Super in-depth, covering its specifications, performance benchmarks, and the best games to play with this graphics card.

Overview of the GTX 1660 Super

The GTX 1660 Super features the Turing architecture, but does not include the ray tracing capabilities of higher-end models like the RTX 20-series cards. Instead, it focuses on traditional rasterization, which remains effective for most gaming scenarios. The card is built on a 12nm process and comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory. This version is a step up from the original GTX 1660, which was equipped with GDDR5 memory, providing a significant improvement in memory speed and bandwidth.

Specifications

Here are the core specifications of the GTX 1660 Super:

• GPU Architecture: Turing
• CUDA Cores: 1408
• Base Clock: 1530 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1785 MHz
• Memory: 6GB GDDR6
• Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s
• TDP: 125W
• Recommended PSU: 450W

These specifications highlight the card's balance of power and gaming performance, making it an appealing choice for gamers who aren’t ready to invest in high-end graphics options.

Performance Insights

The performance of the GTX 1660 Super can vary based on the game settings and resolution, but it generally performs exceptionally well at 1080p gaming. Here’s a breakdown of its capabilities in various popular titles:

• Call of Duty: Warzone: The GTX 1660 Super can achieve around 70-80 FPS on high settings at 1080p.
• Cyberpunk 2077: While not the ideal card for graphics-heavy games, it can still manage playable framerates of about 30-40 FPS on medium settings.
• Fortnite: Expect around 100 FPS on high settings at 1080p.
• Overwatch: The card can easily reach 120 FPS on epic settings.

This performance not only makes it suitable for casual gaming but also allows it to handle competitive titles without any major hiccups.

Best Use Cases and Gaming Recommendations

The GTX 1660 Super is perfect for gamers looking for solid performance without the need for ray tracing or ultra graphics settings. Here are some recommendations regarding the best scenarios and games to play:

• 1080p Gaming: The card excels at 1080p, making it a great choice for gamers who prefer this resolution. Whether it’s multiplayer shooters or single-player story-driven games, the GTX 1660 Super holds up well.
• eSports Titles: Competitive games like CS:GO, DOTA 2, or League of Legends run flawlessly, giving players an advantage with high frame rates.
• Casual Gaming: For gamers who play titles like Stardew Valley, The Sims, or even AAA titles at medium settings, the GTX 1660 Super is perfect.

Value for Money

When considering price-to-performance ratios, the GTX 1660 Super is a strong contender in the mid-range market. It often finds itself priced lower than its RTX counterparts while still providing excellent performance for 1080p gaming. This makes it not only a budget-friendly option but also a compelling choice for those wanting to build a gaming PC without overspending.

Notably, while higher-end cards offer features like ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), the GTX 1660 Super remains firmly grounded in delivering the best traditional gaming performance for its price point.

Comparing GTX 1660 Super with Other Graphics Cards

To understand the true capabilities of the GTX 1660 Super, it’s essential to compare it with some of its direct competitors:

• GTX 1660: The non-super edition lacks the GDDR6 memory and, as a result, is less efficient. In benchmarks, expect a noticeable difference, especially in memory-intensive games.
• GTX 1650 Super: While the GTX 1650S is cheaper, it offers inferior performance, particularly noticeable in games requiring more processing power.
• AMD Radeon RX 580: The RX 580 can be a cost-effective alternative, often matching or slightly exceeding the GTX 1660 Super's performance in specific games. However, it’s an older architecture with efficiency issues.

Related Issues and Key Considerations

While the GTX 1660 Super is a robust option, there are several key considerations that potential buyers must account for. Here, we’ll address three related issues:

1. Future-proofing Your Gaming Setup

As games continue to evolve and demand higher graphical fidelity, one of the most pressing questions for gamers is whether the GTX 1660 Super remains a future-proof investment. While it undoubtedly shines in the current gaming landscape, it may struggle with future titles that prioritize ray tracing and increased graphical capabilities. Gamers should evaluate their gaming habits and how often they upgrade their systems to assess if this will be adequate for their needs in the years to come.

2. Compatibility with Existing Systems

Before purchasing the GTX 1660 Super, it's crucial to ensure system compatibility. Consider your current PSU, motherboard, and case size. The reference model of the GTX 1660 Super requires a minimum 450W PSU, and users with lower wattage or older systems may need to upgrade. Moreover, checking the case dimensions will help avoid fitting issues, especially in compact builds.

3. Overclocking Potential

For enthusiasts, the GTX 1660 Super offers overclocking potential to squeeze out additional performance. With a proper cooling solution and monitoring software, users can increase clock speeds and improve gaming performance. However, this comes with risks, as increased power consumption can lead to higher temperatures and potential hardware stress. For non-enthusiasts or individuals uncomfortable with tweaking settings, it’s advisable to stick to the stock configurations, as the card already performs well out of the box.

Conclusion

The GTX 1660 Super remains an impressive mid-range card that offers excellent performance for 1080p gaming. It excels in various popular titles and provides good value for money. By assessing its specifications, performance, and the best games to pair it with, gamers can make an informed decision on whether it fits their gaming needs. With considerations for future-proofing, compatibility, and overclocking in mind, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid option for those looking to build or upgrade their gaming rigs without excessive spending.

Ultimately, whether you’re a casual gamer, a competitive player, or just looking to enjoy your favorite titles at a decent frame rate, the GTX 1660 Super stands out in the current graphics card landscape. As gaming technology continues to develop, this card presents a balanced mixture of performance and affordability, offering sufficient headroom for the average gamer while still providing satisfying results in the latest titles.