The world of computer hardware is constantly evolving, with new graphics cards being released regularly. Two popular options for gamers and content creators are the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 and the GeForce GTX 1660 Super. While both cards offer impressive performance, there are key differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each card, comparing their features, performance, and pricing to help you decide whether the RTX 2060 is worth the upgrade over the 1660 Super.
Overview of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 Super
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a brief look at each card’s specifications and features.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
The RTX 2060 is a mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA’s Turing generation, released in January 2019. It features:
- 6 GB of GDDR6 memory
- 2176 CUDA cores
- 1.47 GHz boost clock speed
- Support for ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and variable rate shading
- PCIe 3.0 interface
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
The GTX 1660 Super is a popular budget-friendly graphics card from NVIDIA’s Turing generation, released in October 2019. It features:
- 6 GB of GDDR6 memory
- 1408 CUDA cores
- 1.78 GHz boost clock speed
- Support for NVIDIA’s DLSS (deep learning super sampling) technology
- PCIe 3.0 interface
Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, the RTX 2060 generally outperforms the GTX 1660 Super in most games and applications. Here are some benchmarks to illustrate the difference:
| Game | RTX 2060 (1080p) | GTX 1660 Super (1080p) | RTX 2060 (1440p) | GTX 1660 Super (1440p) |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 60 FPS | 45 FPS | 40 FPS | 30 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 70 FPS | 55 FPS | 50 FPS | 40 FPS |
| Fortnite | 80 FPS | 65 FPS | 60 FPS | 50 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 65 FPS | 50 FPS | 45 FPS | 35 FPS |
As you can see, the RTX 2060 offers significantly better performance in most games, especially at higher resolutions. However, the GTX 1660 Super still provides smooth gameplay at 1080p and can handle less demanding titles at 1440p.
Ray Tracing and AI-Enhanced Features
One of the key advantages of the RTX 2060 is its support for ray tracing and AI-enhanced features. Ray tracing allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in games, while AI-enhanced features like DLSS (deep learning super sampling) can improve performance in supported titles.
The GTX 1660 Super does not support ray tracing, but it does offer DLSS, which can provide a performance boost in games that utilize this technology.
Pricing and Value
The pricing of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 Super can vary depending on the region and retailer. However, on average, the RTX 2060 tends to be around $100-$150 more expensive than the GTX 1660 Super.
| Card | Average Price |
| — | — |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | $350-$450 |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super | $250-$350 |
Considering the performance difference between the two cards, the RTX 2060 may be worth the extra cost for gamers and content creators who:
- Want to play games at high resolutions (1440p or 4K)
- Need support for ray tracing and AI-enhanced features
- Require better performance in demanding applications like video editing or 3D modeling
However, for those on a budget or with less demanding needs, the GTX 1660 Super may be a more affordable and suitable option.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 Super have different power consumption profiles, which can impact your system’s overall power draw and cooling requirements.
| Card | TDP (W) |
| — | — |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | 160W |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super | 125W |
The RTX 2060 requires more power to operate, which can increase your system’s overall power consumption. However, this also means that it can handle more demanding workloads and provide better performance.
In terms of cooling, both cards are available with a variety of cooling solutions, including single-fan and dual-fan designs. However, the RTX 2060 tends to run hotter than the GTX 1660 Super, especially during intense gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 Super are both popular graphics cards that offer impressive performance for gamers and content creators. While the GTX 1660 Super is a more affordable option with decent performance, the RTX 2060 offers better performance, support for ray tracing and AI-enhanced features, and higher resolutions.
Whether the RTX 2060 is worth the upgrade over the GTX 1660 Super depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for better performance, support for the latest technologies, and don’t mind paying a premium, the RTX 2060 may be the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or have less demanding needs, the GTX 1660 Super can still provide smooth gameplay and decent performance.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific requirements and priorities. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 Super, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next graphics card.
What are the main differences between the RTX 2060 and 1660 Super graphics cards?
The main differences between the RTX 2060 and 1660 Super graphics cards lie in their architecture, performance, and features. The RTX 2060 is based on the more advanced TU106 architecture, which provides better performance and power efficiency compared to the TU116 architecture used in the 1660 Super. Additionally, the RTX 2060 supports more advanced features like ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading, which are not available on the 1660 Super.
In terms of performance, the RTX 2060 generally offers around 10-20% better frame rates compared to the 1660 Super in most modern games, especially those that utilize the advanced features mentioned earlier. However, the 1660 Super is still a capable graphics card that can handle 1080p and 1440p gaming with ease, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Is the RTX 2060 worth the upgrade for 1080p gamers?
For 1080p gamers, the RTX 2060 might not be the most necessary upgrade, especially if they’re already using a 1660 Super. The performance difference between the two cards at 1080p is relatively small, and the 1660 Super can still handle most modern games at high frame rates. However, if you’re looking for a future-proof option that can handle more demanding games and features, the RTX 2060 might be a better choice.
Additionally, if you’re interested in taking advantage of advanced features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, the RTX 2060 is the better option. However, if you’re on a tight budget and just need a reliable 1080p gaming experience, the 1660 Super is still a great choice.
How does the RTX 2060 compare to the 1660 Super for content creation tasks?
For content creation tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming, the RTX 2060 generally offers better performance compared to the 1660 Super. The RTX 2060’s more advanced architecture and features like tensor cores and RT cores provide a significant boost in tasks that utilize artificial intelligence and ray tracing. Additionally, the RTX 2060’s higher CUDA core count and memory bandwidth also contribute to its better performance in content creation tasks.
However, the 1660 Super is still a capable graphics card for content creation, especially for tasks that don’t heavily rely on advanced features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence. If you’re a content creator on a budget, the 1660 Super can still provide great performance and value. But if you’re looking for the best possible performance and features for demanding content creation tasks, the RTX 2060 is the better choice.
What are the power consumption differences between the RTX 2060 and 1660 Super?
The RTX 2060 generally has a higher power consumption compared to the 1660 Super, especially when running demanding games and applications. The RTX 2060 has a typical board power (TBP) of around 160W, while the 1660 Super has a TBP of around 125W. This means that the RTX 2060 requires a more powerful power supply and may generate more heat during operation.
However, the RTX 2060’s more advanced architecture and features also provide better power efficiency compared to the 1660 Super. This means that the RTX 2060 can provide better performance per watt compared to the 1660 Super, making it a more efficient option for those who want the best possible performance without breaking the bank.
Can the 1660 Super handle 1440p gaming, and how does it compare to the RTX 2060?
The 1660 Super can handle 1440p gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the game and settings. In general, the 1660 Super can provide smooth frame rates in most modern games at 1440p, but it may struggle with more demanding titles. Compared to the RTX 2060, the 1660 Super’s performance at 1440p is generally around 10-20% lower, especially in games that utilize advanced features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence.
However, the 1660 Super is still a great option for 1440p gaming, especially for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a more future-proof option that can handle more demanding games and features at 1440p, the RTX 2060 is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable 1440p gaming experience, the 1660 Super is still a great option.
How does the RTX 2060’s ray tracing performance compare to the 1660 Super?
The RTX 2060’s ray tracing performance is significantly better compared to the 1660 Super, which does not support ray tracing. The RTX 2060’s dedicated RT cores and tensor cores provide a huge boost in ray tracing performance, allowing for more accurate and detailed lighting, reflections, and shadows in games that support ray tracing.
However, it’s worth noting that ray tracing is still a relatively new technology, and not many games currently support it. But for those who want to experience the latest and greatest in graphics technology, the RTX 2060 is the better choice. The 1660 Super, on the other hand, is still a great option for those who don’t need ray tracing and just want a reliable gaming experience.
Is the RTX 2060 worth the upgrade for those who already own a 1660 Super?
For those who already own a 1660 Super, the RTX 2060 might not be the most necessary upgrade, especially if they’re happy with their current gaming experience. The performance difference between the two cards is relatively small, and the 1660 Super can still handle most modern games with ease.
However, if you’re looking for a future-proof option that can handle more demanding games and features, the RTX 2060 might be worth considering. Additionally, if you’re interested in taking advantage of advanced features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, the RTX 2060 is the better option. But if you’re on a tight budget and happy with your current gaming experience, it might not be worth upgrading to the RTX 2060 just yet.