GTX 1660 Super- Best Budget GPU For Gaming?

In the fast-paced world of gaming hardware, the choice of graphics card can significantly impact your gaming experience. With options like the GTX 1660 SUPER, RTX 3050, and RX 6600 available, making an informed decision becomes crucial. Let’s explore whether the GTX 1660 SUPER, despite its age, remains a viable contender in 2024 compared to its newer counterparts.

GTX 1660 SUPER vs RX 6600: Choosing the Best GPU for Gaming in 2024

• GTX 1660 Super
• RTX 3050
• RX 6600

GTX 1660 SUPER Overview

The GTX 1660 SUPER from GALAX, powered by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 chipset and 6 GB of GDDR6 RAM, continues to attract gamers with its reliable performance. Clocking at 1800 MHz, it supports DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI outputs, making it versatile for various display setups.

GTX 1660 SUPER: Features and Specifications

• Graphics Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER.
• Memory: 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM.
• Clock Speed: 1800 MHz.
• Memory Speed: 14 Gbps.
• Interface: PCI Express 3.0.
• Outputs: DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI.
• Power Consumption: 125 Watts.
• Cooling System: Typically equipped with dual-fan cooling solutions.
• Features: Capable of running modern AAA games at medium to high settings with stable frame rates.
• Compatibility: Supports Windows 10 64-bit and Linux 64-bit operating systems.
• Manufacturer: Various, including GALAX, ASUS, MSI, etc.
• Country of Origin: Various, depending on manufacturer.

Reasons to Buy GTX 1660 SUPER:

1. Proven Performance: It handles AAA titles smoothly, offering consistent frame rates at medium to high settings.
2. Affordable: Priced competitively, it provides value for budget-conscious gamers who want solid performance without breaking the bank.
3. Low Power Consumption: Requires less power (14W) compared to newer models, making it suitable for systems with lower PSU capacities.

Reasons to Avoid GTX 1660 SUPER:

1. Aging Architecture: Being from the previous generation, it lacks the latest features and optimizations found in newer GPUs.
2. Limited Ray Tracing Support: While capable of some ray tracing effects, it doesn’t offer the full experience like newer RTX cards.

RTX 3050 Comparison

The MSI GeForce RTX 3050 offers modern features like ray tracing support and improved memory bandwidth, appealing to gamers looking for more future-proofing at a slightly higher price point.

MSI GeForce RTX 3050: Features and Specifications

• Graphics Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050.
• Memory: 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM, 96-bit memory bus width.
• Clock Speed: Base Clock: 1400 MHz, Boost Clock: Up to 1492 MHz.
• Memory Speed: 14 Gbps.
• Interface: PCI Express 4.0.
• Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (supports up to 4K@120Hz).
• Power Requirements: Minimum system power requirement: 300 Watts.
• Cooling System: Dual-fan cooling for efficient heat dissipation.
• Features: Supports real-time ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS, and AI-powered upscaling.
• Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 10 64-bit and Linux 64-bit OS.
• Manufacturer: MSI (Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.)
• Country of Origin: China

Reasons to Buy RTX 3050:

1. Ray Tracing and DLSS: Enhanced visual fidelity with ray tracing and AI-powered DLSS technology for smoother gameplay.
2. Higher Clock Speeds: Boosts up to 1492 MHz and faster memory clocks (14 Gbps) ensure better performance in demanding titles.
3. Efficiency: Despite its capabilities, it maintains a reasonable power consumption profile (300W PSU requirement).

Reasons to Avoid RTX 3050:

1. Price: Costs more than the GTX 1660 SUPER, making it less appealing for those on a strict budget.
2. Availability: Depending on market conditions, availability can be limited compared to older models like the GTX 1660 SUPER.

RX 6600 Overview

The ASUS Dual Radeon RX 6600 features 8 GB of GDDR6 RAM and PCIe 4.0 support, offering high bandwidth and future compatibility with upcoming games.

ASUS Dual Radeon RX 6600: Features and Specifications

• Graphics Chipset: AMD Radeon RX 6600.
• Memory: 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM.
• Clock Speed: Up to 2491 MHz Boost Clock, up to 2044 MHz Game Clock.
• Memory Speed: 16 Gbps.
• Interface: PCI Express 4.0.
• Outputs: HDMI 2.1.
• Power Requirements: Minimum 500W PSU recommended.
• Cooling System: Dual-fan cooling for effective heat dissipation.
• Features: Supports PCIe 4.0 for high-speed data transfer, ideal for future-proofing.
• Compatibility: Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Manufacturer: ASUS.
• Country of Origin: China.

Reasons to Buy RX 6600:

1. High Performance: Capable of running modern games at high settings with excellent frame rates due to its powerful GPU clocked at up to 2044 MHz.
2. Future Proofing: PCIe 4.0 support ensures compatibility with future hardware upgrades and optimizations.

Reasons to Avoid RX 6600:

1. Higher Price: Slightly more expensive than both the GTX 1660 SUPER and RTX 3050, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
2. Power Requirements: Requires a minimum 500W PSU, potentially limiting its use in older systems.

Conclusion

Choosing between the GTX 1660 SUPER, RTX 3050, and RX 6600 depends on your budget, performance needs, and future-proofing considerations. While the GTX 1660 SUPER remains a solid choice for budget gamers looking for reliable performance, those seeking advanced features and higher graphical fidelity may find the RTX 3050 or RX 6600 more appealing despite the higher cost. Assess your priorities and gaming setup to make the best decision for your gaming rig in 2024.