The 1660 Super has become one of the most popular mid-range graphics cards for gamers seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and efficiency. Released as part of NVIDIA’s Turing lineup, it offers significant improvements over its predecessors without the higher costs of RTX cards.
Its combination of fast GDDR6 memory and efficient architecture allows for smooth gameplay in modern AAA titles at 1080p and even 1440p resolutions. Additionally, the card’s moderate power consumption and compact design make it suitable for a wide range of PC builds, from budget-friendly setups to mid-tier gaming rigs.
This comprehensive guide explores the architecture, memory configuration, gaming performance, and overall value of the 1660 Super, helping gamers understand why it remains a strong contender in modern gaming setups. With consistent performance in esports and mainstream games, it has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and cost-effective GPUs of its generation.
| Feature | Specification / Detail | Gaming Impact / Benefit | Notes / Recommendation |
| GPU Architecture | NVIDIA Turing (TU116) | Efficient shading, better parallelism | Supports modern gaming engines |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | Handles complex calculations efficiently | Good for 1080p/1440p gaming |
| Base / Boost Clock | 1530 MHz / 1785 MHz | Faster frame rates and responsiveness | Can be slightly overclocked safely |
| Memory Type | 6GB GDDR6 | Higher bandwidth for textures | Upgraded from GDDR5 in standard 1660 |
| Memory Speed / Bus | 14 Gbps / 192-bit | Smooth high-res performance | Reduces stuttering in modern games |
| Effective Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | Quick data access, minimal lag | Supports high-resolution textures |
| Gaming Performance | 1080p ultra / 1440p high-medium | Smooth FPS, competitive Gaming ready | Excellent for mid-range builds |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 125W | Efficient, low heat | Works with standard 450–500W PSU |
| Cooling Options | Dual/triple fan aftermarket designs | Keeps the GPU cool under load | Quieter operation with good airflow |
| Value / Market Position | Near-Ti performance at lower cost | Best mid-range option in 2019 | Balanced price-performance for gamers |
Overview of the 1660 Super
The 1660 Super is designed to offer high-performance Gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions without the premium price tag of NVIDIA’s RTX series. While it does not include hardware-based ray tracing, it excels in traditional rasterized Gaming, making it ideal for competitive and casual gamers alike.
Key highlights include:
- Turing architecture improvements over Pascal GPUs
- Faster GDDR6 memory compared to the standard 1660
- Efficient power consumption and thermal performance
This combination of features makes the 1660 Super a versatile option for mid-range Gaming builds.
Turing Architecture: The Heart of the 1660 Super
NVIDIA’s Turing architecture is the foundation of the 1660 Super and provides several advantages over older Pascal GPUs.
Core Improvements
- CUDA Cores: 1408 cores deliver high parallel processing capability
- Enhanced Shading: Turing introduces concurrent floating-point and integer operations, improving efficiency
- Improved Cache: A larger L1 cache reduces memory latency and boosts performance in modern games
Memory Configuration and Speed
Memory speed and configuration are critical for gaming performance, particularly at higher settings.
GDDR6 Advantage
Unlike the standard 1660, which uses GDDR5 memory, the 1660 Super comes equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 memory. This upgrade provides an effective 14 Gbps bandwidth, faster texture loading in games, and reduced stuttering during intensive scenes, all of which contribute to smoother gameplay.
Memory Interface
The card features a 192-bit memory bus and an effective bandwidth of 336 GB/s. This configuration ensures consistent performance when handling high-resolution textures and modern game engines, allowing the 1660 Super to maintain stable frame rates and responsive gaming experiences even in demanding titles.
Gaming Performance: Real-World Benchmarks
The 1660 Super delivers impressive results in a variety of gaming scenarios.
1080p Gaming
- Most AAA titles run at ultra settings above 60 FPS
- Competitive esports games easily reach 144 FPS or more
- Ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors
1440p Gaming
- High settings are achievable in most modern games
- Slight reduction in FPS compared to 1080p, but still smooth gameplay
- Balanced choice for gamers upgrading from 1080p
Key Takeaways
- Consistently strong performance in popular titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Excellent for both competitive and casual Gaming without breaking the bank
Comparison with Other GPUs
The 1660 Super sits between the standard 1660 and the 1660 Ti in NVIDIA’s lineup.
| GPU Model | CUDA Cores | Memory Type | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Gaming Performance (1080p) | Approx. Price (USD) |
| GTX 1660 | 1408 | GDDR5 6GB | 1530 MHz | 1785 MHz | High | $219 |
| GTX 1660 Super | 1408 | GDDR6 6GB | 1530 MHz | 1785 MHz | Very High | $229 |
| GTX 1660 Ti | 1536 | GDDR6 6GB | 1500 MHz | 1770 MHz | Very High | $279 |
From this comparison, the 1660 Super offers nearly the same performance as the Ti version but at a more affordable price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious gamers.
Thermal Performance and Power Efficiency
Efficiency is a hallmark of the 1660 Super:
- TDP: 125W, which allows it to run on standard 450W–500W power supplies
- Cooling Solutions: Founders Edition and third-party models provide dual or triple-fan designs for better heat dissipation
- Quiet Operation: Many aftermarket cards operate quietly even under heavy load
This makes the 1660 Super a practical choice for compact builds or systems with limited cooling options.
Value and Market Position
The 1660 Super hits a sweet spot in the mid-range GPU market by offering performance close to the 1660 Ti but at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. It is particularly suitable for 1080p high-refresh-rate Gaming and can handle 1440p at medium settings, providing versatility for different gaming setups.
Additionally, strong aftermarket support and widespread availability make it easy to find and customize according to individual needs. For gamers seeking value without compromising modern performance, the 1660 Super represented one of the best options in 2019.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Efficient Turing architecture
- GDDR6 memory boosts bandwidth
- Affordable compared to higher-end models
Cons
- No hardware-based ray tracing
- Slightly lower performance than the 1660 Ti
- Limited future-proofing for 4K gaming
Conclusion
The 1660 Super remains a standout GPU for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid performance at 1080p and even 1440p resolutions. Its combination of Turing architecture, faster GDDR6 memory, and competitive pricing made it one of the most attractive mid-range options in 2019.
While it lacks the ray-tracing capabilities of RTX cards, it delivers smooth frame rates in modern games, efficient power consumption, and decent overclocking potential, solidifying its place as a smart choice for both competitive and casual players.
Want to know about Best CPU For Gaming 2019 Explained: Architecture, Threads, Cache, and Gaming Performance Insights Check out our Tech category.
FAQs
Moderate overclocking can improve frame rates, particularly in CPU-limited scenarios, but proper cooling is essential.
It has a TDP of 125W and works well with a 450W–500W power supply.
No, it lacks hardware-based ray tracing, unlike RTX cards.
Yes, it can run most modern games at high settings with smooth performance, though 1080p remains its optimal resolution.
