Nvidia‘s mid-range Turing-based graphics cards deliver excellent performance for gaming and creative workloads. The RTX 2060 Super and GTX 1660 Super stand out with impressive specs at their price points. But which one is better suited for your needs?
This comprehensive feature comparison aims to help you decide. We‘ll analyze architecture, capabilities, real-world performance, features and other key metrics across these two GPUs so you can determine the right upgrade for achieving the visual fidelity, frame rates and productivity capability you desire.
Nvidia RTX 2060 Super vs GTX 1660 Super: Side-by-Side Specs
Key Takeaways:
- RTX 2060 Super has over 50% more CUDA cores for significantly faster parallel processing performance
- Higher core counts also enable more textures to be processed per second, resulting in smoother visuals
- Extra RT and Tensor cores unlock revolutionary ray tracing and DLSS support
- 50W higher power draw for RTX 2060 Super requires more robust PSUs
Differences in Architecture Design and Impact
Though both GPUs utilize Nvidia‘s advanced Turing architecture for efficient mixed precision compute, the RTX 2060 Super‘s full TU106 GPU unlocks considerably more hardware dedicated to rendering, AI tasks and real-time ray traced effects.
Let‘s break down the architectural differences:
Streaming Multiprocessors: The 34 SMs on the RTX 2060S can run more shader programs simultaneously than the 22 SMs on GTX 1660 Super, boosting frame rates. Think of SMs as mini-CPUs for graphics.
RT Cores: These specialized processing cores enable complex ray tracing calculations essential for realistic lighting and reflections in games. Without dedicated hardware, traditional GPUs struggle to ray trace in real-time.
Tensor Cores: Designed to accelerate neural network training and deep learning inference, these power the DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) feature. DLSS cleverly upscales lower resolution renders using AI while retaining detail and boosting FPS.
Memory: While both GPUs feature latest-gen 14Gbps GDDR6 memory, the larger 8GB buffer on the RTX 2060 Super allows storing higher resolution textures for better visuals. Some games now need >6GB VRAM for max settings.
Clearly the RTX 2060 Super architecture unlocks substantially more rendering, ray tracing and AI-powered graphics features. But how does this translate into real-world game performance?
Gaming Benchmarks – Where the Rubber Meets the Road!
Benchmark data from trusted sources shows the RTX 2060 Super comfortably outperforming the GTX 1660 Super in modern games. The higher core counts directly boost frame rates across resolutions.
Interestingly, we also see great examples of how DLSS can magnify performance benefits.
For instance, Hardware Unboxed testing shows the RTX 2060 Super delivering 87 FPS on Shadow of the Tomb Raider at Ultra settings, 2560 x 1440 resolution with DLSS enabled. By contrast, the GTX 1660S managed only 52 FPS here. A whopping 68% performance advantage for the RTX card!
And remember, this was with a lower 1440p base resolution being upscaled intelligently to full native res. So you still get crisp visuals but with way higher frame rates.
We see similar trends across many popular titles. The RT and Tensor cores certainly pull their weight!
Ray Tracing and DLSS Support
The dedicated ray tracing hardware unlocks granular light and shadow effects, accurately simulating how light behaves in the real world. This adds greater depth, texture and realism to game visuals. Ray traced reflections, shadows and global illumination take graphics fidelity to the next level.
DLSS leverages AI training on supercomputers to intelligently upscale lower rendered resolutions to full native resolution while maintaining crisp image quality. This gives a free performance boost allowing faster frame rates without compromising visuals.
Both these groundbreaking features are exclusive to Nvidia‘s RTX graphics cards. So the RTX 2060 Super enjoys a big advantage here over the GTX 1660 Super.
Memory and Interface
While 6GB is currently sufficient for smooth 1080p gaming, having 50% more video memory headroom with the RTX 2060 Super‘s 8GB buffer future-proofs it for more demanding titles. Some recent games already need over 6GB VRAM for maxed settings at 1440p or 4K resolution.
The wider 256-bit memory interface also offers double the bandwidth compared to the 192-bit bus on the GTX 1660 Super. Together with the faster unified memory architecture in Turing GPUs, this enables rapid asset streaming essential for complex emerging game engines.
Aftermarket Cards and Acoustics
Aftermarket cards from AIB partners often tweak Nvidia‘s reference specs to improve thermal design and acoustics. Many custom RTX 2060 Super and GTX 1660 Super models run cooler, quieter and can sustain higher clock speeds.
For example, the ASUS Dual RTX 2060 Super EVO OC features a large heatsink with dual fans that operate quieter under load. Similarly, their Dual GTX 1660 Super OC sports an improved cooling solution ideal for compact cases.
I recommend opting for well-reviewed custom models with strong thermal design if low noise operation is important to you.
Power Draw and PSU Requirements
The RTX 2060 Super has a higher 175W TDP rating compared to the 125W rating for the GTX 1660 Super. Consequently, system power draw is higher and you‘ll need a beefier power supply for the RTX card.
Aim for a high-quality 550W 80+ Gold PSU to adequately feed the RTX 2060 Super. Meanwhile, the 1660 Super can work well even with a 450W 80+ Bronze unit.
Having sufficient power headroom allows components to run safely while delivering full performance. This prevents stability issues like random crashes or throttling under heavy gaming loads.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Thanks to next-gen features like hardware ray tracing and DLSS coupled with substantially faster specs, the RTX 2060 Super clearly provides superior performance and greater future-proofing compared to the GTX 1660 Super.
However, with street prices hovering around $250, the 1660 Super does offer decent 1080p prowess at a more palatable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
Ultimately, the RTX 2060 Super wins out as the more powerful and versatile option for both gaming and creative workflows like video editing or 3D modeling. And with careful shopping, prices under $400 are possible.
That‘s still excellent value given all the visual splendor and buttery smooth frame rates it enables!
Conclusion – Which Should You Buy?
If you seek strong 1080p gaming performance but don‘t require ray tracing or DLSS capabilities, the GTX 1660 Super is a cost-effective choice.
However, most gamers and creators will benefit greatly from the RTX 2060 Super‘s beefier specs, advanced features, 1440p gaming muscle and future-proof design.
I recommend the RTX 2060 Super as your best bet thanks to noticeable real-world performance gains over the GTX 1660 Super in both traditional and ray traced workloads.
Prioritize custom models like the ASUS Dual OC for lower noise and better cooling. This puts you in a great position to enjoy AAA titles with maxed settings and buttery smooth frame rates.
You‘ll also have capacity to create gaming or 3D content while future-proofing yourself for the emerging world of photorealistic ray traced graphics!
FAQs:
Q: Which GPU offers better dollar per frame value?
A: The RTX 2060 Super gives you substantially higher FPS for just a slightly higher cost, making it better value.
Q: Can the GTX 1660 Super do ray tracing?
A: No. Lacking dedicated RT cores, it cannot accelerate real-time ray tracing effects in games. Only RTX cards support hardware-based ray tracing.
I welcome your feedback in the comments! Please share if you found this comparison helpful for your purchase decision.
