Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER is a newer generation card that typically offers performance comparable to or slightly better than the older GTX 1060 6GB. The key differences lie in their architecture, with the 1650 SUPER featuring a more modern design, support for newer technologies like GDDR6 memory, and generally lower power consumption.
GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER vs GeForce GTX 1060: Full Comparison
Introduction
When considering graphics cards for a PC build or upgrade, comparing models from different generations can be a common scenario. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB was a highly popular choice for mainstream gaming for several years, while the GTX 1650 SUPER arrived later as a refresh in the entry-level to mid-range segment. This comparison aims to break down their specifications, performance, and features to help clarify where each card stands. We’ll examine their architectures, gaming capabilities, and other technical aspects to provide a clear picture of their differences and similarities.
Architecture and Specifications
The fundamental difference between these two GPUs is their underlying architecture. This affects not just raw performance, but also efficiency and support for modern features.
- GTX 1060 (Pascal): Based on the older Pascal architecture (GP106 chip), the 6GB model features 1280 CUDA cores. It utilizes GDDR5 memory.
- GTX 1650 SUPER (Turing): Built on the newer Turing architecture (TU116 chip), it contains 1280 CUDA cores but with architectural improvements. A significant upgrade is its use of faster GDDR6 memory.
- Memory & Bus: Both cards have a 192-bit memory bus. However, the 1650 SUPER’s GDDR6 memory offers higher bandwidth, which can improve performance in memory-intensive tasks.
- Power Draw: The GTX 1650 SUPER is generally more power-efficient, with a typical board power of 100W, compared to 120W for the GTX 1060. This can be a consideration for smaller or older power supplies.
Gaming Performance
In real-world gaming, the performance of these two cards is often quite close, with the outcome varying by title and resolution.
- 1080p Gaming: At 1920×1080 resolution, both cards are capable of running many modern games at medium to high settings. The GTX 1650 SUPER typically matches or slightly outperforms the GTX 1060 6GB in a majority of titles, thanks to its more efficient architecture and faster memory.
- Older vs. Newer Titles: The GTX 1060 may hold up well in older games designed during its peak. The 1650 SUPER can sometimes show a more pronounced advantage in newer games that can leverage its architectural tweaks.
- Feature Support: The Turing architecture in the 1650 SUPER includes support for concurrent execution of integer and floating-point operations, which can improve performance in certain game engines. It also has a dedicated NVENC encoder that is more efficient for video recording and streaming compared to the encoder in the GTX 1060.
Features and Technologies
Beyond raw frame rates, the feature set supported by each GPU is an important consideration.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: It’s important to note that neither of these cards contains dedicated RT (Ray Tracing) cores or Tensor cores for DLSS. While they can run some games with ray tracing enabled via software, the performance impact is typically very high and not recommended for playable frame rates.
- Video Encoding (NVENC): As mentioned, the GTX 1650 SUPER includes a newer, 7th-generation NVENC encoder that provides better quality and efficiency for streaming and video capture compared to the 6th-generation encoder in the GTX 1060.
- Display Outputs: Output configurations can vary by the specific card model from board partners, but both typically support multiple DisplayPort and HDMI outputs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER | GeForce GTX 1060 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (TU116) | Pascal (GP106) |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1280 |
| Base / Boost Clock | 1530 MHz / 1725 MHz (typical) | 1506 MHz / 1708 MHz (typical) |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| Typical Board Power | 100W | 120W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 400W |
| NVENC Encoder | 7th Gen (Turing) | 6th Gen (Pascal) |
| DirectX Support | 12 Ultimate (Feature Level 12_1) | 12 (Feature Level 12_1) |
| VR Ready | Yes (with performance considerations) | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the GTX 1650 SUPER better than the GTX 1060?
In most gaming benchmarks, the GTX 1650 SUPER performs at a level comparable to or slightly above the GTX 1060 6GB. It also has advantages in power efficiency and a newer video encoder.
Does the GTX 1060’s 6GB of VRAM give it an advantage over the 1650 SUPER’s 4GB?
In some modern games with very high-resolution textures or at resolutions above 1080p, the extra VRAM can be beneficial and may prevent stuttering. For standard 1080p gaming, 4GB is generally sufficient for most titles, though settings may need adjustment in the most demanding games.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER is typically more power-efficient, with a lower typical board power requirement (100W vs 120W). This can make it a suitable choice for systems with less robust power supplies.
Can either of these cards handle ray tracing?
Technically, they can run games with ray tracing enabled through software emulation, as they support DirectX Raytracing (DXR) Tier 1.0. However, the performance penalty is severe, resulting in very low frame rates. For practical, playable ray tracing, a card with dedicated RT cores (like an RTX series GPU) is recommended.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER and GTX 1060 6GB occupy a similar performance tier, making the choice between them nuanced. The 1650 SUPER benefits from a newer architecture, faster GDDR6 memory, and better power efficiency. The GTX 1060, while older, offers more VRAM which can be a factor in certain scenarios. The decision often comes down to availability, specific pricing in your region, and whether features like the improved NVENC encoder are important for your use case. Both remain capable options for 1080p gaming, and understanding their technical differences is key to making an informed choice based on individual needs.