Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 SUPER are closely matched graphics cards from the same generation. The GTX 1660 Ti typically offers slightly higher performance, while the GTX 1660 SUPER provides a strong balance of performance and value, often closing the gap with its faster memory.
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
For users building or upgrading a mid-range gaming PC, the choice between the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER can be a close one. Both cards are based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and were positioned to deliver strong 1080p gaming performance. This comparison breaks down their specifications, performance, and features to help clarify the differences between these two similar GPUs, explaining where one might have an edge over the other.
Architecture and Core Specifications
Both graphics cards share the same foundational Turing architecture but differ in their core configuration and memory subsystem.
- GPU Core: The GTX 1660 Ti utilizes the TU116-400-A1 chip, while the GTX 1660 SUPER uses the TU116-300-A1. The Ti variant generally has more CUDA cores (1536 vs. 1408).
- Memory: This is a key differentiator. The GTX 1660 SUPER is equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, a significant upgrade over the standard GTX 1660’s GDDR5. The GTX 1660 Ti also has 6GB of GDDR6.
- Memory Speed: The SUPER variant takes the lead here with a 14 Gbps memory speed compared to the Ti’s 12 Gbps, giving it a higher memory bandwidth.
- Boost Clock: Reference boost clocks are similar, with minor variations that are often overshadowed by factory overclocks from board partners.
Gaming Performance
In real-world gaming, the performance delta is typically narrow, varying by title and settings.
- 1080p Gaming: The GTX 1660 Ti usually holds a single-digit percentage lead in average frame rates across many games. The difference is often between 5-10%, which may not be noticeable in all scenarios.
- Role of Faster Memory: The GTX 1660 SUPER’s faster GDDR6 memory helps it perform closer to the Ti than its core count suggests, especially in games that are more memory-bandwidth sensitive.
- Game Settings: Both cards are well-suited for high-to-ultra settings at 1080p resolution. For 1440p gaming, settings often need to be adjusted to medium or high for a stable experience on both.
Features and Technologies
As part of the same GTX 16-series family, both cards share a common feature set.
- Turing NVENC Encoder: Both include the improved hardware encoder, which is beneficial for video streaming or recording with minimal performance impact.
- Ray Tracing and DLSS: Notably, these are GTX cards and lack dedicated RT (Ray Tracing) and Tensor cores. They do not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing or DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
- Display Outputs: Output configurations (like DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI) are determined by the specific card model from the manufacturer, not the GPU itself.
Power, Thermals, and Design
These aspects are more influenced by the specific card model and cooler design than the GPU chip itself.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): Both have a similar TDP, generally around 120-125 watts. Power consumption under load is comparable.
- Cooling Solutions: Thermal and acoustic performance depends heavily on the custom cooler design (dual-fan, triple-fan, or single-fan) chosen by the board partner.
- Form Factor: Most models for both cards use a dual-slot design. The length of the card can vary, so checking dimensions for a specific model is important for case compatibility.
Comparison Table: GTX 1660 Ti vs GTX 1660 SUPER
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Turing (TU116-400-A1) | Turing (TU116-300-A1) |
| CUDA Cores | 1536 | 1408 |
| Base / Boost Clock | ~1500 MHz / ~1770 MHz (Reference) | ~1530 MHz / ~1785 MHz (Reference) |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 12 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 288 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | ~120W | ~125W |
| NVENC Encoder | Yes (7th Gen) | Yes (7th Gen) |
| Ray Tracing Cores | No | No |
| Typical Performance Target | 1080p Ultra, 1440p Medium-High | 1080p Ultra, 1440p Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 SUPER?
The primary differences lie in the core count and memory speed. The GTX 1660 Ti has more CUDA cores, while the GTX 1660 SUPER uses faster GDDR6 memory (14 Gbps vs. 12 Gbps), which gives it higher memory bandwidth.
Which card generally offers better performance?
The GTX 1660 Ti typically provides slightly higher frame rates in games, often by a margin of 5-10% at 1080p resolution. However, the performance gap is narrow, and the 1660 SUPER can match or come very close in some titles due to its faster memory.
Do these cards support ray tracing?
No. As part of the GTX 16-series, both the 1660 Ti and 1660 SUPER lack dedicated hardware (RT Cores) for real-time ray tracing. While some ray tracing effects can be enabled via software, the performance impact is typically very high and not practical for gaming.
Are these cards suitable for 1440p gaming?
They can handle 1440p gaming, but settings will usually need to be adjusted from ‘Ultra’ to ‘High’ or ‘Medium’ in more demanding modern games to maintain smooth frame rates. They are primarily considered strong 1080p gaming cards.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 SUPER represent two closely positioned options in the same performance tier. The GTX 1660 Ti maintains a slight performance advantage due to its higher core count, making it the theoretically faster option. The GTX 1660 SUPER counters with its significantly faster memory, which narrows the performance gap considerably and often made it a compelling value proposition when both were widely available. The choice historically came down to the specific pricing and availability in a given region, as the real-world difference for a user is often minimal. Both remain capable options for 1080p gaming, with the decision ultimately resting on which card delivers the necessary performance within a specific context.