Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 SUPER are both capable 1080p gaming GPUs from a similar generation. The primary difference is that the RTX 2060 offers dedicated ray tracing hardware and DLSS support, typically resulting in higher performance, while the GTX 1660 SUPER is generally a more budget-focused option without those features.
GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a graphics card often involves balancing performance, features, and value. The GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, released within months of each other, represent two distinct tiers within the same generation. This comparison will break down their architectural differences, gaming performance, feature sets, and typical use cases to help clarify which card might align better with specific needs, particularly for 1080p gaming.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The underlying architecture is a key differentiator between these two models. While both are based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, the implementation and feature sets vary significantly.
- RTX 2060: Utilizes the TU106 GPU die. Its defining characteristic is the inclusion of dedicated RT Cores for real-time ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI-driven technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
- GTX 1660 SUPER: Based on the TU116 die, this card omits the RT and Tensor Cores. Its focus is on traditional rasterization performance, offering a streamlined architecture for its performance class.
- VRAM: Both cards typically feature 6GB of GDDR6 memory, though the RTX 2060 often has a wider memory bus (192-bit vs. 192-bit) and higher memory bandwidth, which can benefit performance at higher resolutions or with detailed textures.
Gaming Performance
In traditional rasterized gaming (without ray tracing), the performance gap varies by title and settings.
- 1080p Gaming: The RTX 2060 typically holds a performance advantage, often ranging from 10% to 25% faster than the GTX 1660 SUPER in many games at high to ultra settings. This makes it more suitable for targeting higher refresh rates (e.g., 144Hz).
- 1440p Gaming: While not their primary target, the RTX 2060 is generally more capable of handling 1440p gaming at medium to high settings in many titles. The GTX 1660 SUPER is usually best suited for 1080p.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: This is the RTX 2060’s exclusive domain. It can handle ray-traced effects at 1080p, especially when paired with DLSS for a performance boost. The GTX 1660 SUPER cannot perform real-time ray tracing and does not support DLSS.
Features and Technologies
The feature set is where the “RTX” versus “GTX” naming becomes most apparent.
- Ray Tracing: Exclusive to the RTX 2060. This technology simulates realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.
- DLSS: Exclusive to the RTX 2060. This AI-powered feature can render games at a lower resolution and upscale them, providing higher frame rates with minimal image quality loss in supported titles.
- NVENC Encoder: Both cards feature an efficient hardware encoder for video streaming and recording, though the RTX 2060’s encoder is a slightly newer revision.
- VR Readiness: Both are technically capable of VR, but the RTX 2060’s higher performance typically provides a more comfortable and consistent experience.
Power and Thermal Considerations
These factors can influence case selection and power supply requirements.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The RTX 2060 generally has a higher TDP (around 160-175W) compared to the GTX 1660 SUPER (around 125W). This translates to higher power consumption under load.
- Cooling & Form Factor: Due to its higher power draw, the RTX 2060 often requires more robust cooling solutions. Both cards were available in dual-fan designs from board partners, but the RTX 2060 models can be slightly larger on average.
- Power Connectors: The RTX 2060 typically requires a single 8-pin PCIe power connector, while the GTX 1660 SUPER often uses a single 6-pin or 8-pin connector.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 2060 | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Turing (TU106) | Turing (TU116) |
| RT Cores | Yes (for Ray Tracing) | No |
| Tensor Cores | Yes (for DLSS/AI) | No |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Typical Gaming Performance (1080p) | Higher frame rates, can enable RTX features | Good for High/Ultra settings, no RTX |
| Key Features | Real-time Ray Tracing, DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex | Traditional Rasterization, NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC) |
| Typical TDP | ~160-175W | ~125W |
| Typical Power Connector | 1x 8-pin | 1x 6-pin or 8-pin |
| Primary Use Case | High-refresh 1080p, 1440p entry, Ray Tracing exploration | Budget-friendly 1080p gaming at High settings |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 SUPER?
The main difference is the inclusion of dedicated RT and Tensor Cores in the RTX 2060, enabling real-time ray tracing and DLSS support. The GTX 1660 SUPER lacks these specific hardware units and focuses solely on traditional rasterization performance.
Can the GTX 1660 SUPER run ray tracing?
No, it cannot. Real-time ray tracing requires the dedicated RT Cores found only in RTX-series cards. While some very basic ray tracing effects can be run via software emulation on GTX cards, the performance impact is typically too severe for practical gaming.
Which card is better for 1080p 144Hz gaming?
The RTX 2060 is generally more capable of consistently achieving higher frame rates to take full advantage of a 144Hz monitor in demanding titles. The GTX 1660 SUPER can reach high frame rates in well-optimized or less demanding games.
Is the performance difference worth it?
This depends on individual priorities. If access to ray tracing, DLSS in supported games, and higher overall performance is valued, the RTX 2060 typically offers more. If the goal is straightforward 1080p gaming at high settings without those specific features, the GTX 1660 SUPER has often represented a strong value proposition.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 2060 and GTX 1660 SUPER serve different segments of the gaming market. The RTX 2060 provides a more forward-looking feature set with ray tracing and DLSS, coupled with higher traditional performance, making it suitable for gamers interested in newer graphical technologies or higher refresh rates. The GTX 1660 SUPER, by omitting those specialized cores, typically positioned itself as a cost-effective solution for high-fidelity 1080p gaming without the extras. The choice between them hinges on the importance of next-generation features versus a focus on core rasterization performance within a specific budget.