Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 4060 and GTX 1660 SUPER are graphics cards from different generations, offering distinct performance tiers. The RTX 4060 provides significantly more advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS 3, while the GTX 1660 SUPER remains a capable option for traditional rasterization performance in its class.
GeForce RTX 4060 vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing the GeForce RTX 4060 and the GTX 1660 SUPER highlights the evolution of graphics technology over several years. This comparison is useful for users considering an upgrade or building a new system within a specific budget, as it illustrates the differences in architecture, feature sets, and performance capabilities between a current-generation and a previous-generation card. Readers will learn about the key specifications, gaming performance, and unique technologies that define each GPU.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental technologies behind these two GPUs are separated by multiple generations, leading to substantial differences in their design and efficiency.
- RTX 4060: Based on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, it is built on a more advanced manufacturing process. It features dedicated AI Tensor Cores and third-generation RT Cores for ray tracing acceleration.
- GTX 1660 SUPER: Utilizes the older Turing architecture but lacks the dedicated RT and Tensor Cores found in RTX-branded cards. Its performance is focused on traditional rasterized graphics.
- VRAM: Both cards typically feature 8GB of GDDR6 memory, though the RTX 4060 uses a narrower memory bus. Its architecture includes a larger L2 cache to help mitigate potential bandwidth limitations in many scenarios.
Gaming Performance and Features
This is where the generational gap becomes most apparent, not just in raw frame rates but in the availability of modern gaming technologies.
- Rasterization Performance: The RTX 4060 generally offers higher frame rates in games that do not use ray tracing. The performance uplift varies by title and resolution but is typically noticeable at 1080p and 1440p.
- Ray Tracing and DLSS: This is a defining difference. The RTX 4060 supports real-time ray tracing and DLSS 3 (which includes Frame Generation). The GTX 1660 SUPER does not have hardware for ray tracing and only supports the original version of DLSS in a limited number of titles, lacking Frame Generation entirely.
- Power Efficiency: Due to its more advanced architecture, the RTX 4060 often delivers its higher performance at a similar or lower power draw than the GTX 1660 SUPER, which can be a consideration for system builds.
Display and Connectivity
Both cards support modern display standards, but the RTX 4060 includes support for newer technologies.
- Outputs: Both cards typically feature multiple DisplayPort and HDMI outputs. The specific versions may differ, with the RTX 4060 generally supporting newer standards like HDMI 2.1, which allows for higher resolutions and refresh rates on compatible displays.
- Technologies: The RTX 4060 supports NVIDIA Reflex, which can reduce system latency in games, and is more likely to receive ongoing driver optimizations for new titles.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Turing |
| Manufacturing Process | More advanced (e.g., 5nm) | Older process (e.g., 12nm) |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 3rd Generation RT Cores | Not Available |
| Tensor Cores / AI | 4th Generation Tensor Cores | Not Available |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 3 (with Frame Generation) | DLSS 1 (Limited support) |
| VRAM (Typical) | 8GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| PCI Express Interface | PCIe 4.0 x8 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Key Gaming Technologies | Ray Tracing, DLSS 3, NVIDIA Reflex | Traditional Rasterization |
| Typical Use Case | 1080p/1440p gaming with high settings and modern features | 1080p gaming with medium to high settings |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RTX 4060 and GTX 1660 SUPER?
The primary differences are architectural. The RTX 4060 is based on the newer Ada Lovelace architecture and includes dedicated hardware for ray tracing (RT Cores) and AI acceleration (Tensor Cores), enabling features like DLSS 3. The GTX 1660 SUPER uses the older Turing architecture and lacks this dedicated hardware.
Can the GTX 1660 SUPER run ray tracing?
No, the GTX 1660 SUPER does not have the dedicated RT Cores required for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. While some games may allow it to attempt ray tracing via software, the performance impact is typically too severe for a playable experience.
Is the RTX 4060 worth the upgrade from a GTX 1660 SUPER?
This depends on your goals. If you want to enable ray tracing, use DLSS Frame Generation in supported games, or achieve higher frame rates at 1080p and 1440p, the upgrade can offer a significant improvement. For maintaining current 1080p performance, the necessity may be less urgent.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The RTX 4060, thanks to its more advanced architecture and manufacturing process, generally delivers higher performance at a similar or lower power draw compared to the GTX 1660 SUPER.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 4060 and GTX 1660 SUPER cater to different segments and eras of PC gaming. The RTX 4060 represents the current standard with its support for advanced lighting, AI-powered performance scaling, and greater efficiency. The GTX 1660 SUPER remains a testament to solid rasterization performance for its time. The choice between them hinges on the value placed on modern gaming features like ray tracing and DLSS 3, balanced against performance expectations and typical use cases.