Quick Answer
The Radeon RX 5600 XT and GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER are both mid-range graphics cards from the previous generation, designed for 1080p gaming. The RX 5600 XT generally offers higher performance in many modern titles, while the GTX 1660 SUPER is known for its power efficiency and strong driver support for older games.
Radeon RX 5600 XT vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a graphics card for a PC build often involves comparing options from different manufacturers. The AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER were prominent choices in the mid-range segment, targeting gamers seeking smooth performance at 1920×1080 resolution. This comparison breaks down their specifications, gaming performance, features, and efficiency to help clarify their differences and similarities.
Architecture and Specifications
The underlying technology and core specs of these two GPUs differ significantly, influencing their overall capabilities.
- Radeon RX 5600 XT: Built on AMD’s RDNA 1.0 architecture and a 7nm manufacturing process. It typically features higher core counts, more memory bandwidth, and support for PCIe 4.0.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture (without RT cores) and a 12nm process. It utilizes GDDR6 memory, which was an upgrade over the standard GTX 1660, to improve bandwidth.
The RX 5600 XT’s architectural advantages often translate to higher theoretical compute and texture performance, while the GTX 1660 SUPER’s design prioritizes efficiency.
Gaming Performance
At their target 1080p resolution, both cards are capable, but their performance profiles can vary depending on the game and settings.
- In Modern Titles: The RX 5600 XT typically holds a performance advantage in many DirectX 12 and Vulkan API games, often achieving higher average frame rates at high and ultra settings.
- In Older or Esports Titles: The GTX 1660 SUPER performs very competitively, often matching or coming close to the RX 5600 XT in games like CS:GO, Rainbow Six Siege, or titles using older APIs like DirectX 11.
- Ray Tracing: Neither card is designed for real-time ray tracing. This feature is absent on the GTX 1660 SUPER and is not practically usable on the RX 5600 XT due to its first-generation hardware support.
Features and Technologies
The software ecosystems and exclusive technologies offered by each brand are a key point of differentiation.
- Radeon RX 5600 XT: Supports AMD’s Radeon Image Sharpening (RIS) and FidelityFX Contrast Adaptive Sharpening (CAS). It is also compatible with AMD’s FreeSync technology for variable refresh rate monitors.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Supports NVIDIA’s suite of features including NVIDIA Ansel, Freestyle filters, and Broadcast app functionalities. It is compatible with both G-Sync Compatible (FreeSync) and dedicated G-Sync monitors.
- Streaming: The GTX 1660 SUPER includes a dedicated NVENC encoder, which is generally considered efficient for video encoding in streaming or recording. The RX 5600 XT relies on AMD’s VCE encoder.
Power and Thermals
Power consumption and thermal output can impact system requirements and noise levels.
- Power Draw: The Radeon RX 5600 XT typically has a higher Typical Board Power (TBP), often around 150-160W. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER is more power-efficient, with a TBP around 125W.
- Thermals and Cooling: Actual temperatures and acoustics depend heavily on the specific custom design from board partners (AIBs). Both cards are available with dual or triple-fan coolers. Due to its lower power draw, the GTX 1660 SUPER can often run cooler and quieter on a comparable cooler design.
- PSU Requirement: A quality 450W power supply is typically sufficient for the GTX 1660 SUPER, while a system with an RX 5600 XT may require a 500W or higher unit for stable operation.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Radeon RX 5600 XT | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | RDNA 1.0 (7nm) | Turing (12nm, no RT cores) |
| Stream Processors / CUDA Cores | 2304 | 1408 |
| Boost Clock | Up to ~1620 MHz (varies by AIB) | Up to ~1785 MHz (varies by AIB) |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Typical Board Power (TBP) | ~150-160W | ~125W |
| Key Technologies | FreeSync, RIS, FidelityFX CAS | G-Sync Compatible, NVENC, Ansel |
| Video Outputs | Typically: DisplayPort, HDMI | Typically: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main performance difference between the RX 5600 XT and GTX 1660 SUPER?
The Radeon RX 5600 XT generally provides higher frame rates in modern, demanding games at 1080p resolution, particularly with graphics settings maximized. The GTX 1660 SUPER offers very good 1080p performance with a focus on efficiency and strong support in older or less demanding titles.
Which card is better for streaming?
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER includes NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder, which is typically more efficient and offers better quality at lower bitrates for live streaming compared to the encoder found in the RX 5600 XT. This can reduce the performance impact on the CPU during streams.
Do these cards support ray tracing?
Practically, no. The GTX 1660 SUPER lacks dedicated hardware for ray tracing. While the RX 5600 XT has some initial support through DirectX Raytracing (DXR), its performance is not sufficient for a playable experience with the feature enabled.
Is a FreeSync monitor required for the RX 5600 XT?
No, it is not required, but it is recommended to utilize the card’s variable refresh rate technology. The RX 5600 XT works with monitors that support AMD FreeSync. Many FreeSync monitors are also validated as “G-Sync Compatible” and will work with the GTX 1660 SUPER.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the Radeon RX 5600 XT and GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER highlights a classic trade-off in the graphics card market. The RX 5600 XT generally brings more raw gaming performance to the table for 1080p gaming, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing frame rates in newer games. On the other hand, the GTX 1660 SUPER offers a compelling balance of good performance, lower power consumption, and valuable features like a robust video encoder for content creators. The choice between them often comes down to which combination of performance, feature set, and efficiency aligns more closely with an individual’s specific needs and existing system setup.