Quick Answer
The Radeon RX 580 and GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER are both capable 1080p gaming graphics cards, but they are from different generations. The GTX 1660 SUPER typically offers better performance and significantly improved power efficiency. The RX 580, however, often provides a higher amount of video memory.
Radeon RX 580 vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a graphics card for a gaming PC often involves comparing options from different generations and architectures. The AMD Radeon RX 580 and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER are two popular choices for budget-conscious gamers targeting smooth 1080p gameplay. This comparison breaks down their specifications, performance, and features to help clarify their key differences and similarities, providing a clearer picture of where each card stands.
Architecture and Specifications
The fundamental technologies behind these two cards are quite distinct, influencing their performance and efficiency.
- Radeon RX 580: Based on AMD’s older “Polaris” architecture, this card is built on a 14nm manufacturing process. It typically features 8GB of GDDR5 memory across a 256-bit bus.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Built on NVIDIA’s more modern “Turing” architecture (without RT cores), it utilizes a 12nm process. It generally comes with 6GB of faster GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus.
The architectural difference means the GTX 1660 SUPER can handle newer graphical instructions more efficiently, which often translates to better performance per watt.
Gaming Performance
In terms of raw frame rates, there is a noticeable generational gap between these two models.
- 1080p Gaming: The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER generally delivers higher average frame rates across a wide range of modern games compared to the RX 580. The performance difference can be around 20-35% in many titles, depending on the game’s optimization.
- Memory Consideration: While the RX 580 has more memory (8GB vs. 6GB), the GTX 1660 SUPER’s GDDR6 is faster. For most current games at 1080p, 6GB is typically sufficient, but the extra VRAM on the RX 580 can be beneficial for some heavily modded games or titles with very high-resolution textures.
- Driver Overhead: NVIDIA’s drivers have traditionally exhibited lower CPU overhead in certain API scenarios (like DirectX 11), which can be an advantage in CPU-limited situations.
Power, Heat, and Features
Efficiency and additional software features are areas where the generational difference is pronounced.
- Power Consumption: The GTX 1660 SUPER is notably more power-efficient. Its typical board power is around 125W, while the RX 580 can draw 185W or more under load. This means lower heat output and potentially smaller power supply requirements for the GTX 1660 SUPER.
- Software Features: NVIDIA’s Turing architecture introduced features like concurrent integer and floating-point execution, which improves gaming performance. It also supports NVIDIA’s encoder (NVENC) for efficient video streaming and recording. The RX 580 supports AMD’s features like Radeon Image Sharpening and FreeSync for variable refresh rate monitors.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Radeon RX 580 | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Polaris (14nm) | Turing (12nm) |
| Video Memory (VRAM) | 8 GB GDDR5 | 6 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Typical Board Power | ~185 W | ~125 W |
| Key Gaming Performance | Good for 1080p Medium-High settings | Good for 1080p High-Ultra settings |
| Notable Technologies | FreeSync Support, Radeon Image Sharpening | NVENC Encoder, Adaptive Shading, FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible |
| DirectX / API Support | DirectX 12, Vulkan | DirectX 12 Ultimate (Feature Level 12_1), Vulkan |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the RX 580 and GTX 1660 SUPER?
The primary differences lie in their architecture and efficiency. The GTX 1660 SUPER is based on a newer, more efficient architecture (Turing) that typically provides better gaming performance and lower power consumption than the older Polaris-based RX 580.
Is the RX 580’s 8GB VRAM better than the 1660 SUPER’s 6GB?
Having more VRAM can be advantageous for games that use very high-resolution textures or for certain productivity tasks. However, for most 1080p gaming scenarios, the GTX 1660 SUPER’s faster GDDR6 memory often compensates for its lower capacity, and 6GB is generally considered adequate.
Which card runs cooler and quieter?
Due to its significantly lower power draw, the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER typically generates less heat. This often allows it to run cooler and quieter than the Radeon RX 580, assuming both use similar cooler designs from their respective manufacturers.
Do both cards support ray tracing?
No. Neither the Radeon RX 580 nor the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER have dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing. Ray tracing is a feature found on newer generations of graphics cards, like NVIDIA’s RTX series and AMD’s RX 6000 series and later.
Final Thoughts
The Radeon RX 580 and GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER represent two different eras of budget gaming graphics. The RX 580 remains a viable option with its larger frame buffer, often found at a lower cost in many markets. The GTX 1660 SUPER, as the newer and more architecturally advanced card, generally offers a tangible step up in gaming performance and a substantial advantage in power efficiency. The choice between them often comes down to balancing current availability, specific performance needs for certain games, and considerations for system power consumption.