Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and the GeForce GTX 1070 are graphics cards from different generations with comparable performance. The GTX 1660 SUPER is a newer, more power-efficient card based on the Turing architecture, while the older GTX 1070, based on Pascal, typically offers slightly better performance in some titles and more VRAM.
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER vs GeForce GTX 1070: Full Comparison
Introduction
When looking for capable 1080p gaming graphics cards, the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and the GeForce GTX 1070 are two models that often appear in similar performance conversations despite their generational gap. This comparison is useful for users considering options in the used or previous-generation market, or those evaluating the trade-offs between newer architecture and previous-generation flagship performance. This article will break down their specifications, architectural differences, gaming performance, and features to help clarify their positions.
Architecture and Specifications
The core difference between these two GPUs lies in their underlying architecture and the technology available at their respective launches.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: This card is built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture (12nm process) but lacks dedicated RT (Ray Tracing) and Tensor cores found in the RTX series. It utilizes GDDR6 memory, which provides a significant bandwidth advantage over standard GDDR5.
- GeForce GTX 1070: Based on the older Pascal architecture (16nm process), this was a high-performance option in its generation. It features more VRAM and a wider memory bus, but uses the older GDDR5 memory technology.
The architectural advancements in Turing generally provide better performance per clock and improved power efficiency, even without the specialized cores for ray tracing.
Gaming Performance
In real-world gaming, the performance between these two cards is often close, with variations depending on the game and resolution.
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards are considered excellent for 1080p gaming at high to ultra settings. The GTX 1070 typically holds a small lead in many titles, often in the range of 5-10%, due to its higher number of CUDA cores and wider memory bus.
- 1440p Gaming: At 1440p, the GTX 1070’s 8GB of VRAM can provide an advantage in games that use more texture memory, helping to maintain more consistent frame rates compared to the 6GB on the 1660 SUPER.
- Game Optimization: Newer games that are optimized for Turing’s architecture may see the GTX 1660 SUPER perform closer to or even match the GTX 1070 in certain scenarios.
Features and Technologies
Beyond raw performance, the feature sets of these GPUs reflect their generational differences.
- NVENC Encoder: The GTX 1660 SUPER features a newer, more efficient NVENC encoder (Turing-based) which is beneficial for video recording and streaming with less impact on game performance.
- Power Efficiency: The GTX 1660 SUPER, built on a more refined process, generally has a lower Thermal Design Power (TDP). This can result in lower heat output and potentially quieter cooler designs.
- Driver Support: While both cards receive driver updates, newer architectures like Turing may see longer-term support and optimization for future game releases.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER | GeForce GTX 1070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Pascal (16nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 1920 |
| Base / Boost Clock | 1530 MHz / 1785 MHz | 1506 MHz / 1683 MHz |
| VRAM | 6 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 256 GB/s |
| TDP | 125W | 150W |
| NVENC Encoder | 7th Gen (Turing) | 5th Gen (Pascal) |
| Typical Performance Target | 1080p High/Ultra Gaming | 1080p Ultra / 1440p Gaming |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1070?
The primary differences are architectural: the GTX 1660 SUPER uses the newer, more efficient Turing architecture with GDDR6 memory, while the GTX 1070 uses the older Pascal architecture with more VRAM (8GB vs 6GB) and a wider memory bus.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The GTX 1070, with its larger 8GB VRAM buffer, can be better suited for 1440p gaming in titles that use high-resolution textures. However, for smooth performance at this resolution, settings may need to be adjusted on both cards.
Is the GTX 1660 SUPER more power-efficient than the GTX 1070?
Yes, typically. The GTX 1660 SUPER has a lower TDP (125W vs 150W) due to its more advanced 12nm manufacturing process, which generally translates to lower power consumption and heat output.
Does the GTX 1660 SUPER support ray tracing?
No. The GTX 1660 SUPER lacks the dedicated RT Cores found in NVIDIA’s RTX series cards. While some ray tracing effects can be run on its CUDA cores, the performance impact is typically very high and not practical for gaming.
Final Thoughts
The choice between the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and the GeForce GTX 1070 often comes down to availability, specific use case, and preference for newer technology versus previous-generation performance. The GTX 1660 SUPER offers modern architecture, better power efficiency, and an improved video encoder, making it a strong candidate for a new, efficient 1080p build. The GTX 1070, often found on the used market, provides slightly higher performance in many games and the benefit of more VRAM, which can be advantageous for higher-resolution textures or mods. Evaluating individual needs regarding target resolution, game settings, and system power will point toward the more suitable option.